Tapping Into Athlete Passion

Successful and unsuccessful athletes don’t often vary greatly in ability. Where they vary is in their passion for the game and knowing how it differs from emotion, how to protect it, and how to use it for good by leveraging it daily. #DailyMight

If you ask a high performing athlete what propels them forward when it seems that they can’t go any more – I’m guessing you’ll come to two common answers. Passion, and emotion. As an athlete continues to age, and their level of play dictates their inclusion on an elite level team, you quickly understand that talent and skill alone don’t separate athletes at that level. What drives them does.

I get asked all the time what the difference between passion and emotion is. It’s an easy answer with a complex execution plan. The difference is even more stark when you factor in successfulness and which one overwhelming lends itself to success. But more than the definition of each, is the reason behind why athletes (with help from coaches) should tap into one more than the other most of the time.

Passion vs Emotion.

At the highest level, think of the difference like this: You are passionate about something; You get emotional about someone. But there’s more to it, of course. Passion involves the mind, something your are purposeful of. It’s typically sourced in something outside yourself like a value or principle. Emotion on the other hand is usually a reaction – situational and temporary. Passion is purposeful, it spurs action. Emotion, is the result of the feeling after the action.

Protecting Your Passion.

Most often, when we talk about protecting passion, we’re speaking of using passion as scapegoat for errors. We use passion as an excuse for losing control of our emotions. You know, the “sorry about losing my temper, but I’m “passionate” about hockey.” Or, “sorry I fouled you, or called you a name, or was a bad teammate but my “passion” for hockey got the best of me.” It’s a trick, it’s not true, and it creates mistrust among teammates. Really, you lost your cool, because of emotion. Remember, passion is purposeful like learning, data acquiring, etc. Protect that purpose, and learn to control your emotion which is the result of an outcome. Passion, is the lead up to the situation.

Using Passion For Good.

Passion drives athletes to action. Passion brings excitement about the game and forces an athlete to learn, experiment and enjoy it more and more. Passion is the cheerfulness you bring to the rink every practice and game. High level athletes have passion because they need it. To grind day after day, at a sport that you love, takes something super human. It takes passion to show up day in and day out to give it everything they have. They use passion for good.

Just to be clear: There’s nothing wrong with emotion. Issues tend to arise when we mix up the difference between emotion and passion – which can get an athlete into trouble. Passion is the lead up to the the outcome and allows an athlete to push harder, and smarter. Emotion is the reaction to the outcome. When you tap into the former, rather than the latter, an athlete will be more likely to positively influence the the situation and their teammates.

Give everything your everything. And then some.