Words: Nichiera W, Toronto
As athletes, we focus so much on trying to make our dream of becoming a star athlete a reality that when we do not succeed, we think our life is over, we have no purpose, and that all is lost. If you are struggling with this dilemma, then this article is for you. If you are just checking this article out, then hopefully it can help you not make this mistake in the future. This is not only applicable for athletes, but for anyone trying to pursue any career or life goals.
It can be quite disappointing when your aspirations do not come to be. I experienced this first hand, as a young girl, I had a dream to become a pro soccer player. As of right now the chances seem slim and the opportunities keep passing me by. The tough part about it is that I have so many people rooting for me, and I am unable to hit that goal as of yet. The reality is that the older you get, the less time you may have to turn your dream into a reality. So, although time seems to be dwindling down on my window to make it as a pro soccer player, I have been thankfully able to channel my negative experiences, emotions, and disappointment in my life to something positive.
I think what all athletes need to know is that other opportunities can arise that do not necessarily have to take away your love of the sport. You can actually enjoy participating in different forums and find satisfaction in being involved. I was glad to find that through coaching soccer in my community with kids aged 6 to 14, girls and boys, and it really changed my whole outlook on life. We all have to be adaptable, flexible and expect things to not go as planned. This gives us a chance to improve our self-being and look for other opportunities.
I used to think that I must become a pro soccer player and that was my only goal, which can really mess you with your mindset when you are not progressing at the pace you had planned.
You never want to live in fear of not succeeding, it allows for negative self talk which slows down a clear mind.
That is why it is important to not be so narrow-minded and create for yourself a lifetime goal with plans A, B, and C. Since my plans did not work out the way I had hoped, I had to pivot and change my way of thinking to consider the fact that I might not be able to become a pro soccer player and my joy doesn’t end there. This does not mean I will give up the fight to pursue my goal; however, I can also integrate the idea that I can make a positive impact in my community and help someone else achieve success in their goals. As athletes and anyone in pursuit of your goal, do not not limit yourself to only one goal, create an action plan that is well rounded with multiple goals and a successful transition plan.
The best coach I ever had made sure that I could be successful on and off the field. Greg Yerashotis, my former coach and current assistant professor in sociology at Trent university provided inspiration and positive guidance, meaning that I am in a place where I can write this article. When you find the right set of people to motivate you, it increases your drive to succeed.
To the athletes who are reading this article, turn your negative experiences, stumbling blocks, and barriers into something positive. Have resilience to overcome setbacks and continue on your journey.
Nichiera W is a Toronto-based participant in Youth Media Forward: meet the Toronto participants here