Why wasnt she getting playing time?
When would her coach put her in?
Wasnt she good enough?
That confidence had to come from within her.
In that moment, she resolved to practice and think like she would be playing every minute.
To give it her all, no matter what the external circumstances were.
…
OHara credits her change in mindset with the results she was able to achieve.
Its why she thinks motivation needs to be internal, not external.
Sports psychology recognizes this distinction as well, with the categories ofintrinsic versus extrinsicmotivation.
While extrinsic motivation is about winning awards or recognition from other people.
OHara acknowledges that, of course, it is great to get validation from authority figures and others.
Winning is also part of what motivates her.
But you need the foundation of self-recognition if youre going to go on to achieve, she says.
To get there, finding your motivation is key.
On the site, pro-athletes and coaches like OHara share stories and advice from the world of professional sports.
Its also about building a supportive community.
Having both elementsthe internal strength, and external supportis what OHara believes people need to thrive.
But you have to find that belief in yourself before it can be validated.
…
Got it, you’ve been added to our email list.
