4-minute read
As athletes, we strive for peak performance, personal growth, and success. But what underpins all of this? At the core of sustained achievement lies a solid foundation of values. These guiding principles shape our behaviours, decision-making, and interactions, both on and off the bike.
So, what are values? Simply put, values are deeply held beliefs that guide how we live and act. In sport, they serve as our moral compass, influencing how we approach challenges, competition, and teamwork. Examples of values include fairness, respect, honesty, and perseverance. For athletes, embodying these values goes beyond the sport itself, fostering good character and leaving a positive legacy within the community. Let’s explore why values are crucial and how they help us excel as athletes.
“One definition is that values are ‘principles or standards of behaviour; one’s judgement of what is important in life.” – Bo Hanson of Athlete Assessments
The Importance of Values
Values in sport matter because they provide structure and purpose. They remind us of what’s truly important, especially when faced with difficult decisions or pressure. For example, fairness ensures that we compete with integrity, while respect helps us build strong relationships with teammates, coaches, and competitors. These principles are not only about being a better athlete but also about becoming a better person.
Athletes who live by their values build trust with those around them. Trust strengthens teams, breaks down barriers, and creates a sense of belonging. This is particularly relevant in cycling, where working cohesively as a team can mean the difference between winning and losing.
Moreover, values help athletes develop resilience. When anchored by principles like perseverance and optimism, you’re more likely to stay committed and overcome setbacks. These qualities aren’t just helpful on race day but in the broader journey of sport and life.
How Values Drive Success and Performance
Living by your values translates directly into success on the bike. Let’s take a closer look at some examples:
- Fairness: Adhering to rules and giving everyone an equal chance fosters a culture of healthy competition. This promotes consistent self-improvement and respect for the sport.
- Hard Work: This value underpins skill development and physical preparation. Whether it’s tackling a challenging climb or improving your VO2 max, the willingness to put in the effort is non-negotiable for success.
- Optimism and Perseverance: These values empower athletes to tackle tough conditions or bounce back from a bad race. Having a positive mindset and a refusal to give up builds mental toughness, a key ingredient in endurance sports like cycling.
- Teamwork: In disciplines like team time trials or relay events, this value is indispensable. Effective communication, trust, and collaboration elevate the team and lead to stronger results overall.
- Responsibility: Owning your actions—from your training regimen to your race-day strategy—enhances accountability. Taking responsibility for your performance, good or bad, enables growth and fosters respect from others.
Values Beyond Performance
As a coach, I make a daily commitment to my role, showing great drive, passion, persistence, patience, and enthusiasm. I strive to be a role model, paying close attention to how I turn up each day. By bringing big energy and my best attitude, I aim to engage and inspire my athletes, fostering an environment where they can thrive.
Values don’t just make you a better cyclist; they make you a better person. By modelling values like inclusion and respect, you contribute to a more welcoming and equitable sporting community. Welcoming people from diverse backgrounds, for instance, breaks down stereotypes and inspires others to take up the sport.
As a coach, my values shape the way I train and mentor athletes. They’re central to everything I do, as outlined in my coaching philosophy on my website PCS Coaching. These principles guide my decisions and ensure that I’m fostering an environment where athletes feel supported and challenged to reach their potential.
Activity: Reflecting on Your Values
Before a tough session, take a moment to reflect on your values and what you will bring to your training that aligns with your goals. Ask yourself:
- Which values will help me stay focused and motivated today?
- How can I demonstrate these values during my session?
- What mindset do I want to carry into this effort?
For example, you might choose:
- Perseverance to push through challenging intervals.
- Optimism to maintain a positive outlook when fatigue sets in.
- Hard Work to stay committed to improving your performance.
- Responsibility to own your preparation and execution.
This simple exercise helps ground you in your purpose and ensures every session brings you closer to achieving your goals.
Identifying your values is a personal journey. Start by reflecting on the qualities you admire in others or what motivates you during challenging times. Consider how these principles align with your goals, both on and off the bike. By grounding yourself in values, you’ll have a clear sense of purpose that guides your actions and decisions, even in the face of adversity.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re focusing on building values, improving performance, or fostering resilience, aligning your efforts with a personalised one-on-one coaching approach or a customised training plan can set you up for lasting success. Let’s work together to create a system tailored to your goals both on and off the bike.
Ready to take the first step? Book in for a chat today
Values are the backbone of any athlete’s journey. They provide clarity, foster resilience, and build strong connections within teams and communities. Importantly, they remind us that sport is about more than results—it’s about character, growth, and impact.
As you set your intentions this week, take a moment to reflect on your values. How are they guiding your actions and shaping your journey as an athlete? Remember, success on the bike starts from within. Let your values lead the way.
High Performance Mountain Bike Coach
Donna Dall
My speciality is helping serious and recreational mountain bikers break through plateaus to attain higher levels of performance so that they can get fitter, faster, stronger and win more races!
