Full Description
There is a looming existential crisis for competitive sport. We are witnessing a waning trust in the integrity of sport at all levels that stems from the win-at-all-costs culture that has become so pervasive, worldwide. Doping, fraud, corruption and inhumane high-performance systems as well as worrying levels of dropout, burnout and mental health problems among athletes, all points to the fact that sport has lost track of its true meaning and is increasingly out of touch with its core values.
What is needed is a powerful counterpoint to this results-focussed culture, one which goes far deeper than the superficial realm of wins, losses, medals and fame, and that provides a roadmap for athletes to discover deeper meaning and achieve more in their sporting lives.
The True Athlete Philosophy is that counterpoint.
This is an approach that harnesses the best of sport - the persistent drive for excellence, constant innovation, unmatched opportunities for personal development - and puts it firmly in service of the participants and society as a whole. Sport can be a tremendous tool for unlocking potential and thriving in life, but currently it is not coming close to delivering on that promise. Drawing on a combination of ancient wisdom and modern psychology, The True Athlete Philosophy explores how athletes can harness their lived experience of sport to contribute to a healthy, meaningful and fulfilled life and be of greater benefit to their community.
Contents
Part 1. Introducing the True Athlete Philosophy
1. The Burning Platform
What Use is a Philosophical Framework?
Introducing the True Athlete Philosophy
Higher Purpose of Sport
Definition of a True Athlete
Part 2. The Virtues of the True Athlete Philosophy
2. Treat yourself and others with compassion
3. Live with integrity
4. Acknowledge and embrace responsibility for your own journey and that of your community
5. Grow your awareness in the present moment and of what truly matters in life
Part 3. Mental-Emotional Strategies and Practices for Cultivating the True Athlete Virtues
6. Introduction and Mindfulness Meditation
7. The Athlete Identity
-Knowing your core values and how to live them
-Embrace vulnerability
8. The Stoic Approach
-The controllables - preparation, effort, attitude
-Acceptance and defusion
-Gratitude
9. Love and Connection
-Developing self-compassion
-Love vs fear reframing
-The power of nature connectedness
10. Reflection and Conclusion
-Reflection
-Create a personal motto, credo or oath
-Final Thoughts
