Why It’s Important to Get Support and Recognition in Physical Activity
PART 1
Don’t you love running around with friends, playing soccer, dancing, or just getting outside, riding a bike or playing tag? Being active is so much fun isn’t it? Have you ever noticed how it feels when someone cheers you on or helps you along the way? That is why support and recognition are super important when you are starting something new and especially in sticking with activities that are new—it helps you stay doing it-why? Because you feel good. And that is the special power about receiving support and recognition!
What Is Recognition and Support?
Let’s start with the basics.
Recognition is when someone notices what you did, how hard you are trying, or your improvements and…they let you know it. It’s those moments when your coach says, “Great job dribbling the ball today!” or your friend tells you, “You’re getting really fast!”—that’s recognition!
Support is when someone helps or encourages you to keep going. It could be something like your parents reminding you about practice, a teammate cheering you on, or a friend playing catch with you so you can improve your skills.
Recognition and support leave you feeling good because others care enough about your effort and want you to do well.
Learning Activity:
Look for three opportunities to recognize different classmates (you don’t usually talk to) for something they did.
Can you think of situations where you can encourage others and support them?
With your classmates, talk about how you might support others by encouraging them.
Support and Recognition Are Important When Starting Anything
When you are starting to be active at something, it is not always easy to continue. It is sometimes even harder to continue to come back over time because with time, you may not see the improvements as quickly as when you started. Experiencing improvements is important in the beginning. There are several reasons you might not get out again to participate in a sport or activity: you might be feeling too tired to try, maybe too nervous, or maybe just uncomfortable. That’s where having people around supporting you, like your teacher or friends, can make all the difference.
When just starting: Trying to start a new sport or activity, that is challenging. Feeling a little uncomfortable at first when others are so good? That’s normal. But then if a friend invites you, “Come out and let’s play soccer!” it’s easier to join in and you feel more like you should be there.
To keep returning: Hearing things like, “You’re doing amazing!” or having someone come out and you practice together, that increases your desire to continue. And then I remember when my parents were cheering me on at my first race—that felt great and I wanted to keep at it.
PART 2
How Support and Encouragement From Others Makes All The Difference:
Encouragement Builds Confidence
When someone encourages you to try a new activity, it reduces fear and hesitation. It makes you feel more confident to try it out. For instance, if a friend invites you to join soccer tryouts, their support can make you feel more comfortable stepping out of your comfort zone.
Positive Feedback Keeps You Motivated
Hearing compliments like, “You’re doing great!” or receiving help with practice motivates you to keep going, even when challenges arise. You want to keep going because you have someone cheering you on, and this makes you feel excited and supported. For example, the excitement of hearing your parents cheer for you during a race inspires you to continue improving.
Feeling Valued Makes Activities Fun
Recognition from others makes the experience more enjoyable and rewarding. Whether it’s a coach acknowledging your effort or friends celebrating your progress, knowing your efforts are noticed encourages you to stay committed.
The Power Behind “Feeling Recognized”
How do you feel when someone notices your efforts? Pretty awesome, right? Recognition makes such a difference.
You will:
Feel more confident
Be excited to keep participating
Enjoy doing the activity more
Consider, if your teacher says, “Your cartwheels are improving!” you’ll probably feel proud and want to practice even harder.
PART 3
How Support Helps You Plan, Organize and Stick With it
Support from others to help you plan and organize your activities easier is important. Here’s how it works:
How to Get Organized: Three rings that rule them all
First, Preparation: Your parents are great for helping you pack the night before for activities the next day (remember to say, “Thank you.”). Teachers also do a lot.They remind you about gym class or assignments (Thank them also). Remember, preparation for an activity (not forgetting your gym shoes or not forgetting your swimsuit) is important for you to participate.
“What is not scheduled does not happen!”
Second, Scheduling: . Second, Scheduling: . Your teacher reminding you to write gym class or practice in your planner helps you keep track of your commitments. This way, you stay organized and it makes it easier to remember to get to practice. Scheduling? Very important.
Learning Activity:
What do you need to prepare to go swimming?
How about playing tag outside on a mid summer day?
And what about making a snowman on a sunny winter day in -10 degrees Celsius weather?
What are three commitments tomorrow that you need to schedule?
First, what time are each of these commitments happening?
Second, what time do you have to leave home to get there on time?
What do you have to have prepared to leave on time?
Third, Doing It Together: When someone joins you in your activities, it’s easier to stay consistent and stick with your plans.
Why is that:
Shared Commitment: A friend who regularly bikes with you keeps you motivated to just do it and doing it with friends also makes the activity more enjoyable. (Things that are fun or enjoyable keep you coming back!)
Responsibility: Knowing someone is counting on you this also helps you prioritize your plans, even when you feel less motivated to do it. (Your friend is depending on you).
Final Learning Activity:
Think about a time when someone encouraged you or recognized your effort in sports or another activity. How did it make you feel?
Can you think of someone who might need your support? Maybe a classmate learning a new sport or a friend trying something for the first time.
Final Thoughts
Support and recognition are superpowers that will always help you when starting an activity for the first time but these powers also keep you continuing to participate— and don’t forget you also have that superpower to give to others– share those high fives and kind words of encouragement with others!
“May the force be with you”
Star Wars
“And also, you have the force within your words to help others”
PJ Rawlek (Descendant of Obi-Wan Kenobi)