The Power of Gratitude in Competitive Sports
Hey, team, happy Sunday!
Gratitude doesn’t make you soft — it makes you stronger, more grounded, and more consistent.
For Athletes: Using Gratitude as a Performance Advantage
3 Ways Gratitude Boosts Your Game
Shift from pressure to appreciation. Instead of “I have to perform,” think “I get to compete today.”
Use gratitude to reset. When frustration hits, name one thing you’re grateful for — it instantly widens your perspective.
Build a gratitude routine. One sentence before bed: “Something I’m grateful baseball gave me today…”
2 Quotes to Remember
“Gratitude turns what we have into enough — and enough into momentum.”
Tim Tebow: “Gratitude gives us the patience to keep going and the strength to overcome.”
1 Question to Reflect On
What’s one thing about your sport you often take for granted — but shouldn’t?
For Parents: Creating a Culture of Appreciation at Home
3 Ways to Model Gratitude for Your Athlete
Praise the opportunity, not the outcome. “I’m grateful we get to watch you compete,” not just “Great job.”
Show gratitude openly. Thank coaches, officials, teammates — your athlete sees everything.
Celebrate the journey. The late-night drives, early mornings, shared meals — they’re part of the gift.
2 Quotes to Anchor You
“Where gratitude grows, anxiety shrinks.”
Oprah Winfrey: “The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate.”
1 Question to Reflect On
How often do I express gratitude to my athlete for who they are — not what they achieve?
For Coaches: Leading with Gratitude to Build Stronger Teams
3 Ways Coaches Use Gratitude as a Leadership Tool
Recognize the unseen effort. Thank your athletes for the hard work nobody claps for.
Express gratitude consistently. It keeps morale high and prevents burnout during long seasons.
Build a gratitude moment into practice. One player shares something they’re grateful for — it changes the whole energy.
2 Quotes to Coach With
“A grateful team plays with connection, not tension.”
Jon Gordon: “You can’t be stressed and thankful at the same time.”
1 Question to Reflect On
What’s one thing I appreciate about this team that I need to say out loud more often?
Gratitude keeps you grounded, keeps you hungry, and keeps you connected — the three pillars of consistency.
With you in the process,
David Lovell
Founder of the F.O.C.U.S. System | Mental Performance Coach
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