Amateur and professional athletes are often considered role models among young fans. To put their bodies through intense pressure and perform at such a high level requires a lot of determination and commitment.
Many of the greatest athletes have vibrant personalities, but when it comes to performing and practicing their craft, they have to put their heads down and do the work. That’s because they understand that greatness is about more than just natural talent.
If you’re a young athlete or coach, here’s why sportsmanship and humility are crucial for development:
The importance of humility:
Humility is a powerful skill to possess in sports. Embraced by teammates, coaches, and opponents alike, it can help players garner respect. Most significantly, humility can help foster a respectful environment where growth is possible for all kinds of players. In such a setting, every athlete can prosper, regardless of their personality.
Sports provide many young people with their first taste of competition. This competition can either develop an athlete’s ego or their humility. It also helps young athletes learn to put the team first and work towards the benefit of their on-field family.
How humility can improve one’s game
The greatest athletes know that they will encounter adversity, and can only address that with hard work and preparation. By working hard and staying humble, they give themselves quiet confidence that can help them maintain composure in tough situations.
Young athletes must understand that resting on their laurels is one of the biggest mistakes they can make. Athletes can and should enjoy their victories, but need to get back to making improvements through practice. This is the best way to excel and address weaknesses in their game.
Humility allows athletes to acknowledge their weaknesses because they won’t have a fragile ego preventing them from seeing those weaknesses! So, stay humble and you’ll notice it is easier to identify areas for improvement.