"You don't have the right temperament for that sport." This is a phrase often uttered by individuals looking to categorize others solely based on personality. True, your personality affects the type of sports you prefer and excel in. However, you should be the final say in what sports are best for you. Your complete personality is as unique as your fingerprint.
Introverts tend towards sports that entail concentration, precision, and self-motivation. For example, archery, golf and billiards. Extroverts tend to prefer sports with fast paces, high energy levels and large motor skills; such as football, hockey and soccer. Remember, these are generalized rules to which you may be an exception.
This article focuses on how anyone can excel at Track & Field. Whether you're an introvert that enjoys throwing discs around or a speedy extrovert that lives for the 100-meter dash, track & field has something for you.
Introvert
Many sport stars consider themselves to be introverts. For an unseasoned newbie, the thought of running, jumping, and sprinting around other people can be a very daunting endeavor for the average introvert; but it doesn't have to be.
Most track practices start with warm-up exercises. After 4 or 5 static and/or dynamic stretches, athletes are lined up in rows of 4-6 and asked to run basic drills. These simple drills are designed to prepare the body for a higher intensity workout. Warm-up drills may include: arm swings, high knees, glute kicks, and backwards run.
Do not feel pressure to be in the front of the line or in the back. Neither should you worry about looking the best and performing perfectly. Take the drills and subsequent exercises at your own pace. During practice the only one who can beat you is yourself.
Extrovert
Track is a key place for extroverts to shine! The sky is the limit, you can aim for the best record on your team or create a new world record. During warm-up drills be the first in line to lead the way. Going first is a great way to motivate oneself into giving their best performance.
When your team mates look to you for inspiration and pointers be kind, open, and generous; nobody likes an egomaniac. Take time to help those that ask for it and encourage any stragglers.
Always do your best however never feel like you have to do it all. Nobody is perfect and everyone makes mistakes and has "off" days. If you are stressed or over-pressured to perform, speak open and honestly to a trusted adult about how you are feeling. Tell them why you feel the way you do and ask for a couple practices off if you need it. Sports are meant to be fun interactive activities, not a chore.
Another division of average athletes are the excessively competitive versus the self-motivator. Highly competitive athletes desire to be the best in the business. "If it's not 1st it might as well be last." and "Be the best, forget the rest," are typical mantras of this personality.
Self- motivators, designated "non-competitive" for the sake of this article, are only concerned with performing their best and having fun. "Win or lose, it's all in the fun of the game," gets these players on board. Many people fall somewhere in the middle of these two personality types and manage well on a team. For those on opposite ends of the spectrum, Track & Field is still a great place for you.
Competitive
Sports are generally seen as competitive endeavors. You practice, you get better, and you beat the other team. If you have a competitive personality, track & field is an optimal sport for you. Each competitor is looking to perform at their best, providing you with multiple milestones to overcome. First place may be your ultimate goal but 2nd or 3rd is still yards ahead of 10th or 15th.
Non-Competitive
As mentioned earlier, sports are meant to be fun! You know this and could care less if you win or lose, it's all in how you play the game. Track & field is optimal for you so long as doing your best comes first and foremost.
No matter your personality it pays to learn how to always be a good winner and a good loser.
Author: Ashley Faith