From a very early age, athletics were a central part of my life.
Many of the experiences I faced while playing sports are similar to the challenges life throws at me still.
It wasn’t until I reached my early 20s that I realized how participating in sports has shaped the person I am today.
Here are five lessons you will learn from playing sports that will last a lifetime.
Working with others
There will always be people you just don’t get along with. The same goes for sports.
Sometimes, there are people on your team that you might not particularly like, but it’s important to set aside your differences in order to achieve a higher goal. When doing so, the possibilities for success are limitless.
Being prepared
Nothing is worse than feeling like you aren’t prepared for important things in life. Not only is it stressful mentally but physically as well.
Applying game to life situations
You need to eat healthy, get enough sleep, and be mentally prepared in order to perform at your maximum ability.
Failing gracefully
In life you lose, and it’s important to learn how to deal with disappointment. You have to pick yourself up and try again.
In athletics, if you hold on to that disappointment, you are only holding yourself back from the success you could be having.
One must accept this loss, internalize it, and use it to motivate one to do better.
Succeeding humbly
As with losses, you will win at times. Winning is the “you did it” milestone. But winning isn’t everything. When you win, it shouldn’t stop there.
You learn that you have to continue to strive for success. You also learn to take your success humbly.
Having discipline
Learning discipline may be difficult for many, but for those who participate in organized sports, it is just part of the game.
In athletics and life, it’s inevitable that some things won’t come as easy as others.
When the going gets tough, it’s important to remember that practice does make perfect.
Take a deep breath and keep trying.
by Paige Allen
CougarBuzz 