Sports are making a comeback at every level. While we are not going back to normal, it is exciting to see forward progress. Michele DeSelms from WOOD TV 8 sat down for a discussion with Dr. Eddie O’Connor, where they talked about what we can expect when the time comes for high school sports in the fall, including ways we can prepare this summer to be ready for the upcoming season.
Here are some highlights from the discussion:
- Athletes are used to adversity. Use the same mental skills you use during adversity in sport and apply them to training during COVID (focus on what you can control, be flexible, and don’t get caught up in future predictions – do you best today with the information, control and freedom you have today)
- You are always in control of your intensity and effort. Bring that to your workouts every day.
- Don’t “wait and see” what happens! Every day counts. Do not waste today’s opportunity to prepare. You will fall behind those that choose to not wait and train today, and when you meet them they will win.
- Motivation to train should come from your identity as an athlete. What would a mentally tough athlete do today? What would a champion do today? She would train. Hard. Do not rely on external motivations (like if there will be a season, or waiting for coach to tell you exactly what to do).
We are responsible for our season, our health, and our own lives. We have a choice about how we respond to this adversity. Choose your response wisely.
Let me know in the comments what you did today to prepare for next season, and if you’re ready for sports to make a comeback.
Please share this with athletes and coaches wondering how to adopt their summer training during the pandemic in order to prepare for high school sports in the fall.
Dr. Eddie O’Connor is a nationally recognized clinical and sport psychologist, and has traveled the country speaking to schools, universities, teams, business organizations, and academic conferences about how to overcome obstacles to excellence.
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