The Mindset of a Champion: What It Takes to Win

What does it take to be a champion?

Many people think it has something to do with physical abilities, but that is not the case.

The real secret to becoming a champion is having the right mindset.

This means being willing to work hard and never giving up, no matter the circumstances.

In this blog post, we will discuss the mindset traits of champions and how you can develop them in your youth soccer player!

Champion Mindset traits

Champions -- Do whatever it takes to win the game. 

I see this all the time when I go to watch players play.

They are willing to do the work when it is convenient or feel that they will get their just due for doing the dirty work. 

Champions know that their work is worthwhile.

They embrace doing whatever it takes to win(within the rules) but understand that most people on the outside will only see a fraction of what they do.  

You must have the mindset that whatever you do will help you win.

This means putting in extra work when no one is watching and doing the things that others are not willing to do.

It also means accepting that there will be sacrifices along the way. 

What separates champions from everyone else is their mindset during tough times. When things are going bad, they do not give up.

Champions -- Do the work when no one is watching. 

One of the partnerships I love offering to players in our program is Techne( check it out here!)

Those players who have embraced techne training plans have grown faster and improved quicker between our sessions.

They take ownership and do the hard work without me being there to encourage and motivate them.

They do not have to be coach directed but self-directed. 

The champion mindset is not waiting for someone to tell you what to do or when to do it; it is taking the initiative and doing the work even when no one is around.

A championship mindset requires a lot of discipline and motivation, but it separates the best from the rest.

Champions set their training schedule and stick to it, even when they don’t feel like it.

It also means finding creative ways to stay motivated, which is why something like Techne is incredible.

Champions -- manage the game situations.

Champions remain calm and collected when they are ahead or behind.

Great players understand that, no matter how dire, most games are never finished, and they can be up by two goals or behind by two goals and still somehow lose or win, respectively.

Champions understand this and do not let up until the game is entirely out of reach.

This belief is why champions always make the right play at the right time.

They can think ahead and remain calm under pressure, and this is something that can be developed with practice and experience.

If you want to develop the champion mindset, it is essential to understand that it takes more than just wanting to win.

You must be managing the game also means being able to make adjustments on the fly.

This demands unshakeable confidence that prompts your player even when facing seemingly impossible odds.

Champions -- lead their teammates. 

Champions understand that great teams are self-led and self-motivated ( go back to point #2).

They do not wait for a coach to challenge them but take the responsibility to motivate their team. 

Great champions step up to the plate with their leadership style.

Either they motivate by encouraging their teammates with their words( challenging them to hold to the team standards, letting them know they have their back when they mess up, etc.) or lead their team with the work that they put in( showing up early, staying late, etc.).

For a team to be successful, everyone must buy into the same vision and goal. Champions ensure that their teammates are on the same page by being vocal about what they expect from one another.

Champions -- remain persistent through setback.

Every single athlete( and person, for that matter) suffers setbacks. 

Champions, though, know how to manage and motivate themselves through their setbacks.

They do not see their failure as final but rather an opportunity to learn! They use their setbacks as motivation to come back even stronger.

True champions don’t give up when they hit a low point but find a way to push through adversity.

They understand that their success is not defined by one moment or game but rather by their work throughout their career.

So if your player wants to develop the champion mindset, it is crucial to understand that it takes more than just wanting to win.

They must be willing to work even when no one is watching.

They must be able to manage the game and make adjustments on the fly.

They must take responsibility for leading your team and motivating your teammates.

Those are five traits I have seen in champions.

Going through this list: Does your player has these characteristics?

If not, what can you do to help them develop these qualities?

I would love to help you with their journey.

As a mindset mentor, I help players of all ages develop the champion mindset. If you are interested in learning more about how I can help your player, contact me for a free consultation call.