Virtual Sport Psych

From Complaints to Appreciation: A Journey with Elite Athletes and Gratitude Research

December 25, 2023

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Thank you for joining the Better Together Newsletter! This bi-weekly newsletter is dedicated to sharing insights into applied sport psychology and science-based tools that can aid us as sport psychology professionals in helping athletes, teams, and coaches enhance their performance and well-being. The goal is to deliver actionable insights in a concise and engaging format, making it easy for you to apply them in your work in sports.

As the holiday season unfolds its magic in many parts of the world, I hope this email finds you and your loved ones in good health.

As the year gradually draws to a close, engaging in a reflective process, contemplating the events of the past twelve months, has become a meaningful ritual for me. Taking moments to ponder what transpired, why it unfolded as it did, and what implications it holds for the future has become an integral part of the final stretch of each year.

During this reflective journey, my focus extends beyond merely revisiting the goals set for the past year and contemplating achievable objectives for the upcoming one. A significant emphasis is placed on the practice of gratitude—for the experiences encountered, the goals pursued, the individuals met, and everything in between. I’ve come to appreciate that actively expressing gratitude not only positively impacts my mental well-being but also resonates with my various clients, both within and outside of sport.

Given my admiration for a gratitude program developed within the context of sports, I am eager to share it with you. Perhaps you may find value in applying it with your clients, or even in your personal life.

So, let’s get better together…

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

sport psychology conference

RESEARCH OF THE WEEK

Gratitude, in essence, is the conscious acknowledgment and appreciation of the positive aspects of one’s life, emphasizing the recognition and expression of thanks for experiences and blessings. Engaging in gratitude holds profound benefits for athletes, coaches, and individuals at large. Research indicates its contribution to mental resilience, the enhancement of overall well-being, and the fostering of a positive mindset.

Reflecting on my past experience with a junior elite sports team, where athletes voiced concerns about various aspects, from sports equipment to facilities, was enlightening. Having previously worked with athletes in Cambodia under different circumstances, I found these complaints perplexing. While recognizing room for improvements, such as a fresh coat of paint or a larger locker room, I pondered how the coaching staff could instill greater appreciation for the training conditions provided to these junior elite athletes, considering the financial gains they were making at a relatively young age.

In 2018, I had the privilege of meeting Nicole Gabana, then affiliated with Florida State University, specializing in studying gratitude in sports. She developed and assessed various concepts aimed at enhancing athletes’ gratitude. One intervention, a single 90-minute gratitude workshop, showcased transformative impacts, including a significant increase in sport satisfaction and social support, coupled with a noteworthy decrease in psychological distress and burnout among athletes.

In another intervention, Nicole and her colleagues explored the influence of coaches participating in gratitude workshops alongside their athletes. Despite initial skepticism about potential negative effects, I was surprised to learn that athletes engaging in six hour-long gratitude workshops with their coach demonstrated superior outcomes in state gratitude, mental health, resilience, team cohesion, and the coach-athlete relationship compared to those participating without their coach. Regardless of the coach’s presence during the workshop, observed improvements in mental health and resilience persisted for at least three months after the intervention in both groups.

I chose to share my experience and this research with you because we structured an entire intervention spanning several months on Nicole Gabana’s work. The outcome was notable, with the junior athletes displaying an increase in social support and notably, a heightened appreciation for their personal circumstances in both life and sports. Consequently, I am genuinely grateful for the opportunity to have learned from Nicole and the research she did on gratitude in sports.

I am convinced that incorporating various forms of gratitude practices into our daily routines, both for ourselves and our clients, is achievable. Recognizing accomplishments, acknowledging support from those around us, and appreciating opportunities for competition and improvement are key components. Expressing appreciation for the efforts and achievements of those around us contributes to creating a positive (team) culture.

To foster gratitude in 2024, regular reflection on positive moments, verbal expressions of appreciation, and acts of kindness in daily interactions could be integrated. This practice can nurture a grateful mindset.

As the year concludes, I am grateful for many things. I am grateful for this community of sport psychology professionals, dedicated to helping athletes and coaches develop personally and professionally. I am grateful for contributions made by fellow professionals in workshops, conversations, and discussions that have deepened my understanding of sport psychology. I am grateful for you being part of this community.

What are you grateful for today?

CHUCK NORRIS JOKE OF THE WEEK

Superman asked Santa for Chuck Norris pajamas.

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Let’s get better together.