When an athlete spends all their time engaging in their sport, it can become the most essential part of who they are. They can be so tightly attached to their athletic identity that they lose perspective. Sport stops being "what they do" to become "who they are". This can have dramatic consequences. What happens when the athlete gets injured or doesn't get the results he/she was looking for?
"Identifying closely with your career isn’t necessarily bad, it makes you vulnerable to a painful identity crisis if you burn out, get laid off, or retire. Individuals in these situations frequently suffer anxiety, depression, and despair."
Psychologist Janna Koretz, Harvard Business Review
This is why it is important to encourage young athletes to engage in multiple sports and activities and older athletes to develop interests outside of sports to balance their growth and personal development. Help us share that message!
"Identifying closely with your career isn’t necessarily bad, it makes you vulnerable to a painful identity crisis if you burn out, get laid off, or retire. Individuals in these situations frequently suffer anxiety, depression, and despair."
Psychologist Janna Koretz, Harvard Business Review
This is why it is important to encourage young athletes to engage in multiple sports and activities and older athletes to develop interests outside of sports to balance their growth and personal development. Help us share that message!
#MorethanAthletes
VOICE YOUR SUPPORT
We need sporting organizations, coaches, and athletes across the world to talk about the benefits of developing beyond sports. This is critical for athletes as it:
Athletes are more than athletes. They are more than their sports, their jerseys, more than a number. We should show them that we care about them as human beings. That message must be delivered by those leading the industry to have a strong impact and to normalize the conversation around personal development and athletic retirement.
- Supports their well-being,
- Mitigates the pressure of elite sports,
- Extends their sporting career, and
- Promotes their overall happiness.
Athletes are more than athletes. They are more than their sports, their jerseys, more than a number. We should show them that we care about them as human beings. That message must be delivered by those leading the industry to have a strong impact and to normalize the conversation around personal development and athletic retirement.
THE PLEDGE
Athletes,
You are more than an athlete.
You are more than a number.
You are more than your athletic achievements.
We see you as more than athletes.
And while sport is your passion, it isn't everything.
We support the advancement of your passion but
We also support your well-being and
Encourage your personal development
in and outside of sports as a human being.
You are more than an athlete.
You are more than a number.
You are more than your athletic achievements.
We see you as more than athletes.
And while sport is your passion, it isn't everything.
We support the advancement of your passion but
We also support your well-being and
Encourage your personal development
in and outside of sports as a human being.
TAKE THE PLEDGE, SUPPORT ATHLETES!
It’s a simple as 1-2-3! Show your support by taking the pledge and sharing resources that help athletes develop beyond sports.
- Fill out the form below.
- Sign the pledge and publish it.
- Share about our FREE services to athletes twice per year (January and June).
SHARE YOUR SUPPORT
Show and share your support to athletes on social media by posting the pledge and using the hashtag #MorethanAthletes
