Habit(us) values and mindfulness among elite athletes

Abstract

This study aimed at exploring the possible impact that habits, values and mindfulness can have on an athlete's achievement of success. It provided a thorough understanding of these three concepts and analysed the interrelationship they might have. By examining their interconnectedness, the study found that a triadic relationship exists among habits, values and mindfulness in the sport context. The fieldwork was conducted with athletes from various performance levels. Elite athletes were represented by athletes who have continuously performed exceptionally (having won medals at Olympics, Commonwealth Championships, World Cups or Continental Championships) on the international stage. These athletes formed part of the first phase of this study. Athletes performing on club-, provincial- and national level were the participants in the second phase of the study. The study found that athletes from the four performance levels experienced habits, values and mindfulness differently. Certain core habits and values were present among the different athlete populations. Elite athletes identified visualisation, simplicity, simulation training and pre-performance routines as crucial habits in their respective sports. The elite athletes indicated the importance of behavioural consistency and that they tend to behave in a manner that is consistent with their values and to hold themselves accountable to those values. Although there were similarities, the strength of similar habits differed among the athletes from the different levels of performance. In general, the three strongest habits among the four different performance levels, were the habits of responsiveness, discipline and resilience. The club-, provincial- and national athletes valued interpersonal relationships such as loyalty, commitment and respect for others, higher than values that are more inclined to assist in individual satisfaction and needs. Though the differences were not statistical significant, it might be interesting to note that the national athletes scored higher on values such as self-direction, universalism and benevolence. Club athletes scored higher on values such as hedonism and tradition. The role of mindfulness in the attainment of success received varied emphasis from the club-, provincial-, national- and elite athletes. The elite athletes identified mindfulness as a key element in the maintenance of a successful long-term sport career. The elite athletes linked mindfulness and visualisation with the understanding that the two concepts are interconnected and that mindfulness might be aided by the practice of visualisation. The club-, provincial- and national athletes identified a link between the habit of focusing and mindfulness, indicating that focusing assists them in heightening their awareness levels in situations. Athletes from the varying performance levels referred to mental skills concepts as habits. They distinguished between behavioural habits as well as mental skills habits. Correlation assessments were conducted to assess for links between habits, values and mindfulness. Twenty eight correlations were found between the assessed habits and values. Five correlations were found between values and mindfulness variables. Forty two correlations were found between habits and mindfulness variables. Qualitative and quantitative research methods were used to gather the data. The results indicated that the development of athletes on all levels of performance can be enhanced by being attentive to the habits, values and mindfulness levels of athletes. The recommendations provided by this study will provide options to enhance performance levels and possibly contribute to the holistic development of athletes in South Africa, Africa and the broader sport fraternity.