In a world where sports can easily become all-consuming, Christian athletes often wrestle with a crucial question: How do I keep God at the center of my athletic journey? On a recent episode of the Rooted Sports Psychology Show, host Georgia and guest Dustie—mental game coach and co-author of the new workbook 30 Day Christian Athlete Mental Game Challenge—explored this very topic. Their conversation offers a wealth of practical strategies, mental tools, and faith-based insights for athletes seeking to honor God while excelling in their sport.
This blog post unpacks the main themes and actionable advice from their discussion, providing a comprehensive guide for Christian athletes, coaches, and parents who want to integrate faith and performance in a meaningful, sustainable way.
1. Awareness: The Foundation of Integration
Key Insight:
The first step to integrating faith and sport is awareness—noticing where your time, energy, and focus are going.
Why It Matters:
Athletes, especially students, juggle packed schedules: practices, games, travel, academics, and social commitments. It’s easy for faith to get pushed aside, even unintentionally.
Actionable Strategies:
- Self-Inventory:
Take a week to track how you spend your time. Where does God fit in? Are there moments where you could invite Him into your routine? - Identify Distractions:
Reflect on what “chokes” your spiritual growth (see the parable of the seeds, Matthew 13:22). Is it social media, comparison, or performance anxiety? - Meet Yourself Where You Are:
Don’t aim for perfection. Start with small, consistent steps to bring God into your athletic life.
Expert Tip:
Dustie emphasizes a judgment-free approach: “I want to meet athletes where they are, without judgment.” This mindset fosters growth rather than guilt.
2. Gratitude: Shifting Perspective and Building Resilience
Key Insight:
Gratitude is a simple but powerful practice that shifts focus from what’s lacking to what’s present.
Why It Matters:
Athletes often fixate on shortcomings—missed plays, lost games, or limited playing time. Gratitude reframes these experiences, fostering resilience and joy.
Actionable Strategies:
- Daily Gratitude Check:
Each morning, ask: “What am I grateful for today?” It could be your health, teammates, or simply the ability to move. - Gratitude in Adversity:
When benched or injured, look for hidden blessings—patience, humility, or new opportunities. - Express Thanks:
Verbally thank God, coaches, teammates, and even opponents. This cultivates humility and connection.
Expert Tip:
Georgia notes, “When you start looking at what you have instead of what you don’t, it shifts your perspective in a positive way.”
3. Glorifying God: Simple Practices for Daily Life
Key Insight:
Giving God credit for your talents and successes is a tangible way to keep Him at the center.
Why It Matters:
It’s easy to internalize praise or blame, but recognizing God as the source of your gifts keeps pride and discouragement in check.
Actionable Strategies:
- Post-Play Acknowledgment:
After a good play or win, offer a quick “thank you, God”—out loud or silently. - Public Witness:
Don’t be afraid to point to the sky, mention your faith in interviews, or share your testimony. Your example can spark curiosity and conversations, even among non-believers. - Team Culture:
Encourage teammates to celebrate each other’s gifts and successes, fostering a Christlike environment.
Expert Tip:
Dustie shares how even non-Christian athletes notice when others give God credit, sometimes prompting deeper questions about faith.
4. Presence and Trust: Navigating Uncertainty and Adversity
Key Insight:
Staying present and trusting God—especially when things don’t go as planned—is both a mental game skill and a spiritual discipline.
Why It Matters:
Athletes face injuries, setbacks, and disappointments. The temptation is to ask, “Why, God?” or to dwell on the past or future.
Actionable Strategies:
- Mindful Presence:
Focus on the current play, not the last mistake or the next challenge. Use breath or a physical cue to anchor yourself in the moment. - Trust the Process:
Remember that God’s plan may not make sense now. Reflect on past experiences where a setback led to unexpected growth or opportunity. - Let Go of the “Why”:
Practice surrendering the need for immediate answers. Faith often means trusting without full understanding.
Expert Tip:
Georgia’s story about not making the dance team, which led to a successful volleyball career, illustrates how God’s plans often unfold in surprising ways.
5. Scripture as a Mental Reset: Anchoring in Truth
Key Insight:
Scripture can serve as a powerful “reset” during competition, helping athletes refocus and regain perspective.
Why It Matters:
In high-pressure moments, emotions can hijack rational thinking. A well-chosen verse or phrase can bring clarity and calm.
Actionable Strategies:
- Write It Down:
Put a favorite verse on your wrist, shoe, or equipment. Glance at it when you need a reminder of your identity and purpose. - Create a Reset Card:
Carry a small card with a verse or phrase like “one shot at a time” or “be strong and courageous.” Use it between plays or during breaks. - Pre-Game Ritual:
Read or recite scripture before games to set your mind and heart on what matters most.
Expert Tip:
Georgia uses this technique with golfers, who have ample time between shots to reset and refocus.
6. Understanding the Brain: Managing Emotions Under Pressure
Key Insight:
Knowing the brain science behind emotions empowers athletes to manage nerves, frustration, and pressure more effectively.
Why It Matters:
When emotions run high, the amygdala (emotional center) takes over, and the prefrontal cortex (rational thinking) goes offline. This can lead to impulsive decisions or negative self-talk.
Actionable Strategies:
- Name the Feeling:
Recognize that “butterflies” or nerves are your body’s way of preparing for performance—not a sign of weakness. - Physical Resets:
Use deep breathing, drink water, or take a short walk to calm your nervous system and re-engage rational thinking. - Normalize Emotions:
Remind yourself that emotions are normal and not a problem to be fixed. Understanding why they happen gives you more control.
Expert Tip:
Dustie teaches athletes to recognize when their brain is in “fight or flight” mode and to use simple tools to regain composure.
7. The 30 Day Challenge: Structure, Virtues, and Application
Key Insight:
The 30 Day Christian Athlete Mental Game Challenge is designed to be simple, practical, and deeply transformative—helping athletes grow in both mental skills and Christian virtues.
Why It Matters:
Busy athletes need tools that fit their schedules and address real-world challenges like injuries, social media, and performance pressure.
Workbook Structure:
- Weekly Themes:
Each week focuses on a core mental game skill (e.g., focus, confidence, managing social approval). - Daily Virtue Training:
Every day introduces a Christian virtue (e.g., faith, humility, fortitude, gratitude) and a related scripture. - Practical Application:
Exercises take just 5–15 minutes, making it easy to integrate into daily routines. - Reflection Days:
Five days of practice per week, with two days for rest and reflection.
Expert Tip:
The workbook is designed for all ages and levels, from youth athletes to those pursuing college scholarships. It’s a resource for building composure, resilience, and Christlike character.