7 Qualities of Winning Athletes
All things being equal, what’s different about winning over athletes? When elite athletes are competing, the skill gap between the first and last athlete is relatively small. You’ll have to dig a little deeper to understand what separates the top 1% of elite athletes from the rest.
Bryan Bennett, redshirt rookie quarterback for the University of Oregon Ducks, displayed the qualities of a great quarterback. He was given the opportunity to play in the game against Arizona State University after Darron Thomas was injured. Many athletes have the physical ability, but it takes more than that to go into a close game and win. “I just tried to stay calm, cool and collected and go out there and play football and have fun,” Bennett said.
Proper training builds strength and stamina. Mindset strategies improve focus and build confidence. Both components, physical training combined with mental game strategies, are necessary for high performance.
Elite athletes view performance and victory through a different set of lenses. Where elite athletes put their focus and attention is different than the average athlete.
1. Motivation: There is a burning desire to be the best one can be. Being good enough is not enough. Elite athletes have a deep need to always improve, taking their performance to the next level.
2. Initiative: Motivated athletes don’t wait for permission to do something. They are the leaders in everything they do, setting the standard for excellence.
3. No Excuses: It takes a total commitment to be the best. Instead of viewing obstacles as problems, elite athletes approach them as challenges to be overcome. The goal is the main focus.
4. Determination – All challenges have a solution. Elite athletes actively seek opportunities to help them reach their goal. Failure is not an option.
5. Strengths-Based Approach: Focus on strengths. Elite athletes know where they excel and use that to their advantage. Find the best approach based on your strengths. Also develop the necessary skills to minimize weaknesses.
6. The Extra Mile: A strong commitment prepares elite athletes to go the extra mile. Even when no one is looking, they continue to strive to be the best they can be.
7. Tough-minded: Athletes are expected to do things that demand them all the time. Tough-minded athletes recognize discomfort, but don’t let it stop you. Taking risks and getting out of your comfort zone is part of the champion mentality.
A success mindset comes more naturally to some than others. Fortunately, it is not a birthright. Similar to new techniques and skill sets, a champion mindset can be learned. It might have been easy for Bennett to panic, given the circumstances. It was a high-pressure situation. When he rose to the challenge, his teammates responded positively to his confidence and ease.
The champion mindset focuses on solutions, not problems. Elite athletes are creative in their approach to challenges and willing to take risks. Bennett was all about results. Solution-focused attention, along with a positive mindset, affected his approach to a challenging game. He found opportunities to play his “A” game. Bennett’s champion mentality contributed to Duck’s winning game.