Why Your Athlete Identity is Holding you Back

Date: 6/3/24

The Vintage Athlete Podcast: How to Do Life After Sports

Episode 3: Why Your Athlete Identity is Holding You Back

Episode Summary:

In this episode of The Vintage Athlete Podcast, we tackle the concept of athlete identity—what it is, how it impacts retired athletes, and why it's essential to balance this identity with other aspects of life.  Given that research shows a strong athlete identity in retirement can have a negative impact in life after sports, it is important to tackle this need first, making it easier to move forward to a fulfilling life.

The key points discussed include defining and understanding athlete identity, the challenges it can present in retirement, and why it is important to let go of the rigid view and expectations we have of ourselves after we leave our sport.

Tara also shares their personal experience as a former competitive athlete, discussing the challenges and benefits of letting go of a strong athletic identity. They emphasize the importance of recognizing the valuable life skills gained from sports while also moving beyond limiting self-beliefs.

Curious about how to start loosening the grip of your athlete identity? There are some amazing FREE resources on The Vintage Athlete website, including a meditation practice specifically about this topic.  Check it out here!

You can also try our FREE 3-day series, The Vintage Athlete Awakening, and start your journey towards a balanced and fulfilling life. Sign up here to begin!

Join us in this enlightening episode as we explore the complexities of athlete identity and why it is to evolve beyond it. Don’t forget to subscribe to The Vintage Athlete Podcast for more insights, expert advice, and inspiring stories tailored for retired athletes!