Growing Champions
Message from David
 

 When the Spark is Missing

 
 
Cyclist in mountains
 

 

The following situation came from a coach, but it could have easily been a parent. I was asked if there's anything that could be done about a 14-year-old athlete who is loaded with natural talent but has lost his motivation.

"The desire to work and improve seems to be missing." said this coach.  

 

While this is frustrating for a coach or a parent who takes a personal interest in an athlete, the short answer is "love him where he's at."

 

Despite the urge to become a protector of this athlete's career, you cannot give someone a "want to" if they don't have one of their own. You can create opportunities, provide an inspiring environment, and tell uplifting stories, but a "want to" comes from the inside, not the outside. 

 

There's usually a story behind the story when dealing with an athlete who has lost his motivation. It may stem from a relationship issue at home, strife with a coach, or other pressing priorities.

 

In this particular scenario, life for the young man has been easy, thanks to family wealth. With unlimited resources and loads of athletic talent, he has not felt challenged. And challenges provide the motivation we all need. 

 

"The pursuit of an unmet need" is a great working definition of motivation. And you can be certain that this young athlete has an unmet need somewhere. It's just harder to identify because life has been so comfortable. 

 

The unmet need could be more emotional than physical, and for this reason a coach who is willing to MENTOR can play a crucial role. 

 

Acceptance, understanding, and patience are the gifts a coach can give while waiting for motivation to be ignited. And it is possible that it will show up in some area other than sport.  

 

The question is, when you have athletes like this, will you serve as a committed coach of life when you are not needed as a coach of sport?

 

So many athletes today are searching for the charismatic adult who will take a personal interest in them, not just in their ability to perform well.

 

 

 
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NEW Podcast!
 

"Athletes Breaking Bad–Interview With Author and Sports Coach, Dr. John Lamothe"



Sports Parent Hot Button Tips

 
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What–Do–I–Do–When…?

"My child won't make a training plan and stick to it."

 

Rule #1 of sports parenting is that you can't make your athlete do anything he doesn't want to do, nor should you, when it comes to his sport.

 

The ideal atmosphere is one of collaboration, where parent and child work together toward a worthwhile goal they have agreed on.

                                                 

Action Items:

 

1. Through discussion, determine the level of your child's athletic aspirations: Very ambitious, or average, or casual commitment. Whatever it is – that's okay.

 

2. Share the available options regarding training plans, coaching resources, and schedules for him to choose from.

 

3. Make it clear that he is running the show and must choose his course. You are there to make suggestions and provide resources. The sport experience belongs to him and he's responsible for its outcome, not you.

 

Resource: CLICK HERE to watch our webinar "To Push or Not to Push"

 
 
Bonus Video:
 

"Face the Facts and Keep the Faith"

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Please CLICK HERE to watch "Face the Facts and Keep the Faith" and complete your Discussion Guide so you can apply a valuable lesson from Olympic soccer star Crystal Dunn.

 

Watch the video here

 
 
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David Benzel PO Box 632 Groveland, Florida 34736 United States (352) 267-5344