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Why Don't Athletes Stay Retired Anymore?
Hilliard, OH
Saturday, July 12, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Why Don't Athletes Stay Retired Anymore?
Brett Favre's continuing saga is merely the most recent example of a high-profile professional athlete who has decided to un-retire. From an outsider or fan point of view, it doesn't make sense. Why would a 38 year-old quarterback, with a guaranteed ticket to the Hall of Fame and nothing left to prove, decide that he still has the "itch" and needs to play another season? Here are three reasons why:
1. He doesn't play for the money, nor the accolades. He plays because he loves to compete. Many athletes, Brett included, know one thing: sport. Without it, they lose their venue for expending competitive energy.
2. An athlete's identity is tied directly to his or her performance on the field. Brett Favre is no different. Their self-esteem, confidence, and ability to persevere are connected directly to the stats they produce in their sport. Without that sport, it becomes difficult to sustain self-confidence. Many ex-athletes turn their competitive nature toward business pursuits, or travel, or family as a way of maintaining that confidence.
3. Athletes tend to be perfectionists: No matter how good a performance they turn in, they believe they can do better tomorrow. Brett Favre is no different, and with his history of battling addiction in his personal life, is most likely even more likely to feel this way on the field.
Dr. Leif H. Smith is the President of Personal Best Consulting, a performance and management consultation firm located in Hilliard, OH. His clients have included The Ohio State University Department of Athletics, The University of Iowa, Duquesne University, and other collegiate programs. He regularly consults with athletes at all levels, from amateur to professional, and has worked with hundreds of athletes, teams, and coaches to improve performance, on and off the field.
Why Don't Athletes Stay Retired Anymore?
Brett Favre's continuing saga is merely the most recent example of a high-profile professional athlete who has decided to un-retire. From an outsider or fan point of view, it doesn't make sense. Why would a 38 year-old quarterback, with a guaranteed ticket to the Hall of Fame and nothing left to prove, decide that he still has the "itch" and needs to play another season? Here are three reasons why:
1. He doesn't play for the money, nor the accolades. He plays because he loves to compete. Many athletes, Brett included, know one thing: sport. Without it, they lose their venue for expending competitive energy.
2. An athlete's identity is tied directly to his or her performance on the field. Brett Favre is no different. Their self-esteem, confidence, and ability to persevere are connected directly to the stats they produce in their sport. Without that sport, it becomes difficult to sustain self-confidence. Many ex-athletes turn their competitive nature toward business pursuits, or travel, or family as a way of maintaining that confidence.
3. Athletes tend to be perfectionists: No matter how good a performance they turn in, they believe they can do better tomorrow. Brett Favre is no different, and with his history of battling addiction in his personal life, is most likely even more likely to feel this way on the field.
Dr. Leif H. Smith is the President of Personal Best Consulting, a performance and management consultation firm located in Hilliard, OH. His clients have included The Ohio State University Department of Athletics, The University of Iowa, Duquesne University, and other collegiate programs. He regularly consults with athletes at all levels, from amateur to professional, and has worked with hundreds of athletes, teams, and coaches to improve performance, on and off the field.
Leif Smith
President
Personal Best Consulting
Hilliard, OH
614-870-8742
614-870-8743
