Sometimes you need to draw strength from others when you need to keep moving.
If you read Part 1 of this post, you’ll know that for the past 6 months I’ve been searching the web trying to find some of the most awe-inspiring and motivational-boosting videos out there. Part 2 rounds out the next five videos of my compilation of the top ten motivational videos for finding inspiration, encouragement, resilience, strength, and mental toughness. All athletes experience times when their motivation dips down. That’s why I published my free ebook on motivation for athletes. Experiencing highs and lows with your motivation is a natural occurrence when you have dedicated yourself to your sport. Sometimes you need a motivational boost to get excited and get moving again. Get ready to be inspired again!
1. Carry On: Why I Stayed
There are more inspiring life lessons in this 20 minute video than you would be able to absorb in a lifetime. This story originally aired on Outside the Lines on ESPN. If you need to pull some strength from an amazing and inspirational story – this is the video for you. There are so many incredible moments demonstrating resilience, passion, perseverance, strength, resolve … and the powerful message that maybe you can’t help everyone, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a very big impact and forever change someone’s life. It’s all about turning something devastating into something amazing.
2. Greatest Moment in Collegiate Softball
What would you do if an act of sportsmanship meant jeopardizing a potential win at the playoffs? I remember the year that this event happened. I originally heard about it from a collegiate softball coach whose team I was working with. For anyone out there that plays a team sport, or for anyone that wants to believe in the good in people and that sportsmanship is more powerful than any win or loss – you will love this story. The respect they showed for Sarah and the respect they showed for the game still gets to me every time I watch it.
3. 2012 Sports Illustrated Kid(s) of the Year
This video highlights the amazing recipients of the 2012 Sports Illustrated Kid of the year award. It shares the story of brothers Conner and Cayden, the triathlon team that shows the world how powerful sharing sports with a teammate can be. You think it’s a story about what Conner does for Cayden and quickly come to realize that it’s not about what Conner does for Cayden … it’s about what they do for each other. They teach us to defy the labels that people might put on us (and the ones we put onto ourselves), and let the world be yours. This one is a tear-jerker.
4. The Journey of a Lifetime
“Real adventure is not polished ….”
The first three videos here highlight the power of shared experiences. These next two highlight the power within you. In 2011, Kyle Dempster decided to take the journey of a lifetime and bike across the country of Kyrgyzstan. (For you Dirtbag Diaries fans out there, this film was directed by Fitz Cahall!) If you’ve ever felt like you’ve wanted to do something BIG, that you needed to do something big, but were afraid … because of the challenges, because people wouldn’t understand … this is the video for you. It is is a fascinating exploration of both Kyrgyzstan and of one man’s intense desire to accomplish his goal. If you’re contemplating a dream that you think might be impossible, watch Kyle’s journey and see how he faces the challenges of disappearing roads, river crossings, and corrupt military to reach his destination.
5. How Bad Do You Want It
“When you want to succeed as much as you want to breath, you will be successful …”
I often get asked what I think the most important mental skill is for elite athletes. Truly, it’s the combination of several things that create mentally tough athletes, but when I have to choose one, my answer is always: discipline. If you need some motivation to push yourself to do everything you need to be successful in your sport, you might find some inspiration here. When you need to pull out one more set, one more rep, one more interval, one more mile … you can think of this video and find the strength for just one more. Think of your goal as you watch and decide if you just kind of want it, or if you really want it.
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