How To Create Why Statements with Your Athlete(s)

by Emily Stiemsma, on Sep 21, 2020 10:44:00 AM

We've all seen the articles and interviews from people on why they do what they do. It's often an inspiring exercise and provides people with a true north star that they can keep their eye on daily. Which is why, this season we encourage you to create your own "why statement" to keep the reason why you train at the center of all of your motivation.

So, let's talk about it. Why do you play basketball? Better, yet, who do you play for?

The answer should never be "because I have to”. We want you to know why you train. Is it to achieve your goals of playing at a higher level? Is it for your older brother who has helped you get better all summer? Is it for those who can’t due to physical limitations? The more clear and personal your goal or “why” the better.

Here's a few ways to complete this activity with your team, players, or kids:

- Make it a fun assignment: Buy some poster-board paper, stickers, glue-sticks, magazines, and markers and tell the players to bring them home and create their "Why" poster. Give them a week to complete it, and then reserve the start of a future practice for everyone to share their why. Once everyone has gone, tape them up in the locker room (if applicable) or tell the players to hang them in their bedrooms.

- A quicker way to achieve the same activity is to buy post-it notes and have your players right down their reasons on those. It could be one or multiple reasons. Have players share them with the group, take them home and stick them somewhere they will see everyday, like a bathroom mirror or your bed-side stand. This is a great activity to do in your household or within a team setting.

This should not be a set it and forget it thing either, have frequent check in’s and reminders to consider your what and who and remind your players to do the same.

So, what is your why? Drop us a comment, or tag us online @drdishbball to share yours!

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This blog post is 1 article of a 4-part series geared to help players, teams and coaches Get Motivate and Stay Motivated! Check out the 3 other blog posts to keep the ideas flowing: