Growing up playing competitive sports can truly shape you. It’s not just about the medals and trophies but the habits and behaviors that stick with you.
As a psychologist, I’ve noticed distinct patterns in how former athletes navigate life. Their competitive past often translates into unique traits that set them apart.
In this article, I’ll break down the seven behaviors typically displayed by those who grew up playing competitive sports.
These aren’t your run-of-the-mill traits, mind you – these are the qualities that can only be honed on the field of play. So, let’s dive in, shall we?
1) You’re a team player
Competitive sports are all about teamwork. Growing up on the field or court, you’ve learned the importance of working together to achieve a common goal.
As a psychologist, I often see this trait manifest in adulthood. Former athletes tend to excel in collaborative environments.
They understand that everyone has a role to play and that success is dependent on each team member’s contribution.
This isn’t limited to professional settings either. In personal relationships, former athletes often display a strong sense of loyalty and support, always there to back up their team – or in this case, their friends and family.
If you find yourself naturally gravitating towards teamwork and collaboration, your competitive sports background might just be the reason why.
2) You’re persistent
If you’re someone who doesn’t back down easily from challenges and consistently pushes to reach your goals, your history in competitive sports could be the reason why.
I’ve learned from my years playing volleyball, it’s that giving up is never an option.
Whether we were trailing by several points or battling through a tough rally, our coach always pushed us to keep fighting until the final serve.
This persistence has stayed with me into adulthood. When I started my psychology practice, things were far from easy.
From building a client base to managing endless administrative tasks, the challenges were overwhelming at times.
But just like on the volleyball court, I refused to let setbacks hold me back.
I relied on the same determination and resilience I had during games to overcome these hurdles.
I worked long hours, gave up weekends, and did whatever it took to ensure my practice succeeded.
3) You thrive under pressure
Performing in a high-stakes game with spectators cheering or jeering can be nerve-wracking.
Athletes constantly find themselves in situations where they have to make split-second decisions that could change the outcome of the game.
This kind of pressure has an interesting impact on the brain.
According to research published in the Journal of Sports Sciences, athletes tend to develop superior stress-management skills and show better performance under stressful conditions compared to non-athletes.
Those who excel at staying calm and making thoughtful decisions in high-pressure situations, it’s likely a skill honed through your experiences in competitive sports.
4) You’re disciplined
Anyone who has participated in competitive sports knows that it requires a significant amount of discipline. The regular training, adhering to a strict diet, and maintaining a balanced lifestyle can be quite challenging.
This discipline often extends into other areas of life. Former athletes tend to be punctual, organized, and committed to their responsibilities.
They set clear goals and have the self-discipline to stick to their plans and achieve these goals.
So if you’re someone who is consistently disciplined in your personal or professional life, it might be a trait you developed while playing competitive sports.
5) You understand the importance of failure
I remember a particular match during my college years. We were the favorites to win, and I was confident. But we ended up losing.
It was a harsh blow, but it taught me an invaluable lesson: failure is part of life, and it’s often where we learn the most.
This is a common understanding among athletes. In sports, losing is as much a part of the game as winning.
It’s through these failures that we learn to analyse our performance, identify our weaknesses, and work to improve.
Looking back, I realize how much my experiences in competitive sports have shaped my perspective.
They taught me to take failures in stride, view them as opportunities to grow, and use them as fuel for personal development.
6) You’re a strong communicator
Communication is a vital part of any team sport. On the field, you need to constantly communicate with your teammates to coordinate your actions and strategies.
This skill often translates into excellent communication abilities in other areas of life.
Former athletes are typically good at expressing their thoughts clearly and effectively, whether it’s in a business meeting, a classroom discussion, or a casual conversation.
If you’re known for your strong communication skills, your background in competitive sports could be the reason why.
7) You value respect
In competitive sports, respect is paramount. Respect for the rules, respect for your opponents, respect for your teammates, and respect for your coach. This ingrained sense of respect often carries over into adulthood.
Someone who treats everyone with kindness and dignity, regardless of their status or views, it might stem from your background in competitive sports.
This is one of the most crucial behaviors that athletes develop, and it’s a trait that speaks volumes about character and integrity.
The bigger picture: It’s about who you are
The behaviors we exhibit are a reflection of the experiences that have shaped us.
And if you’ve spent a significant part of your life on a playing field, it’s no wonder that those experiences have left an indelible mark on your character.
Sports psychologists have often found that the lessons learned on the field tend to become life lessons.
Commitment, teamwork, discipline, resilience – these are not just traits of successful athletes; they’re the stuff of successful individuals.
If you find yourself nodding in agreement with these behaviors, it’s not just about having grown up playing competitive sports. It’s about the person you’ve become because of it.
And that’s something to be proud of.
