Tips for improving motivation

These are our top 8 tips for improving motivation

1. Be positive

Take notice of what you say to yourself during the day. Is what you say to yourself positive or negative? Are you thinking about what you do well, or concentrating on problems or mistakes? Remind yourself of what is going well. Talk yourself up – to yourself.

2. Take pride in your achievements

Set small goals for yourself, and tell yourself when you achieve them. For example, you might set yourself the goal of beating your average time for a sprint, or the goal of practising a mental skill at training. Acknowledge to yourself when you meet your goals – then set another goal.

3. Focus on your successes

It is always good to learn from our mistakes, but it can be more important to learn from what we do well. Recall some of your best moments on the field, or watch a video of one of your best games

4. Notice the achievements of others

Let your teammates know when they do something well. This helps you focus on positives, and strengthens bonds between you and your teammates.

5. Change your training

Look for any opportunities to vary your training. When running, try to take a different route to the usual roads.

6. Go beyond your comfort zone

Look for ways to develop new knowledge and skills in your game. Identify skills that you can improve. Pay attention to others’ roles in the team, and improve your knowledge of team tactics. Talk to coaches about their aims and plans for the team.

7. Learn from others

Identify the most committed members of your team, and learn from them. Find out what drives them to improve their game, and watch what they do in training.

8. Know why you play

Identify what you love about the game. Remind yourself of what you enjoy most.