Creating a Sport Investment Portfolio
Invest in Your Physical AND Mental Development
Athletes and their families invest thousands of dollars every year on expenses related to the physical part of sports performance. Consider this list:
- Travel teams & training
- Private coaches
- Specialty training
- Strength and conditioning
- Speed clinics
- ID camps
- Exposure tournaments
- Travel
- Equipment
- Entry fees
And the list goes on!
These costs are often viewed as investments that will provide a positive return on the time and energy committed. A common belief is that more time and money spent on the physical side of sports ‘should’ lead to increased skill, exposure, and future opportunities.
The Body Can Only Go As Far As The Mind Will Take It
Physical skills, talents, and abilities are important indicators of future success, but those skills will only take an athlete as far as their mental skills, strategies, and techniques can go. For example, can the best shooter on the basketball team overcome low confidence? Can the strongest wrestler focus on the right things at the right time? Can the most talented volleyball player handle difficult team dynamics?
Competitive athletes understand how integral mental strength is to overall success. The mental game often separates the good from the great and the great from the elite. An athlete’s physical skills will open the door for opportunities to compete, but their mental skills will determine their career trajectory, longevity, and satisfaction.
How much are you investing in your mental game?
Consider the division of mental and physical components of your sport. What percentage of skills would you say are mental versus physical? 20/80? 50/50? Now, consider whether you invest a proportional amount of time and resources into developing mental skills and physical skills.
Your hypothetical sport investment portfolio should reflect your priorities and long-term goals. It should also reflect the level of risk you’re willing to take to achieve a specific reward. Investing in sport psychology training helps athletes develop skills that directly impact their performance, mindset, and success. It applies to your short-term success as an athlete, but these mental skills also have long-term benefits because they can be utilized in life outside of sport.
Add that missing investment in your Sports Investment Portfolio
White House Sport Psychology professionals are highly educated, qualified, and experienced in working with athletes to develop and strengthen their mental game. Whether you are a youth athlete or a seasoned professional, strengthening your mental game is a worthy investment in your short-term and long-term performance.
When you book a free consultation, you will schedule a phone call with one of our professionals, who will listen to your mental performance goals, outline what you can expect, and answer any questions you have about what investing in mental performance work can do for you personally and in your career.