Coping With Not getting A Fair Chance

It is quite common for athletes at times to feel that they are not being given a fair chance to prove themselves. These are difficult times, but they do provide good learning opportunities - either as a wake up call if the 'unfair' treatment is in fact justified, or in learning to cope with life's inevitable setbacks if it is not. 


RECOGNIZE

  • Life is not always fair. clinton thumbsup
  • The crux of all stress management is taking full responsibility for that which you can control, and working as best as possible around that which you cannot.
  • Unfairness is a subjective opinion (which may or may not be accurate). clinton thumbsup

  • Coaches & selectors have their reasons for making the decisions that they do (which you may or may not agree with). clinton thumbsup

DO NOT

  • Do not confuse this current lack of opportunity, with you not having enough potential as an athlete, or with you being unworthy as a person.

DO

  • Ask the coach for specific feedback. clinton thumbsup
  • Genuinely consider any feedback that you do get. clinton thumbsup
  • Keep working consistently hard at all the things which are under your own control. clinton thumbsup
  • Externally, show your motivation not your frustration. clinton thumbsup
  • Internally, accept your feelings, but don't wallow in them.
  • Share your feelings with someone that you trust.
  • If you feel it is genuinely a hopeless situation, do consider other options. clinton thumbsup

NOTE

I expect this checklist - more than the others - to generate lots of 'buts' in athletes' heads as they read it. The problem with this is that as long as you are generating 'buts' you are not really open to considering other points of view – and there is a real danger of this holding you back more in your career than what the current situation actually is. Re-read the list when your head is quieter - allowing the points to more fully sink in.

SEE ALSO

How to cope with Criticism

How to cope with Disappointment

How to cope with Slumps

Coping with Perfectionism

Coping with Pre-Competition Nerves

Coping with Negative Thinking

This document remains the property of Performing Mind, and any duplication or unauthorized use thereof is unlawful.