Separation from Sport is Unrealistic!

We are human beings. Things that are going on in our daily lives are going to impact us no matter what we are doing. It is not realistic of a coach to ask you to “leave it off the field”. 

This kind of mindset or team culture can create an unspoken rule that your feelings should not be discussed and your emotions are not relevant in athletics. Which is complete BS! Why did we go to a D3 college to play sports? For the love of the game. None of us are in it for money or success or to be idolized. We chose to continue playing the sport that we did because we truly enjoy playing it.

In D3 sports, we as athletes can not be expected to leave our emotions out of it, because emotions are what drives passion and commitment and drive and grit and motivation. 

Emotions are an undeniable and integral part of the sports experience, and athletes cannot simply leave them off the field; managing and understanding emotions is crucial for performance and well-being. Here's why:

Emotions Influence Performance:

Emotions, both positive and negative, can significantly impact an athlete's performance, focus, and overall success. 

Emotional Intelligence is Key:

Developing emotional intelligence, which involves understanding and managing one's own emotions and those of others, is essential for athletic success. 

Managing Emotions is a Skill:

Athletes can learn strategies to manage their emotions, such as mindfulness, positive self-talk, and deep breathing, to improve their performance and mental well-being. 

Emotions are Personal:

What emotions are most productive for one athlete might not be for another, so it's important to identify what emotions help an athlete perform at their best and how to manage them. 

Emotions are Not Always Negative:

While negative emotions like anger or anxiety can sometimes be detrimental, they can also be motivating and fuel performance, depending on how they are managed. 

Emotional Regulation is Important:

Athletes need to learn to regulate their emotions, both on and off the field, to avoid letting emotions take over and negatively impact their actions and decisions. 

Seeking Support:

Athletes can benefit from seeking support from coaches, sports psychologists, or emotional health coaches to help them develop effective emotional management strategies. 

Emotions are a Spectrum:

Athletes experience a wide range of emotions, from excitement and elation to frustration, anger, and disappointment, and it's important to acknowledge and process these emotions constructively. 

Emotions Can Be Learned:

Athletes can learn to manage their emotions through practice, mindfulness, and by understanding the impact of their emotions on their performance. 

Emotions Can Lead to Better Performance:

By understanding and managing their emotions, athletes can create a more positive and productive environment for themselves and their team, leading to better performance and overall success.