Attitude
Attitude reflects how you look at life. You will want to play a sport and live your life so that in the end you come out with the best attitude. In sports, as in life, there are things you can’t control like a referee’s decision, for example. How hard you’re willing to work to achieve your goals and the respectful manner you show toward your teammates and opponents are the things you can control. Things you can’t control are sometimes the hardest to let go, but that is what you need to do so you don’t lose focus.
What separates the really great player from a merely good player depends more on the mental side than the physical side. The ability to stay focused and perform at your best under pressure requires having confidence, staying calm and avoiding distraction. All of these character traits fit under the umbrella of having a positive attitude.
Member of the Gold Medal winning USA Women’s National Soccer Team at the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games held in Athens, Georgia.
