It’s OK Not To Be OK

In the sports industry, where the drive for results, high-stakes decisions, and public visibility can be relentless, leaders often feel pressure to stay strong no matter what. However, recognising that “it’s okay not to be okay” is essential for maintaining resilience and setting an example of authenticity. Acknowledging and addressing struggles cannot only improve your wellbeing but also foster a healthier environment for your team. Here are eight ways to embrace this mindset and take actionable steps to prioritise your mental and emotional health:

1) Acknowledge Your Feelings Honestly

Insight: Recognising when you’re feeling stressed, disappointed, or overwhelmed can help you manage your response, rather than ignoring these emotions until they escalate.

Tip: Practice a daily emotional check-in. Take just a few moments to assess how you feel and give yourself permission to feel it. This practice reduces the emotional strain of suppressing stress and promotes healthier coping.

2) Accept Vulnerability As Part Of Strong Leadership

Insight: Leaders who acknowledge their challenges foster a culture of openness, trust, and resilience. Showing vulnerability humanises you in the eyes of your team.

Tip: Share challenges with your team when appropriate. This doesn’t mean oversharing but rather demonstrating that facing difficulties is part of everyone’s journey, including yours.

3) Redefine Success Beyond Results

Insight: In the sports industry, success is often measured by results. However, long-term resilience requires leaders to value personal wellbeing alongside performance metrics.

Tip: Set personal goals focused on self-care, balance, and wellness, not just results. These personal wins help you perform better over time and reinforce a sustainable approach to leadership.

4) Prioritise Mental Health Daily

Insight: Prioritising mental health helps you handle stress and pressure better, creating a foundation for sustained high performance.

Tip: Schedule short breaks for activities that support mental health, like deep breathing, meditation, or a short walk. Even 10 minutes a day can help you reset, boost focus, and reduce stress.

5) Build & Lean On Your Support Network

Insight: Leaders often feel the need to shoulder everything alone, but support from colleagues, mentors, or friends provides valuable perspective and relief.

Tip: Identify a few trusted people who understand the pressures of leadership. Schedule regular check-ins with them to share challenges and receive support. Just knowing you’re not alone can be a huge relief.

6) Practice Self-Compassion

Insight: High achievers can be their own harshest critics. Learning to show yourself compassion can ease stress and make it easier to bounce back from setbacks.

Tip: When you encounter challenges, replace self-criticism with words of encouragement. Remind yourself that even the best leaders struggle, and setbacks are an opportunity to learn and grow.

7) Take Breaks Without Guilt

Insight: In sports, the rhythm never stops, and leaders can feel pressured to always be “on.” But consistent breaks are essential for avoiding burnout and sustaining your performance.

Tip: Schedule uninterrupted personal time each week, whether it’s a workout, family time, or a solo walk. Treat this time as essential to your role, not as an optional break.

8) Seek Professional Guidance When Needed

Insight: Just as athletes rely on coaches, leaders can benefit from mental health support. Therapy, coaching, or consulting with a mentor can provide the tools needed to manage stress effectively.

Tip: Consider consulting a mental health professional or executive coach. They can offer guidance on managing stress, improving work-life balance, and building resilience, helping you stay focused and centred under pressure.

Conclusion

Being a leader in the sports industry comes with unique pressures and challenges, but it’s okay to recognise that you don’t always have to be at 100%. Embracing this reality allows you to address stress, prioritise mental health, and set a positive example for your team. When you accept that it’s okay not to be okay, you not only strengthen your own resilience but also create a culture where others feel safe to do the same.

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