When you first picked up a ball, stepped onto the mat, or laced up your shoes, there was a reason you chose your sport. Maybe it was the excitement, the challenge, the joy of competing, or the sense of belonging to a team. Whatever the reason, that spark is the foundation of your journey as an athlete.
But as you train harder, face pressure, and set bigger goals, it is easy to forget why you started. This is where self assessment comes in, and parents can play an important role in helping young athletes reflect on this journey.
What is Self Assessment
Self assessment is simply checking in with yourself. It means taking time to pause and think about your progress, your feelings, and your goals. It is like holding up a mirror to your sports journey and asking questions such as:
-Am I improving in the skills I want to master
-Do I still enjoy the process
-What motivates me to keep going
-Am I training for myself, or only to meet others’ expectations
When young athletes ask themselves these questions, and parents gently encourage the conversation, it builds honesty, self awareness, and clarity.
Why It Is Important
Self assessment helps you stay grounded. When tough practices, losses, or injuries pile up, remembering your original reason for starting gives you an anchor. It builds self awareness because great athletes are not only strong and skilled, they also understand themselves. It improves performance by keeping training focused on personal goals rather than comparisons with others. And it supports mental toughness, because reflecting, adapting, and keeping perspective helps you bounce back from setbacks.
How To Do It
Ask yourself weekly questions. Write in a notebook about what you enjoyed most in training, what challenged you, and whether you gave your best effort. Parents can encourage this by asking the same questions at home and celebrating thoughtful answers.
Set short and long term goals. Break big dreams into small achievable steps and review them often. Parents can guide children in setting these goals and remind them to notice progress along the way.
Talk it out. Share your thoughts with a coach, mentor, or parent. Sometimes speaking about your experience makes things clearer. Parents can listen without judgment, creating a safe space for athletes to express both joys and frustrations.
Remember Your Why
Your journey is not only about winning medals. It is about becoming the best version of yourself. Every time you reflect on your progress and reconnect with why you chose your sport, you strengthen not only your performance but also your mindset. Parents who support this reflection send the message that sport is about growth, resilience, and discovering strengths.
So pause, think, and ask yourself: Why did I fall in love with this sport. The answer will guide you further than you ever imagined, especially when parents and athletes walk this path of reflection together.
✨ Takeaway: Self assessment is not about being perfect. It is about being honest with yourself. Keep your why close, share it with those who support you, and let it fuel every step, jump, or sprint.
The Athlete Resilience Hub 