At the core of every athlete lies a unique identity, shaped by their experiences, aspirations, and the profound connection to their sport. Existential psychology provides a lens through which we can unravel the layers of an athlete’s identity, helping us understand the deeper motivations and values that drive their performance. By exploring existential questions surrounding purpose, authenticity, and freedom, we pave the way for athletes to cultivate a stronger sense of self within the sporting context.

Sports, beyond the scores and victories, offer a canvas for individuals to discover profound meaning in their journey. Existentialism, with its emphasis on creating personal meaning, aligns seamlessly with the world of sports psychology. Our work involves guiding athletes and coaches to reflect on the significance they attach to their roles, victories, and even setbacks. By navigating existential themes of choice, responsibility, and passion, we empower individuals to find deeper meaning in their athletic endeavors.

Existential challenges are an inherent part of an athlete’s journey – from navigating performance anxiety to winning (international) championships; from defeat to overcoming career transitions; from transferring to a prestigious club to experiencing career altering injuries. Integrating existential principles equips sport psychology professionals with tools to foster existential resilience. By addressing existential concerns head-on, we empower athletes to confront challenges with a sense of purpose, making them more resilient in the face of adversity.

Now, how can we do that? There are a number of principles that collectively form the basis of existential psychology, guiding approaches that aim to help individuals – and in our case athletes, coaches and even parents – grapple with the complexities of existence and find meaning in their unique journey. Here we have the possibility to emphasize subjective meaning, personal responsibility, and the freedom to make choices. Several key existential principles form the foundation of this perspective:

The principle of existential freedom underscores the importance of recognizing individuals’ autonomy to choose their actions and shape the meaning of their lives. When applied, this principle encourages individuals, to acknowledge their freedom in decision-making, fostering empowerment and personal responsibility. Athletes and stakeholders, thus, actively engage with their athletic pursuits, creating a foundation for accountability.

Aligned with existential freedom is the principle of personal responsibility. With freedom comes the acknowledgment that individuals are responsible for the consequences of their choices. In the realm of applied sport psychology, existential sport psychologists collaborate with clients to take ownership of their actions. This collaborative approach cultivates a heightened sense of accountability, enhancing the individual’s commitment to their athletic journey.

The search for meaning, another existential principle, is a vital application for athletes and stakeholders. This principle recognizes the inherent human need to find purpose, emphasizing that exploring values, goals, and the deeper meanings behind one’s life is crucial for overall well-being. Through different interventions, individuals within the sports context embark on a journey of self-discovery, contributing to a more meaningful and fulfilling athletic experience. My all-time favorite book in this regard is Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl – a tome that, in my opinion, is a must-read for everyone.

Existential isolation, as a principle, acknowledges the uniqueness of each individual’s experience while being connected to others. In applied sport psychology, sport psychology professionals address feelings of isolation by fostering authentic connections and understanding the subjective nature of experience. This approach promotes a sense of camaraderie within teams and a deeper understanding of individual identities.

Existential anxiety and despair, as principles, are addressed through interventions that help clients confront and understand their anxieties. Existential therapists assist athletes in developing coping strategies and finding purpose, ensuring they navigate uncertainties and existential challenges effectively.

The principle of authenticity plays a pivotal role in fostering integrity within the sports environment. Encouraging individuals to live in alignment with their true selves and values, existential sport psychology promotes authenticity and genuine connections within teams. This not only enhances team dynamics but also contributes to a healthier sporting atmosphere.

Lastly, the awareness of death, a fundamental aspect of human existence, shapes behavior and priorities. In applied sport psychology, sport psychology professionals may guide clients in exploring their attitudes towards mortality, contributing to a deeper understanding of life’s priorities. This exploration aids athletes and stakeholders in aligning their goals and actions with their fundamental values and beliefs.

I am fully aware that these principles may seem overwhelming now. To be honest, I don’t apply them consistently at all times. However, having knowledge of these principles serves as a guide, allowing me to direct conversations in specific directions and, in turn, supporting athletes in becoming more self-aware and, ultimately, understanding their identity better.

A pivotal moment that sparked my interest in existentialism was a workshop we had last year from Brian Lomax on An Existential Approach to Mental Performance Coaching inside VSP+ (Thanks, Brian!). He not only provided valuable insights but also recommended some books for those curious to delve deeper into existentialism. If you’re interested in learning more, Brian suggested checking out Existentialism for Dummies by Christopher Panza and Gregory Gale, Existential Psychology and Sport: Theory and Application by Mark Nesti, and At The Existentialist Cafe by Sarah Bakewell.

If you’ve had experiences incorporating existentialism into your own practice, I would love to hear more about them. Your insights and experiences could further enrich our understanding of applying these principles in the dynamic field of sport psychology.