Life After Sports – How do you deal with sudden change?

Why is change stressful?

Before I answer the question of “Why change is too stressful,” I want to say that if you’re reading this blog, you have already overcome many challenges. You were born to be victorious. As an athlete, you must use all of the experience no matter how large or insignificant you think they were as an example of your perseverance, determination, and faith. You were built to be and live a victorious life.

Change Represents the Unknown

Change is often stressful because it means the unknown. The move represents what you cannot control; it represents what you are unable to see. The change will cause even the sharpest minds to visualize several different outcomes that cause people to stress about negative or positive possibilities that are yet to come. In reality, there is no guarantee that any of those outcomes you are focusing on will happen.

Change can cause additional stress when you question whether or not you have the resources, finances, energy, and mental capacity to handle what may follow with this unexpected change. The reality is the severity of the change is up to you, and your perspective on your new situation.

I can say having gone through the life-altering transition from barely recruited high school athlete, to four-year staring college athlete and then professional and lastly the unexpected change from pro athlete to injured and without a contract. You can make this transition or continue to play if you so choose. But each path will require growth.

So while stress represents the unknown, you must accept that you are capable of thriving in the midst of this change.

How do you deal with a lot of changes at once?

This is always difficult and not easy. But quite often, this is what happens as the change will have a ripple impact on many areas of your life. The best ways to cope with several changes happening at once is:

• Accept that things are changing.
• Do not try to create an opposition to this change when it is entirely out of your control
• Maintain a schedule in your life that includes fitness, time for relaxation, community, or talking with those that support you and time for prayer and meditation.
• Get out in nature…giving yourself self physical space can also give your mind the space it needs to relax.
• Keep a list of life essentials you are thankful for. You must remind yourself by reading and repeating this list daily, if not a few times a day.
• Confide in a friend that you can let out your frustrations and anger: a trusted friend, pastor, or qualified professional. Don’t allow this to be the norm, but you will likely want to let some things out so you can let it go.
• Limit television, talk shows, and negative friends that either supports negative behaviors or have to know the wisdom to offer.
• Accept that you are created to live a victorious life, and your creator loves you and wants to see you prosper in all things.

 

What is an example of a life transition?

A life transition is anything that causes you to make life changes that are different than your norm. It could be as simple as a modified work schedule that requires you to wake up two hours earlier. A move like this may seem minor, but waking up 2 hours early could result in less sleep, which will impact stress and energy levels.

What are some life transitions?

Positive life changes may include a new baby, marriage, new job, or move to a new city.

Other life changes could be a loss of a job, divorce, unexpected birth.

A list of life changes or interactions could include experiencing abuse, contrary interaction law enforcement, detention in jail,  harassment, racism, or unexpected tragedy. Any of these changes can cause significant mental transitions and added stress.  NOTE: A new outlook is as much a life change as a physical change such as a move to a city. Being abused or harrassed can be a life transition.

Life after sports can be quite stressful for athletes. The loss of income is often only the beginning. It is trying to find something else you can do and how others in your family relate to you.

Divorce is common with athletes after their career; the reality is it is easy to be with someone that is making millions while playing and is never home.

For many, it is like receiving an unlimited spending account and never being accountable. Most people will stay in such a situation when athletes are now at home, the relationship changes. If you can foresee this change, the husband and wife can prepare for this transition healthily.

How can change be positive?

Change for athletes and others can be positive in many ways. You can now focus on other interests such as art, music, traveling, your relationship, children, or serving in your community.

Change provides you the opportunity to exercise, press reset, and determine what’s important while eliminated all the noise and extra life distractions that don’t mean much when you are going through something.

What happens when athletes retire?

The athlete is forced to quickly assess finances and determine what they can do to create income for themselves. Additionally, they must take a second look at many of their relationships; as often during their playing days, money always solved the problem. If the family had a problem, it is effortless to throw money at it versus look at the root. Now they must assess everything from what value they have in society to what new boundaries they will have with family.

The reality is athletes still have significant value to society and must look to leverage all the years of hard work, sacrifice, dedication, relationships, and expertise they have built. Additionally, the athlete has quite a brand that can be utilized to do business with the right knowledge. Athletes are highly motivated people:

Great Careers for Self Motivated Athletes:

• Salespeople for fortune 500 Companies
• Coaches
• Musician
• Partnerships with Startups
• Teaching – A professional athlete has a lot to offer youth in terms of teaching discipline and work ethic.
• Marketing
• Executives – Athletes are blessed as they handle stress, the more pressure they have. I was always told by so many at my old tech company that I should be an executive.
• Entrepreneur – Entrepreneurship requires grit, hard work, and discipline all the characteristic professional athletes have.
• Agent
• Spokesperson
• TV Personality
• Player Development – Separate from the professional league
• Athletic Trainer – Sometimes, professional athletes think this is a low-level position. But it is nothing better than teaching in an area you are a master.

 

What happens to college athletes that don’t go pro?

On average, 50% of Div college football players think they will play pro football. The reality is only 1% ever do. From a personal standpoint, I have seen athletes struggle to transition, especially players that had the ability and performance measurable, but for reasons outside of their control, they did not get the opportunity. It is devastating as athletes know without a doubt they can play in the NFL but were not afforded the opportunity. This can cause the best to flounder for years until life forces them to make the transition. Some athletes can make the transition, and others stay in their college town working jobs here and there but never maximizing their potential.

For myself, after I was released in my second professional season, I was able to start working as an engineer for Intel corporation for the next 18 years. While in college, I focused on studies and athletes. I started 44 games as a defensive back, lettered on the track team, and graduated a year early with a Bachelor in MIS ( Computer Science) emphasis. Had I not had my degree, I believe the transition to may have been more difficult.

Do all d1 athletes go pro?

Here are the percentages of Division I athletes that go on to play professional sports:

• Basketball – 1.2% of college players play pro
• W. basketball – 1.9% college players play pro
• Football – 1.6% of college players play pro
• Baseball – 9.4% of college players play pro

 

At what age do professional athletes retire?

Athletes typically peak physically around 28 – 32 years of age. Most athletes tend to retire around 33 years of age. For most of the population that are just starting their careers at 33. This is what athletes need to gain critical knowledge while playing professionally either through traditional school or interning in industries they are interested in.

Can you still play college sports after you graduate?

The current NCAA rule allows that college student-athletes who earn their bachelor’s degree may participate in college athletics as a graduate student at another Division I University provided they meet the student criteria outlined in NCAA Bylaw 14.6. One or obtain an NCAA waiver.

Are student-athletes more successful?

The data says yes. Student-athletes graduate at a higher rate than non-student athletes. Additionally, in a study by Money Magazine stated student-athletes were more engaged in work than non-student athletes.

Why do college athletes quit?

• The academic and athletic schedule is more than they expected
• The athletic competition is more intense than assumed
• The business-like attitude of elite-level college sports is not a good fit for athletes that were coddled in high school
• Lack of playing time
• Injuries
• Could not meet the academic standard

 

How do you deal with change in the workplace?

If you are dealing with change in the workplace, implement these RULES FOR WORKPLACE SUCCESS:

• Never complain
• Change is a must in business
• Ask what you can do
• Be Positive
• Assess yourself and your skills
• Communicate with kindness
• Never push “send” without proofreading
• Sign to be the first to learn new skills

What are the four types of life transitions?

• Work-Related
• Relationship Change
• Financial Change
• Family Addition/Subtraction

Why can’t you deal with change?

Dealing with change brings a certain amount of anxiety and stress. This stress or change causes you to feel out of control or completely overwhelmed. You are capable and worthy. You can do it!

Possibly you are refusing to accept it.

Quite possibly, you are having a hard time dealing with change because it is painful for you. Perhaps it is a tragic loss or sudden change. Seek support if this is the case. Try to find one thing that you are thankful for and hold on to that.

How do I start making positive changes in life?

To make positive changes in your life, you must make positive actions the top priority.

Here is a list of actions that should be a priority.

1. Loving yourself which means caring for your physical, mental, and spiritual well being
2. Exercising
3. Eating Well
4. Caring for your family
5. Finding adequate legal income
6. Stay consistent
7. find a community of positive people

How do you change who you are?

Difficult question! Accept who you are right now. Acknowledge that none of us are perfect people, but we all have an opportunity to make positive decisions that will produce outcomes that are beneficial to our lives. Start making positive changes today, and don’t get discouraged when you fall. Get back up; small steps add up to a life journey worth living.

How do you accept yourself?

Know that you are wonderful and marvelous made. If all your imperfections, you are whole. You are worthy!

Psalm 139:14 King James Version (KJV) 14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.

How do you tell others you are moving on?

When you want to tell others you want to move, they can often take it personally. One of the best ways to communicate this is by speaking of your thoughts and what you want for your life that you desire more for your life and feel as though you have been stuck. That it is not personal, but you want to clear space so that you can gain a better perspective on your life.