Are you willing to make the necessary sacrifices to succeed and achieve your athletic goals?
Do you have the determination to overcome the obstacles along the way?
Most soccer players would answer “Yes” to both questions, but they back down and lose heart when hit with adversity.
Adversity shows up in many forms: Injury, loss of playing time, team conflict, failure to be selected to a team, being benched, or not being recruited or accepted by your college of choice.
Why do some soccer players have difficulty facing tough times while other players believe they can handle similar adversity?
The answer lies in a player’s point of view. Some players view adversity as a test, while others see adversity as a threat.
When you view adversity as a test, you will seek solutions. You will see challenges as something to overcome and understand that challenges take a player from good to great.
You can change your point of view by shifting your perspective. Instead of reacting emotionally to adversity, take time to sift through and objectively process the obstacles and possible solutions.
Many times, asking for suggestions from trusted sources (coaches, trainers, mental game coaches) can help provide a clearer picture of the challenge and the necessary steps to rise to the occasion and grow your game.
USWNT defender Sofia Huerta, 30, achieved her dream by being named to her first World Cup squad in 2023.
The road has not been easy for Huerta. Huerta has sacrificed a lot, worked tirelessly, and adapted her game to make the roster.
HUERTA: “I’ve faced a lot of adversity in my career, and there were definitely times where I wasn’t sure if it was going to be possible for me to be named to a World Cup roster, Olympic roster. And I thought about it often, you know? I just wasn’t sure if it was going to be in my future, and that was difficult.”
USWNT teammates Julie Ertz has not been surprised by Huerta’s accomplishments and mental toughness.
ERTZ: “She’s [Huerta] constantly played well in that fight of trying to make a roster continuously. There’s a lot that goes in, just the mental side of being in camps, and so I think it’s just a testament to her and her willingness that she trusted herself and her skill level and to continue to get better each year, which she has.”
What are you willing to sacrifice to achieve success? How important are your goals to you?
Your answers to these questions will provide insight into your perspective and determine how far you will advance in your soccer career.
Tip for Shifting to a Positive Perspective
Sometimes, athletes are too immersed in the problem to see viable solutions.
Instead of emotionally shutting down, reach out to trusted sources.
A trusted coach, parent, trainer, or mental game coach can help you:
- Define the challenge
- Create a specific plan to meet the challenge
- Evaluate your progress
- Identify mental skills to help you overcome adversity
Resources for Athletes, Coach, and Sports Parents
- Learn more about Soccer Psychology Tips and Strategies
- Download our a FREE Mental Toughness Report
- Read our Sports Psychology Articles
- Check out our Sports Psychology Audio Programs
- Subscribe to The Sports Psychology Podcast on iTunes
- Subscribe to The Sports Psychology Podcast on Spotify
Download a free sports psychology report to improve your mental game!
Learn more about our one-on-one mental game coaching.
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