COMING OUT OF LOCKDOWN

Returning to sport after a prolonged break is never easy; however, the good news is that many have managed to return to sport in the past and are doing so as you read. How and why do some find motivation, commitment and resources to return to training and others don’t? The answer is simple – the desire to return outweighs the desire to quit. I would like to share some evidence-based practical advice and strategies I use with my archery students.

First, you must look to your values because this is where your genuine motivation comes from. Your values are whatever you believe is important to you. Assigning value to everything is in human nature; it is driven by our innate desire to survive and to reduce stress or discomfort: this ultimately guides all our decisions and behaviour. In any situation where we need to make a choice, we make an unconscious decision to fight, to get back up, to resolve, to stay in a comfort zone or to quit. If something matters a lot you will put the extra effort in, despite the discomfort. Exploring or rediscovering what is important to you is a great place to start. Reflect on why you took up