The AS&K Sports MSD

The 10 Mental Skills: SELF-WORTH

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INTERPRETING THE SELF-WORTH SCORE ON THE MSA

Athletes with high levels of Self-Worth possess a respect for themselves that is not dependent upon being a successful athlete, receiving rewards and recognition from others, or achieving high levels of performance. Athletes with high levels of Self-Worth experience less anxiety, feel less guilty and ashamed when setbacks occur, and their Self-Worth is based upon a belief in their basic goodness and value as a person. Athletes with high Self-Worth scores are not jealous of the success of others and believe they themselves deserve success when they put in the required time and effort.

WHAT CAN INFLUENCE THE SELF-WORTH SCORE?

High levels of Self-Worth enhance Open to Feedback, Leadership, Task Confidence, Goal Setting and Goal Implementation.

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TIPS FOR ATHLETES

What is the evidence for and against the presence of a positive sense of Self-Worth? Is your MSA score high or low? What are your Self-Worth BITEs?

1. Do you know how you appraise your own competencies and yourself and how it influences your sense of Self-Worth? You can answer this question by observing the BITES - behaviors, images, thoughts, and emotions – that are associated with your descriptions and appraisals of yourself (see Open to Feedback).
2. Make two lists of your positive BITEs – make one list as an athlete and one list of non-athletic BITEs. Which list is longer, more important to you, do you believe in more firmly?

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TIPS FOR COACHES

What is your role in developing your athletes' Self-Worth? Can I distinguish between an athlete's accurate and inaccurate negative BITEs?

1. An athlete whose Self-Worth is not overly dependent on performance in sports is more able to handle pressure situations in sports and respond positively to setbacks.
2. When criticizing behavior or performance that requires improvement, criticize the behavior and not the person.

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TIPS FOR PARENTS

In which areas does my athlete have high Self-Worth? How can I achieve the proper balance of praise and criticism?

1. Self-worth is enhanced by creating a positive atmosphere during practice and games and providing positive support to your athlete (on and off the field), especially in times of setbacks.
2. When criticizing behavior or performance that requires improvement, criticize the behavior and not the athlete. For example, instead of saying, “Annie, you’re a sore sport when you refuse to talk to anyone after making a mistake” say, “Annie, refusing to talk to anyone after making a mistake increases the bad feelings and can offend your friends. Remember last week in the same situation you succeeded – you can succeed again next time.”