Why - the single most powerful question

When the 'why' is strong enough the 'what' and 'how' takes care of itself. When you know your 'why'; what needs to be done and how it needs to be done - do not matter, they become second nature.

As an athlete, it's easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind of training and competition, without ever really stopping to ask yourself why you're doing it all in the first place. You might have started playing sports because your parents encouraged you to get active, or because you had a natural talent that you wanted to develop. But as you get older and the stakes get higher, it becomes increasingly important to have a clear sense of purpose and motivation that can sustain you through the tough times.

So how do you find your 'why' when it comes to sport and performance? Here are some tips to get you started:

#1

The first step in finding your why is to take a step back and reflect on what really matters to you in life.

- Are you someone who values hard work, perseverance and dedication?

- Or are you more focused on having fun and enjoying the moment?

- Do you prioritize health and fitness above all else, or are you driven by the desire to achieve greatness?

There are no right or wrong answers here, and your values and priorities may shift over time. But getting clear on what matters most to you can help you make more intentional and purposeful decisions about your training, tactics and overall approach to sport. The most important question is - "why do you want, whatever it is that you want?" Once you know the answer to that question, there might be more than one way to achieve it.

#2

Another key element of finding your why as an athlete is understanding your own strengths and weaknesses.

- What are the areas of the game where you excel, and where do you struggle?

- What kind of training and preparation enables you to perform at your best, and what drains you or holds you back?

By visualizing and analyzing your own performance, you can start to see patterns and identify the underlying factors that contribute to your success or failure. This can help you develop a more nuanced and tailored approach to your training and competition, based on your unique strengths and challenges.

#3

One of the most powerful ways to find your why as an athlete is to set clear goals and targets for yourself.

- What do you want to achieve in your sport, and what do you need to do to get there?

- Are you aiming for a particular level of performance, or a specific kind of accolade or recognition?

Setting goals and targets can give you a sense of purpose and direction that can be incredibly motivating, especially when you hit a plateau or a setback. By breaking down your long-term goals into smaller, achievable steps, you can also build momentum and confidence as you make progress over time.

#4

As much as sport and performance can be a solitary pursuit, it's impossible to succeed entirely on your own. Surrounding yourself with supportive and like-minded people can be a huge source of motivation and inspiration, whether it's coaches, teammates, family members or friends. Remember though, they support you - they are not the only and primary source of support or motivation. The primary source is you.

#5

Finally, it's important to remember your why on a regular basis. This might involve creating a visual reminder of your goals or values, such as a poster, a mantra or a photo. Or it might involve reflecting on your why before each competition, or writing in a journal about what motivates and inspires you. Remembering your 'why' is an anchor to transport you to a state of focus and optimal performance.

# Conclusion

Whatever form it takes, staying connected to your why can be a powerful source of motivation and clarity, helping you stay focused and committed to your goals as an athlete.

In summary, finding your why as an athlete is all about getting clear on your values, understanding your strengths and weaknesses, setting clear goals, surrounding yourself with supportive people, and staying connected to what motivates and inspires you. By taking the time to reflect on these elements, you can develop a powerful sense of purpose and motivation that can sustain you through the ups and downs of sport and performance. It starts from the single most important question - "why do you want, whatever it is that you want".

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