Rod Coaching: Are You A Toxic Athlete?

Any individual interested in participating in sports should know that the journey has its challenges. I spent seventeen years of my life grinding through the sports process and even though I experienced success in areas, there were negative moments that could have turned me into a toxic athlete. How do you know if your presence contaminates the team's culture? Are your thoughts affecting your performance? 

Below, I provide you with the traits of a toxic athlete versus someone who is non-toxic.

TOXIC ATHLETE

COMPLAINING: If you find yourself complaining about everything, that is a sign that you need a check up. Obviously, you are dissatisfied or annoyed in some way so it would be helpful to determine if you are making the right decision with pursuing your sport.

EVERYTHING IS ABOUT YOU: The toughest thing about athletes who make everything about themselves is that they do not recognize that’s what they are doing. It becomes annoying for teammates and coaches to deal with.

BELIEVING YOU HAVE ALL THE ANSWERS: We have all been around an individual like this. No matter what, they always feel like they have the answer. Athletes should always be learning new things so having all the answers to every situation can hinder growth.

NEGATIVE THINKING ABOUT OUTCOMES: Do not be the person who always thinks the worst is going to happen. Many times over thinking can lead to anxiety and depression which hurts your performance. 

BAD ATTITUDE: All of us experience negativity but it is up to you to avoid self-defeating talk. The old saying was sticks and stone may break my bones but words will never hurt. LIES!! What you tell yourself and talk about can shape your life.

NOT FOCUSED ON IMPROVING: As I mentioned in the section above about believing you have all the answers, the same applies to your performance. Athletes should always be striving to improve speed, muscle, quickness and any other skills that could benefit their play

NEGATIVE COMPARISON TO OTHERS: When you find yourself comparing your talents to others, you may fall into the trap of becoming jealous, inferior or inadequate. 

BLAMING OTHERS: When you hold other individuals responsible for your misfortunes, it becomes toxic. That is what I like to call a victim mentality which is counter-productive in my opinion. 

LETTING THINGS GO: Have you ever been around an athlete that struggles to move forward. They still haven’t forgiven themselves for the mistakes they made which they believe lost the game. 

Please remember that your sports journey will present challenges but make sure you do not become the toxic athlete. It is always better to be positive than negative. If this short blog helped you in any way, please stay tuned because more is on the way.