Your Confidence Resume 1-2-3

Writing down your sport strengths and successes as a resume is a great confidence-building exercise.

When confidence wavers, this tool works

A Confidence Resume is a reflection of who you are and what you’ve already proven to yourself. Creating one is a fun activity to help you see your achievements and challenges with fresh perspective, and a chance to highlight strengths that you forgot. When kept close during training, competition, or everyday life, your Confidence Resume becomes a grounding reminder of what you’re capable of and what truly matters. In moments of doubt, it offers reassurance, clarity, and motivation to keep going.

Step 1.

Write a brief intro paragraph of:

• Who you are (ie, basketball/volleyball/soccer player, runner, swimmer...

• What you are good at (ie, defense, agility, quick-thinking, pacing yourself, teamwork)

• What you like (ie, winning, good relationships with team and coach, having fun with your friends)

• What is important to you (ie, self-care, giving my full effort, staying injury free, learning, communicating with your coach)

*Consider mentioning your event and/or position, as well as your strengths outside of sport.

Abby, HS sophomore soccer player:

I'm a hard-working soccer goalie who likes to improve. Although I'm kind of shy, I support my teammates, and make friends in my own way. I have overcome my negative self-talk by learning to accept that mistakes help me grow, even when I'm not doing soccer. Recently at practice, I focused just on myself and how I was doing rather than taking on the feelings of the whole team. I had a much better day because of that.

Step 2. 

CIRCLE THE WORDS & strengthS THAT ARE TRUE FOR YOU:

• Hard-working, Collaborative, Confident,

• Determined, Enthusiastic, Motivated,

• Creative, Thoughtful, Good listener,

• Fun, Adaptable, Positive, Resilient,

• Leader, Teamwork, Brave,

• Coachable, Honest, Open-minded,

• Good communicator, Problem-solver, Responsible,

• Disciplined, Trustworthy, Good decision-maker,

• Competitive, Emotionally-even, Persistent

• AND ADD YOUR OWN :-)

Step 3.

Read through the below examples and note the words/phrases that OTHER ATHLETES USED TO describe character strengths and positive actions, then write your own

Jacob, HS junior swimmer, writes:

Sophomore year:

• Overcame anxiety at start of season as I moved up in groups.

• Became part of Gold team and dropped time in most of my events.

• Set a sophomore school record in the 100 free by 1.00.

• Used time studying at home to fit in 50 min more/week of core and stretching.

Junior year:

• Overcame a shoulder injury through diligence with my PT, and finding ways to be a part of the team.

• Started an anonymous instagram profile to connect with other injured athletes.

• Got really clear on my personal strengths, which helped me feel better when talking to college coaches.

  Notice Jacob's strength phrases: Overcame anxiety (persistence), dropped time/set record (hard-working), stretching during study time (resourceful and committed)

Zoe, college freshman runner writes:

First year:

• Used my sense of commitment and discipline to cross-train through a stress fracture during xc.

• Made good use of my extra time by working hard in the gym and making friends outside of track. 

• Came back strong during indoor track and set a PR in the 1500 by 2.5 seconds.

• Contributed to spring track conference champs with 14 points. 

Notice Zoe's strength words/phrases: commitment, discipline, going to gym (dedicated), making friends outside of track (resilient, healthy relationship with sport), set a PR and scored at conference (driven).

Now write your own bullet points using these tips:

• HOW you have overcome difficulties

• What STRENGTHS you have used

• What you have LEARNED along the way

• Focus on EFFORT

• Add any STATS and NUMBERS where you have shown improvement

Examples of accomplishments:

• Achieved a season goal

• Experienced something for the first time

• Asked for help

• Learned and/or mastered a new skill

• Stepped outside of my comfort zone

• Overcame a fear

• Trusted my gut

• Showed courage in uncertainty

• Rebounded after a setback

• Challenges, struggles, and adversity that I overcame and grew through were...

• I took a risk

• Helped a teammate who was struggling

• Cultivated and nurtured strong team bonds

On Your Mark, Get Set, write!

Writing your Confidence Resume is actually really fun. You get to reflect and unpack the experiences that have shaped you to be who you are today. This process provides you with the positive vibes and personal pride to get you to the next level. Go for it!