The following post is an excerpt from Frank’s newest book, The Soft Science of Tennis. Click Here
The Power of Choice
Positive character motivates the athlete to forge ahead. Negative character allows the athlete to give up. A critical question in our sport is “How do we teach our athletes to handle losses?”
A modern term used in sports psychology is Posttraumatic Growth (PTG). Psychologists apply the term PTG to describe a positive psychological change that can result from a traumatic experience, such as athletic failure. Though losing may not seem like a tragic event to some, to others competitive losses can be mentally and emotionally crippling. PTG methodologies help clients through difficult situations by encouraging them to take responsibility with the power of choice.
The athlete can choose to fight or retreat. Tennis champions actually lose and lose often throughout their career. The athletes who choose to use their scar tissue as motivation to fight and endure the athletic pressure persevere and reach the top. Admirable character opens up the athlete to forge ahead instead of shutting down and giving up.
“You need to develop a thick skin” is a common mantra for strong character building. It’s an effective defense to the critics. Trust me, the most common way you know you’re rising above the crowd is when others begin to trash-talk and criticize you solely because of their petty jealousy. If athletes aren’t able to take criticism, they should stay home, lie on the couch and stop improving immediately!”
In regards to character, actions speak louder than words. Parents and coaches need to remember that they are modeling character and that their actions have a more significant impact than their words. It is the role of parents and coaches to create a positive environment for ideal character building. Build character and lead by example:
- It’s cool to be kind so choose kindness.
- Vulnerability is a courageous character trait and not a weakness. So embrace vulnerability.
- Share successes and failures. Share your story as a learning tool.
- Laugh and joke as you apply humor to your daily training sessions.
- Give credit to others for your success.
- Compliment others daily on everything and anything.
“Invest more time and energy in your positive character building, and you’ll witness your athletes
modeling positive behavior.”
Character Traits
Character and a solid moral compass are part of the athlete’s foundation, which dictates behavior and facilitates success. The same is true for a successful coaching business; the character traits found in a champion are the same character traits that provide the foundation of a sustainable business.
20 Essential Character Traits Worth Educating
Print the following 20 Essential Character Traits and review with your athlete. Discuss how each trait affects their personal tennis development.
- Motivation: The reason or reasons for attaining your goals.
- Trustworthiness: The ability to be relied on as honest or truthful.
- Gratitude: The appreciation of actions and benefits bestowed upon you.
- Accountability: The condition of being responsible for your actions.
- Commitment: The position of being dedicated to your cause.
- Respectfulness: A curious regard for others feelings or situation.
- Grit: Strength of character; courage and resolve.
- Integrity: Having a strong moral compass and principles.
- Innovative: Applying creative problem solving and advanced thinking.
- Competency: The ability to perform efficiently and successfully.
- Honesty: Acting with fairness and righteous conduct.
- Loyalty: A strong feeling of support or allegiance to your supporters.
- Ethics: The morals and principles that govern your behavior.
- Patience: The capacity to tolerate delay or suffering without getting upset.
- Desire: A deep feeling of acquiring something or wishing for it to happen.
- Effort: The amount of energy put into an attempt.
- Sincerity: The quality of being free from pretense and deceit.
- Open-Mindedness: The willingness to consider new ideas without prejudice.
- Unselfishness: The desire to accept the needs of others before your own.
- Humble: Showing a modest estimate of your importance.
So does the participation in sports help build praiseworthy character traits? Yes, but an athlete’s character must be first introduced, nurtured, and developed by parents and coaches. The essential character traits demonstrated on-court in competition were first gained off-court. These traits were nurtured by choice …not by chance.
