Every team has that player, the one who always comes in clutch, is the go-to, the one who will get the job done no matter what, but that doesn’t last forever. As an athlete keeps advancing to the next level, the competition improves, everyone around them is bigger, stronger, faster and better.

The pond is full of many big fish, not just one anymore. This can leave an athlete confused as to why they are no longer the go-to, and feeling like the coach is constantly asking “who’s this?” leading the player to start to question who they are. The way a person reacts to this feeling is their own choice, it’s the only thing that they can control. Losing your identity on the field or court is not something that any athlete wants to happen to them.

Sports are meant to challenge an athlete, both mentally and physically and the hardest challenge to overcome is a mental one. If you have a negative mindset or are stuck on something it will hold you down, and athletes want to excel not be held down because who wants to be stuck in the same place or go backward? In sports having short-term memory is an amazing thing and will help out when the bad things happen.

This is easier said than done, but NEVER let your coach get in your head because your own mind will soon become your worst enemy. Instead of getting down in the mouth and pouting, GREAT players will rise above and turn the “who’s this” into “who’s this player working hard, doing extra, proving to me they belong on the field.” Being great is not just about making the plays, being the fastest, or always coming up clutch in the end… being great is about having the right attitude, always choosing the team first, finding the positive in everything and giving maximum effort in doing whatever the coaches ask of you to better the team. A negative mindset will create negative outcomes, so the first step for an athlete is to take “who’s this” as a positive to get the outcomes that they really want.

SO…

Before you continue to pout about not being the big fish anymore remember to control the things that you can control, and perform beyond your talent. NEVER SET LIMITS! Turn the “who’s this” into something amazing, let that fuel your inner beast, get your mind right, and show who you really are as a person and a player. Use it as something to push you to become the hardest worker on and off the field, the best teammate there is, and the best version that you could possibly become. Remember that negative vibes spread faster than a wild fire, so keep the good vibes flowing and good things will happen. If all else fails fake it until you make it and keep on smiling.

From one athlete to the next. Don’t let anyone make you feel like you can’t do something, or that you are too small.

Be GREAT.