Athletes are strong, Athletes are tough and Athletes are resilient... but why does selection within a team for a game or competition usually have such a bearing on confidence and self-confidence?
Constantly athletes are judged on ability, performance, character, attitude and so many other variables. It's a difficult environment to navigate for the strongest and most resilient of athletes. So how can you as an athlete deal with selection, non-selection and come out on top just like in your training program?
Firstly, when it comes to selection by coaches or staff; remember to have Perspective. A decision and call made by the leadership believe that the selection of positions and individuals is their best version and idea of strategy for success for that week! On both sides of this decision; there is the coaches and staffs beliefs and their perspective of your ability and on the other side is your own appreciation of your ability. Perspective also allows you to appreciate it's a decision for one game, it's not about you personally and you will have more opportunities.
Being selected to play in a team is a wonderful feeling; full of accomplishment and recognition. It is an opportunity to express your ability, to perform and to build trust in your coaches eyes that you are worthy of being selected again and again and AGAIN!
Acknowledging your Self-Worth and Belief is the second aspect of dealing with selection. If successful in selection, self-worth and belief in your ability are reinforced extrinsically which is highly encouraging. However, when not selected it is key to have strategies and mechanisms in place to support yourself as commonly that reinforcement of your ability is blurred or not as clear. Confidence, self-belief and motivation usually get dealt a
Rejection of your goal; for a place in the team, is a difficult issue to deal with, some strategies for dealing with non-selection include:
- Experience the disappointment and personally acknowledge your emotions - They are valid! This experience will fuel motivation and desire to improve.
- Be graceful and understanding in selection meetings - emotional intelligence is a crucial factor in remaining strategically placed on the pathway to success. Be happy for others, be kind and respectful and be a team player.
- Ask for strategic feedback and guidance on how to improve.
- Involve the coaches and staff in your personal plan to develop and improve - ie have one on one meetings, get technical skill feedback on video or drills.
- Acknowledge your commitment to the team and doing what is best for the team.
- Support other team mates with guidance and feedback.
- Remain consistent and disciplined in your approach to training and performance. Do not get side-tracked by your emotions and let them influence your identity. Sometimes coaches and staff look at your body language and response to criticism and non-selection.
- Train harder - It's a simple response and it requires focus and inner-desire but let external decisions fuel your internal motivation positively.
- Write things down - keep log of feedback, emotions, decisions and your personal choices and goals. This will help your brain and mind decide the best pathway back into the team and towards your ultimate goal.
Remember, every athlete faces challenges, and how you respond can define your growth.