Gratitude is a positive emotion or attitude in recognition of a benefit that one has received or will receive. It is a sense of appreciation for what one has, and it often involves a recognition of one's dependence on others for many of life's blessings. Expressing gratitude can also increase one's overall well-being and satisfaction with life. Gratitude can be expressed in many ways, such as through words of thanks, acts of kindness, or simply by feeling grateful in one's heart. It is a fundamental aspect of many cultures and religions, and has been shown to have numerous benefits for both the giver and receiver of gratitude. Research supports the positive benefits of gratitude for overall health and well-being in particular (Jans-Beken et al., 2020).
One way to increase gratitude is to keep a gratitude journal. Gratitude journals have been gaining popularity in recent years as a tool for mental wellness and personal growth. Athletes, in particular, can greatly benefit from incorporating this practice into their daily routine.
First, gratitude journals help to shift the focus from negative thoughts and experiences to the positive aspects of life. For athletes, this can be especially beneficial in helping them to overcome setbacks, injuries, and losses. By regularly reflecting on and writing down things they are grateful for, athletes can train their minds to find the silver linings in tough situations and maintain a positive outlook.
In addition, gratitude journals can help athletes to cultivate a growth mindset. By reflecting on their progress and accomplishments, they can gain a greater appreciation for their hard work and the improvements they have made. This can boost their self-esteem and provide them with the confidence needed to tackle future challenges.
Moreover, gratitude journals can help to build resilience and increase emotional regulation. Writing about things one is thankful for can release positive emotions and reduce stress and anxiety, which are common for athletes due to the demanding nature of their sport. Additionally, reflecting on positive experiences can also promote a sense of purpose and increase motivation.
Finally, gratitude journals can provide athletes with a sense of perspective and perspective. It can be easy for athletes to get caught up in the pressures and expectations of their sport, but regularly reflecting on the things they are grateful for can help them to see the bigger picture and maintain a sense of balance in their lives.
In conclusion, incorporating a gratitude journal into an athlete's routine can have many benefits, including improving their mental wellness, building resilience, and increasing motivation and perspective. This simple but powerful tool can help athletes to not only perform at their best, but also to lead a happier and more fulfilling life.
If you are interested in understanding more about your psychological approach to sport you may wish to speak with a sport psychology consultant. We have a number who list their services on our directory, along with other sport performance specialists. You can see the full range of people we have on our directory and search for the sport performance specialist you need by location or specialism.
References
Jans-Beken, L., Jacobs, N., Janssens, M., Peeters, S., Reijnders, J., Lechner, L., & Lataster, J. (2020). Gratitude and health: An updated review. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 15(6), 743–782. https://doi.org/10.1080/17439760.2019.1651888
