The trait that improves performance scientifically - Gratitude
Introduction
Did you know that gratitude is a secret weapon that many elite athletes use to:
improve their skill set,
build better teams and
make their lives better both on and off the field?
Players who express gratitude have reported feeling more positive emotions, more satisfaction with their team, and greater enjoyment of the sport.
In this blog, we are going to go through why gratitude may be the most important factor that you and your team needs. At the end of the blog, we will outline exactly what are effective ways to apply gratitude as your secret weapon.
How Does Gratitude Improve Sports Performance
According to Cherry, 2021 - “Gratitude stems from the recognition that something good happened to you, accompanied by an appraisal that someone, whether another individual or an impersonal source.”
Gratitude is a thankful acknowledgment of what we receive. When we feel gratitude, we generally experience positive emotions, such as joy, love, enthusiasm, and happiness.
And its impact on sports performance is plentiful! Gratitude has been scientifically proven to have many benefits including:
Improved physical health & mental well-being,
Increased resilience in the face of stress, and
Enhanced relationships and fostered teamwork
Improving focus and concentration
Boosting energy levels
Increased motivation
All of these effects can lead to improved athletic performance both individually and in team sports. If you want to take your game to the next level, then gratitude is a key factor all athletes should focus on, including you.
Impacts on Your Team
When everyone on the team has gratitude, you create a more cohesive unit that’s better able to achieve its goals - both on and off the field.
That’s because athletes who practice gratitude are more inclined to pro-social behaviour, which leads to deeper team cohesion. They’re also more likely to support the team’s successes and feel closer to them overall.
We all know the experience and have seen when someone has “choked” in a game-defining moment or situation. Well did you know that gratitude directly impacts how well they perform under pressure as it cognitively prepares players to face uncomfortable situations head-on rather than igniting their fight-or-flight responses? Players who practice gratitude can reframe their perspective to see challenges as opportunities for growth rather than quitting. That means, in the eyes of athletes, when you practice gratitude, walls don’t become roadblocks, they become stepping stones.
Individual Impacts
There are a number of positive impacts that many athletes don’t know about using gratitude as their weapon on the field.
Gratitude leads to increased effort and focus. When players are focused on what they are thankful for, they are less likely to be distracted by negative thoughts or emotions. This can lead to increased concentration and improved performance during practice and games.
Gratitude leads to improved sleep quality. Sleep is the foundation to performance. Getting enough rest is essential for optimal performance both mentally and physically. Players who express gratitude before bed have been shown to fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly & effectively through the night.
Gratitude leads to increased enjoyment of the sport. When players enjoy what they are doing, they are more likely to put forth their best effort and perform at their highest level.
Gratitude can help improve cognitive functioning. Players will be able to think more clearly on the field and make better decisions.
Finally, gratitude can help reduce stress levels, which allow you to perform at your best when it matters most.
Gratitude helps reframe your mindset so that you're focused on the positive aspects of your sport and your career.
Instead of dwelling on the negatives, gratitude allows you to see all the good things about your sport and why you're doing it in the first place. This positive mindset then leads to increased effort and enjoyment during practice, which leads to improved performance.
It’s Game Time.
Tips for Practicing Gratitude in Sports
Now that we know how beneficial gratitude can be for sports performance, let's look at some specific ways to incorporate it into your daily routine as an athlete.
Keep a gratitude journal:
Every night before bed or before practice, take 5 minutes to write down 3 things you are grateful for from the day. This can be anything from big accomplishments to small moments that made you smile.Missed a day? Don’t worry. Players can take a few minutes before practice or games to think about what they are grateful for in their lives. This can help them get into a positive frame of mind and increase their focus during competition.
Express thanks to your teammates:
Make it a habit to express thanks to your teammates regularly. Whether it's after a game or just in passing during practice, take a moment to say "thank you" for your contribution.Say thanks to your coach:
Show appreciation for all that your coach does for you and your team by expressing thanks regularly. A simple "thank you" goes a long way!
Conclusion
By incorporating gratitude into your daily routine as an athlete, you'll soon start reaping the benefits of improved sports performance. Players can express thanks to their teammates, coaches, or parents after practices or games. This will not only make them feel good but will also strengthen relationships within the team. Give it a try today!
The bottom line is this: just by expressing 3 things you're grateful for each day, you're already making a big impact on your sports performance as well as your overall well-being! So why not give it a go? You've got nothing to lose...and everything to gain!
