How Mental Health in Sports and LVA are Related

Miguel Limcay, Reporter

When it comes to any talent, the amount of dedication put into it is the most important part. It is important to know that to perform at best, it is not a sprint, but instead a marathon. The people in each individual talent all have a strong mindset that makes them the best. In sports, mental toughness is one of each athlete’s biggest challenges. 

This whole process isn’t just for athletes either. Every music and dance major must be able to power through their performances. Every art major has to struggle to finish their projects on time. Every theater major has to perform at their very best. Mental strength is what makes or breaks a person, and should always be considered when people work on their talents. 

Mental strength means being in control of yourself and staying in the moment. The pressure someone feels is put on by themselves. Six-time NBA Champion Michael Jordan said, “If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it.” Developing this skill is not easy. Training your mind is just as important if not more than the actual skills. Just like with any talent at LVA, artists have to be able to dedicate themselves to become better.

Having a good mentality all comes down to learning to control being comfortable versus uncomfortable. Most players and even coaches usually fail for worrying about the things they can not control. In reality, it all comes down to the things someone is able to handle. Such as their focus, body language, effort, and communication. Being able to lock in on a goal mid-moment, looking forward to participating, putting 100% of oneself into the game or performance, and communicating with peers is what makes the greatest players and performers of all time in any talent so legendary. Even if things are not going their way, they will keep going and going.

In conclusion, mental health and strength are important in all aspects of talent. Every person’s mindset is what brings the best out of themselves. Being able to thrive under the pressure that comes with performances is what makes LVA the most talented school. To be the best one can be, one has to be strong enough to believe that one is capable of all things amidst the challenges.