Whether you are a first-time athlete or want to rekindle your enthusiasm for activities, getting excited about sports can keep you motivated and even improve your performance. Several ways exist to boost your excitement and the more you do, the more adrenaline and dopamine your body produces, according to Michael Lardon, author of "Finding Your Zone: Ten Core Lessons for Achieving Peak Performance in Sports and Life." Adrenaline increases your focus during activities, while dopamine can improve your motivation to succeed and excel at sports and other competitive events.
Step 1
Attend a live sports event. Seeing professional players up close during a sports activity can boost your self-esteem and give you motivation to be like your favorite athletic star. The typical atmosphere of a live sporting event is dynamic and the roar of the crowd can get you excited about the sport in general.
Step 2
Watch your favorite team with friends. Sharing emotional highs and lows with fellow sports fans can help get you excited. Sharing the excitement of a winning touchdown or a knockout with your buddies can motivate you to become a better athlete. Watching televised sports can prepare your mind for the tasks and skills required. Unlike live sporting events, televised events are free and allow you to watch on a more consistent basis.
Step 3
Practice your sport. If you are trying to get excited about basketball, go to the park and shoot some hoops. If it's martial arts you're interested in, start practicing your punches and kicks. Anything you can do to put yourself in the moment can help your body get used to the physical demands of exercise and give you a better appreciation for the sport.
Step 4
Play sports with your friends. This can make you less self-conscious about your performance. Friends can also help you improve your game and are an excellent source of positive encouragement. Fear of failing in front of strangers can inhibit your performance and decrease your interest in playing team sports, according to Lardon. Get a group of friends together and play the sport you're interested in. If you miss a free throw or strike out a few times, you can joke about it later with the guys over appetizers.
Tips and Warnings
- Join forums and talk about the sport with other fans and players. Read biographies about successful players in sports.
- Avoid playing your sport with negative people or ones always critical of your performance.
References
- "Lifestyle and Weight Management Consultant Manual"; American Council on Exercise; 2008
- "Finding Your Zone: Ten Core Lessons for Achieving Peak Performance in Sports and Life"; Michael Lardon; 2008
- "NSCA's Guide to Sport and Exercise Nutrition"; National Strength and Conditioning Association; 2011
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