Discouragement in sport

Dear friends, if you are reading this blog, you are doubtlessly interested in sport and in everything that has to do with it. Both you and me know how good going in for sport is and what a good thing is to master something that make us healthier and can be of use in everyday life. I was a sports swimmer in my early school years and now, since 2010 I’ve been going in for boxing. I am in no way an outstanding sportsman and I can’t say that I have lived through much in sport but there is one problem I came across that, I believe, is familiar to some of you, dear readers.

I speak about the situation when you are not at all satisfied with your own progress. You follow the instructions of your trainer, you do your best but the results are by far lower than you expect them to be. No wonder, you are discouraged. And that’s a real problem because it’s at this very stage that many people stop their training. Is there a way to overcome it or, I could even say, to overcome oneself?

I am sure the chance exists. First of all, try looking critically at the situation. How long have you been training? Three months? Isn’t it possible that your low mood comes from your comparing yourself with much more experienced sportsmen? Be realistic. If you talk to these guys, most of them will surely tell you that at this stage they were not at all better than you are now. Tell yourself that there is no way to master whatever it is without being disappointed from time to time, that the process of overcoming yourself is as good for strengthening your psychological state as muscular exercises are good for your body.

Tell yourself that if, after all, you are not destined to become a world champion, with this training you will box, swim (or whatever you are doing) much better than most people you see around you. And much healthier at that. Isn’t it enough for you? Isn’t it a good reason to continue with your favorite sport and become, let it be by little steps, healthier, stronger and more confident of yourself?