BY RENEE STURM, LLMSW

ADVICE AND TIPS FROM AN ANN ARBOR THERAPIST AND ATHLETE

Growing up in an environment where athletics, teams, and winning are at the pinnacle

of our society, it is easy to have your self-worth become entangled in the achievement

of competition. For many athletes, sports are not just a hobby – they are a way of life,

and often define individuals from an early age, especially with increasing pressures of

single sport specialization, college scholarships, and lucrative NIL (Name, Image, and

Likeness) deals. But what happens when it is time to walk away and “hang up your

cleats”? Working to foster a personal identity that extends beyond the field, court, or rink

is essential while you are playing and in the transition that follows. Here are a few ways

to lean into that self-discovery journey while also chasing goals in your sport:

Discover New Interests

While sports may be a significant part of your life, they should not be everything. Be

intentional in setting time aside to explore other interests and passions outside of

athletics. Whether it is delving into music, art, cooking, theatre, literature, or

volunteering, investing energy into diversifying your activities has numerous benefits. It

can help you uncover hidden skills, define your values, forge new friendships, and find

additional outlets.

Invest in your Education

Education is a powerful tool that unlocks personal growth, self-discovery, and a broader

world view. Pursue academic interests that inspire your curiosity and push you outside

of your comfort zone, whether it is through formal classroom settings, immersing

yourself in literature that challenges your perspectives, or taking part in self-directed

learning. Broadening your knowledge base not only enhances your perception of others

but also fosters a better understanding of yourself.

Cultivate Meaningful Relationships

Establishing valuable relationships, beyond your coaches and teammates, with people

who support and challenge you in different ways is essential to development outside of

your sport. Surround yourself with individuals who challenge you, encourage your

personal growth, and share your values and interests, helping you become involved in

other communities. These connections can provide valuable perspective and support as

you navigate life beyond sports.

Explore Career Opportunities

While a career in sports may be a dream for many, it is important not to confine your

future aspirations and explore other career paths. Take the time to reflect upon your

strengths, interests, and values, intentionally aligning them with potential career

opportunities that may be a good fit for you. Broaden your horizons through avenues

like internships, job shadowing, or informational interviews that will help you gain insight

into various industries and roles. Keeping an open mind and a willingness to venture

beyond athletics may bring you to a career that integrates your talents and passion.

Embrace Failure

Much like with every stage of sports, failure is an inevitable part of life. Embrace the

discomfort that comes with putting yourself out there and trying new things. Enduring

setbacks in these moments are opportunities for growth and learning. Such experiences

cultivate resilience and adaptability to better navigate challenges the next time you face

them. Remember that errors, like losses, do not define you; it is how you overcome

them, gritty, determined, and wiser, that shapes who you are. Harness the power of

failure and utilize its lessons to fuel your response.

Prioritize Self-Care

While you are balancing the demands of athletics and other pursuits, setting aside time

dedicated to self-care is essential. Intentionally schedule time for things you enjoy that

nourish your body, mind, and soul. This looks different for everyone – for you, it may be

finding extra downtime for rest, meditating independently, relaxing with a spa day,

pursuing your hobbies, or spending time with loved ones. Regardless of what you do to

rejuvenate yourself, prioritizing your wellbeing allows you to be more present and

effective in all areas of life, sports included.

Define Your Values

What matters most to you beyond athletics? Carve out dedicated time to reflect upon

your values, beliefs, and priorities. Envisioning the type of legacy you want to leave

behind is a great starting point to more clearly defining your ideals. Looking inward this

way can be difficult at times but it is often the best way to learn more about yourself and

set long-term goals that resonate with your personal principles. By clarifying these

aspects of yourself, you can make more intentional choices that align with who you are,

what you stand for, and contribute to your sense of purpose.

While sports play a significant role in shaping your identity, embracing a

multidimensional approach to individual growth can contribute to a greater sense of self-

worth outside of your athletic successes. By discovering new interests, investing in

education, cultivating meaningful relationships, exploring career opportunities,

embracing failure, prioritizing self-care, and defining your values, you can embark on a

journey of personal growth and enlightenment that will help you immensely throughout

your life. You are not merely just an athlete in your sport but an individual with

boundless potential and value that extends far beyond the single pursuit of competition.

Your worth lies within all the parts of you that make you unique and the positive impact

you have on the world around you. Making an effort to prioritize these other parts will

help you become the best version of yourself and as an added bonus, investing in areas

outside your sport might just make you even better while competing too!