We think criticism MOTIVATES athletes.
Our sport culture says we MUST be hard on athletes to help them grow.
SUCK IT UP princess!
STOP feeling sorry for yourself!
Sit your BUTT ON THE BENCH until you figure it out!
Yes, sport teaches us to be hard on athletes.
Does this hardness GROW or WILT your athlete?
As a 2X Olympian and Mental Toughness Coach, here's my questions: "If criticism is the key to motivation, why are so many athletes WILTING?"
Many parents would say it's because they are SOFT, they aren't FOCUSED. And there is some truth to both.
The OTHER TRUTH is they are just kids. Their prefrontal cortex isn't even half formed and that's where REASONING and LOGIC take place.
If you want your athlete to GROW, build them up so their self-esteem is STABLE and HEALTHY.
If you want your athlete to WILT, keep criticizing them. It POKES HOLES in their self-esteem. They STOP LOVING themselves.
CHANGE DOESN'T TAKE TIME. IT TAKES COURAGEOUS ACTION.
PS: Here's a unique Christmas gift idea for your athlete (and you):
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