We hear it all the time in youth sports:

“Just be yourself.”
“Play your game.”
“Stay authentic.”

And while this advice sounds good, it can actually become a trap, especially for young athletes trying to grow, lead, and perform at their best.

Let’s break it down.

The Myth of One “Authentic Self”

When we tell athletes to always be themselves, we might unknowingly be sending the message that they should always act the same, no matter the situation.

But here’s the truth:
You are not an object. You’re not a basketball card with a certificate of authenticity.
You’re a person. And people change depending on the situation, environment, emotions, and role.

We’re not objects. We’re subjects.
We grow. We adapt. We evolve.

Why the Best Athletes Use Different Versions of Themselves

The most confident and mentally strong athletes don’t wait to feel like a leader.
They step into a version of themselves that fits the moment.

It’s not “faking it.”
It’s choosing how to show up.
It’s owning your performance identity.

A quiet player might become vocal on defense.
A nervous free-throw shooter might become "The Closer" with ice in their veins.
A hesitant point guard might shift into “Game General” mode when the team needs a leader.

That’s not being fake, that’s mental performance.

Real Authenticity = Owning Who You Need to Be

The word “authentic” comes from the Greek authentes, meaning:
“One acting on one’s own authority.”

It doesn’t mean being the same all the time.
It means stepping into the right version of yourself — on purpose.

So when a coach says, “Be a leader,”
or a parent says, “Play like you in practice,”
you now have a new tool:

Ask yourself:

“What version of me does this moment need?”
And then choose to become that version.

For Parents: How to Support This Idea

• Don’t just say “Be yourself.” Instead, encourage your athlete to explore who they are becoming.

• Ask reflective questions like:

  • “What mindset do you want to bring today?”

  • “What version of you shows up when things get hard?”

• Praise identity shifts, not just outcomes. For example:

  • “I saw how you became a great communicator today when your teammates needed direction.”

  • “You stayed calm like a pro even when things weren’t going your way.”

This kind of language builds confidence from the inside out.

Final Thought

Being “authentic” doesn’t mean staying the same.
It means having the courage to become who the moment requires.
That’s leadership. That’s confidence. That’s what elite athletes do.

So next time you step on the court, field, or track…
Don’t just try to “be yourself.”

Be the strongest version of yourself.
On purpose.
With power.

Coach Dave

www.coachdave.me

PS: The Game Ready Mindset is just Days away from Launch! We are so excited to roll out our Founding Members Membership soon!