To maximize your potential on the soccer field you need to have a consistent habit of self-reflecting (which you cannot truly do until you’ve got self-awareness and self-talk down). When players get serious about self-reflection and add it into their routine, they are taking ownership of their development. They are becoming players who have the goal of getting better yes, but also TAKE ACTION and DO THINGS that will actually get them there. While self-reflecting may not always be the funnest thing to do, or the easiest, they still do it because they actually WANT the information about how to improve. This is what it means to be an invested and growth-minded player, and THIS is where grit, resiliency and true, deep confidence and belief in yourself comes from.

Self-reflection in soccer is something that doesn’t get talked about near enough, which is unfortunate considering the immense impact it has on a player’s growth. The importance of reflective practices, of examining and observing yourself and your actions, cannot be understated when it comes to development. Self-reflection is powerful because not only does it help you find your gaps quickly so that you can make adjustments, but the insight you gain during reflection practices has the power to inspire authentic motivation and drive. It has the power to unleash your curiosity and create a passion for relentless learning and self-improvement which really opens up the game in ways you never thought possible. Self-reflection inspires you to be a student of the game.