5 Things Successful Athletes Do Daily
Play Like a Girl recognizes that successful women athletes can be amazing role models to girls everywhere. In order to reach the top, you need to work hard, stay open to learning and stay the course. The qualities that successful athletes develop throughout their careers can serve to teach young girls how they, too, can find success on and off the field of play.
Here are five daily habits that are common among some of the most successful athletes:
1. Proper Rest
A productive day begins with a good night’s sleep. Olympic diver Kassidy Cook, golf champion Michelle Wie, and Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn all believe that sleep is the single most important factor in performance. During sleep, both the body and mind recover. You need a clear mind and well-rested body to perform your best at practice, class and everything else.
2. Healthy Eating
While many elite athletes may have their own unique diet, most share a level of consciousness about food choices. Olympic swimmer Natalie Coughlin tells The Cut, "If someone wants to make a big lifestyle change, I would say get your diet in order first. Get yourself used to eating healthily and really taking care of your body in that way." The food you eat directly affects your energy levels and brain function. When you fuel up properly, you get all you need to be successful.
3. Goal Visualization
U.S. National Soccer Team member Carli Lloyd says she makes time daily to visualize herself achieving her goals on the field. Visualization helps keep your goals on your mind. Whether you have soccer practice, a presentation in class, or a musical performance, visualization is a powerful tool when preparing.
4. Confidence
World champion boxer Claressa Shields often talks about how she takes the time to reflect and grow her confidence daily. She sees value in continually reminding herself that she's prepared for whatever lies ahead of her each day, and that she belongs in any room she finds herself. It only takes a few minutes to affirm yourself each day, but the results are long-lasting. When you possess confidence, you are more likely to perform at your full potential.
5. Have Fun!
Olympic gymnast Simone Biles, Olympic swimmers Katie Ledecky and Missy Franklin, as well as Olympic snowboarder Chloe Kim believe that having fun is essential to their success. While all successful athletes take their sport seriously, these elite athletes remind us to not take ourselves too seriously--at least, not all the time. It's okay to giggle on the field or crack a joke with a friend at practice. After all, a happy athlete is a successful one. You need to genuinely enjoy what you are doing to perform at your best.
These women athletes are an example to all girls with big dreams. The values they embody can help you find success anywhere. There is no better way to learn than from those who have mastered the game.
We'd love to know which of these habits you incorporate into your daily routine. Leave a comment below.
