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Writer's pictureDan Williams

Developing Athletes' Decision-Making and Character Traits

The best coaches help their players make the best decisions they can rather than focusing on assisting them in avoiding bad choices.


Playing any sport is a constant decision-making process. The more options an athlete has in each situation, the more complex the decisions. And the more complicated the situation, the more potential there is for something heroic to transpire.


Coaches plan practice sessions around the body to prepare for the physical demands of their sport. They understand that training is also about strengthening the mental aspect of the athlete to prepare them for the test of competition. Coaches can also train the athlete's attitudes if they know what attitudes are needed for optimal performance and the obstacles that stand in the way.


Like going to the gym and choosing the values you want to exercise, like choosing different machines, weights, and equipment and just working out, you need a plan. You know from experience that going to the gym and just attacking the different weights is not the most effective.


It is said that sport naturally develops character traits such as grit, resilience, and self-discipline. However, some research suggests that players can also find the "easy way" around many of these performance characteristics and thus game the system.


Understanding the motivation behind our attitudes is the key to unlocking character. Three areas influence motivation: agency, identity, and cognition.


Agency forms in childhood. It is not fixed. It continues to evolve and develop. Potential, parents, and peers influence identity. Cognition is learned and is engaged in critical thinking.


Your plan starts by listing all the attitudes you're looking for in your players, such as identifying all the weights, machines, and equipment you'll use to work out.


Then, list what is limiting this attitude from being demonstrated, what this attitude looks like when it begins to transform, and finally, what this attitude seems like when it has expanded into the action you desire.


Ready to unlock the key to success? Learn how to develop strong character traits that set athletes apart—start your journey now!



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