Motivation in Elite Performers

Athletes: Learning the distinction between motivation and commitment is a crucial step in creating an

effective motivational climate for athletes. We encourage athletes to revisit why they pursue excellence

and help them build awareness of internal motivators that can help them maintain motivation

regardless of results.

Performers: The demands of a performance season don’t stop when the season ends, and maintaining

engagement and effort can be challenging when even off-seasons ask a great deal. For performing

artists who might go through multiple performances and off-seasons in a single year, maintaining

motivation can be particularly challenging. We work with performing artists to develop skills that can

help slow the build-up of stress and fatigue over the course of a season and help them remain

connected to their passion for their art.

Specialized Performers: In any hierarchical performance domain there will be a conflict between the

desires of the system and the desires of the individual within that system. Determining where that split

occurs and developing strategies and routines that fulfill the requirements of both is a key to fostering

effective and lasting motivational systems. For many specialized performers the desires of the individual

in that system require further compromise in the service of others, so additional skills are required to

ensure that specialized performers remain aware of their personal well-being. At Persistence Psych we

encourage our clients to recognize their boundaries and expectations and work within their professional

obligations to meet those standards.