Don’t say bad things about those who are jealous of you because they are already insecure to begin with, and that will only increase their jealousy toward you.
Distractions, distractions, distractions!
Being distracted is one of the hardest things to overcome in life. It’s also one of those things that can bring you down the fastest.
More than ever, our kids today are faced with distractions both in the classroom and “on the field.”
There are even more types of distractions that student-athletes have outside the classroom and their sporting events.
Our athletes need to have a game plan in place BEFORE these distractions occur so they will be ready to make good choices.
Four common distractions athletes have:
SOCIAL MEDIA
Social media can be an enormous distraction. In fact, many coaches ban social media the week before a big game.
Don't:
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Post negative comments or criticize your opponents, your teammates, officials, coaches or fans.
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Post anything on social media directly before games or competition.
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Spend hours on social media looking to see what your opponents are saying about your upcoming game, match or competition.
Do:
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Best Choice: Stay away from social media 24 hours before and 24 hours after your competition.
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Next Best Choice: If you just can’t keep yourself away, try to keep posts positive (not arrogant) about the game. Remember this: your talent should speak for itself. You don’t need to talk about it. Show it … don’t speak it.
“HATERS”
People will try to bring you down.
Don't:
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Interact with haters!
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Pay attention to the media, watch the news or read the paper before a competition. Again, stay away from social media.
Do:
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Best Choice: Ignore them! Focus on yourself, not what others are saying about you. They will want you to respond, so don’t! Be silent.
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Next best choice: If you just have to know what they are saying about you, try to find some humor in it, but don’t respond.
JEALOUSY
Jealous people can make life difficult for you.Don't:
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When you know that someone is jealous of you, it means that you have something that they don’t have and want. Or, it could also mean that they are fearful of losing something to you, like a friend, a boyfriend/girlfriend, a starting position on the team, etc. Don’t say bad things about those who are jealous of you because they are already insecure to begin with, and that will only increase their jealousy toward you.
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Don’t brag! This only feeds more jealousy.
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Don’t spend too much time with them because they may not be trustworthy. Watch your back.
Do:
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Best choice: Put yourself in their shoes and try to understand where they are coming from. Then, give that person extra attention and it’s likely that some of that jealousy may melt away.
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Next best choice: If you’re just not there yet, ignore their remarks and jabs against you and keep focusing on your goals and successes.
RELATIONSHIPS
Relationship drama can get in the way of your game-time focus
Don't:
Get into any serious relationship conversations during the time of a big competition. Emotionally, it requires too much of your time, energy and focus. Significant others can tempt you to be distracted.
Do:
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Best Choice: “Table” any potential emotional conversations until after your competition. Discuss your boundaries ahead of time.
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Next best choice: If you just have to try to fix it, communicate with them through text, email or note, letting them know that you will be able to respond after you have had time to think about the situation after your competition.
