Given that it’s Mental Health Awareness Week at the time of writing, it seems especially timely to share this experience.
Last week, I shared a brief piece on my LinkedIn profile about my experiences working with a coach to help unpack some of the challenges that have come with tying my identity to my career in sport.
Recently, my career in sports began to feel misaligned with my evolving life and priorities, I was likely still feeling the effects of burnout from an intense five-year period in football, all while simultaneously working toward a PhD. I decided to reach out to a coach who has been sharing his journey and the similar challenges he faced whilst working with some of the best athletes on the planet. This coach has helped me unpack this misalignment in my life.
Early in my undergraduate years, I was determined to work in sports and, in doing so, tied my identity to this goal. I went from being a student with aspirations of working with athletes to being a coach in elite sport. I’ve always been someone who lives to work. This determination served me well and led to reasonable success.
However, tying my entire identity to my work in sport has, at times, caused significant stress, anxiety, imposter syndrome, guilt, and uncertainty. While I have enjoyed much of my career in sport and it’s not every day I’ve felt this way, these feelings have been noticeable. My response to these feelings was to keep my head down and work harder, leading to a bit of an unhealthy relationship with work. Apparently, I’m not alone in this.
While there’s nothing inherently wrong with identifying deeply with one’s work, without a clear framework for examining or questioning my identity, values, and goals beyond my professional life, many of the issues I previously mentioned surfaced more regularly. It has only been recently, through speaking with a coach, that I have managed to redefine this relationship, a process that has been both challenging and enlightening.
The coaching process I’ve recently undertaken has provided me with greater clarity regarding my broader purpose, values, and boundaries, many of which extend beyond my professional life. To clarify, I still love coaching and being involved in sports, and I remain heavily engaged in the field. However, I now have a better understanding of myself and improved tools for maintaining a healthier relationship with my work, resulting in significantly fewer instances of the issues I previously mentioned.
My key takeaway from this experience, especially for students looking to get involved in sports or any career in general, is the importance of developing a well-rounded sense of identity that isn’t solely tied to your career. Understand and define your values, set boundaries, and regularly reassess your goals to ensure they align with your personal growth, changing priorities and overall life. Sport can be demanding and requires certain sacrifices, especially when starting out. However, balancing your professional ambitions with a fulfilling personal life is crucial for long-term well-being and success.
Dr. Adam Sullivan is a research assistant as well as an applied sports scientist/S&C coach in the Physical Education and Sport Sciences Department, University of Limerick.
Contact: adam.sullivan@ul.ie Twitter: @adam89sullivan LinkedIn
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