How Can Athletes Rediscover Their Passion for Sport After a Setback?

When I was working toward my gold skating skills test, I failed it twice. I had spent years building up to that moment, practicing the patterns over and over, visualizing success. So when I didn’t pass, I felt crushed. Hopeless. I remember crying after one of the tests, asking myself if it was even worth continuing. The doubts crept in fast: What if I’m just not good enough? What if I’m wasting my time?

But I didn’t quit. Something deeper (maybe stubbornness, maybe hope) kept nudging me forward. And when I finally passed on the third attempt, I felt a high that lasted for weeks. It wasn’t just relief; it was pride, joy, and a renewed sense of possibility. Since then, my goals have shifted, and honestly? Skating has become a lot more fun. There’s less pressure now, and more space for creativity, growth, and play.

I’ve seen the same thing in athletes I work with, especially those coming back from injury or disappointment. One athlete, who had endured three knee surgeries, described how even walking again felt like a gift. When they returned to their sport, it wasn’t about proving anything. It was about being present, being grateful, and finding joy in simply playing.

Setbacks will always be part of sport. But they don’t have to end your relationship with it. Sometimes they deepen it. Sometimes they soften it. And often, they give you a chance to rediscover what made you fall in love with the game in the first place.

Here are a few ways athletes can find their way back to passion after the hard seasons.

1. Acknowledge and Process the Setback

Before moving forward, athletes need space to feel the setback. That might mean sadness, anger, fear, or disappointment. Ignoring those emotions can lead to burnout or resentment. Journaling, talking to a trusted coach or sport psychologist, or simply naming what happened without judgment can help athletes make meaning from the experience.

Reflection questions:

• What happened, and why?

• What emotions came up?

• What did this experience teach you?

2. Reconnect With Their “Why”

Rediscovering passion often begins with asking: Why did I start? For some athletes, it was the joy of movement. For others, it was the community, the challenge, or the creativity of the sport. Revisiting those early moments can reignite purpose, especially for athletes from underrepresented backgrounds who may face unique barriers and pressures in their sport environments.

3. Set New, Meaningful Goals

After a setback, goals often need recalibrating. That might mean replacing a high-stakes timeline with smaller, more intentional steps. For example:

• Short-term goal: Practice a specific skill 10 minutes a day.

• Long-term goal: Return to competition—or simply enjoy movement again.

Breaking goals into manageable parts helps rebuild confidence and creates momentum without overwhelming pressure.

4. Focus on Enjoyment and Fun

When sport becomes all about performance, it’s easy to forget the joy. Find ways to bring back the fun:

• Play a relaxed game with teammates.

• Try a new skill just for curiosity’s sake.

• Celebrate progress with no strings attached.

Fun isn’t frivolous, it’s fuel.

5. Cultivate a Supportive Environment

A strong support system can reenergize motivation. This might include teammates, coaches, mentors, or even family members who affirm the athlete’s effort and humanity, not just their results. For athletes navigating cultural, gender, or neurodivergent identities in sport, inclusive environments can make the difference between burnout and belonging.

6. Practice Self-Compassion

Setbacks can activate harsh self-criticism. However, research indicates that self-compassion fosters resilience, learning, and motivation. Try reframing inner dialogue:

• “I failed” → “I’m learning something important.”

• “I’m behind” → “I’m moving at the pace I need to.”

Self-compassion doesn’t mean lowering standards; it means honoring the process.

7. Explore Other Perspectives

Sometimes stepping back is what allows you to come back stronger. Athletes might:

• Try a different physical activity.

• Coach or mentor someone else.

• Reflect on how sport has shaped their values beyond the field or court.

Rediscovering passion can mean rediscovering identity.

8. Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection

Perfectionism can drain joy, especially during the recovery process. Shifting focus to progress creates space to notice growth (even when it’s slow!). Celebrate small wins. Acknowledge effort. And remember that courage often looks like simply showing up again.

Rekindle Joy After the Hard Seasons

Setbacks don’t mean the story is over. With reflection, recalibration, and support, athletes can rebuild their relationship with sport in a way that’s more honest, more grounded, and often, more joyful.

Takeaways

Rediscovering passion isn’t about pushing harder; it’s about reconnecting with what matters. Whether it’s the rhythm of movement, the community, or a long-term goal, joy often returns when pressure softens and perspective shifts.

Reflection prompt: When was the last time you felt connected to your sport—not because of success, but because it meant something to you? What helped spark that feeling?

Ready to Rekindle Joy in Your Sport?

Working with a sport psychology professional can help you process setbacks, reimagine your goals, and reconnect with what makes sport meaningful. You don’t have to navigate this on your own. Reach out today to begin building a relationship with your sport that supports your well-being—on your terms.

START HERE

Legal Disclaimer

This blog post is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for mental health treatment, psychological services, or medical advice. Reading this post does not create a therapist-client relationship. If you are seeking support for your mental health or well-being, consider reaching out to a licensed mental health professional in your area.