Stonnington Pickleball Club Inc.
powered by TidyHQEddie's Mental Dink - Series 2
Eddie's Mental Dink - Series 2
Motivation
Where effort continues, even when no one is watching
M otivation is often mistaken for hype rather than commitment. Every player begins a season motivated. Early progress, novelty, and enthusiasm make effort feel easy. The real challenge is not starting — it is sustaining motivation through plateaus, setbacks, and lean periods where progress feels slow or invisible.
Motivation shapes how consistently we train, how we respond to difficulty, and whether effort continues when external rewards fade.
Why Motivation Matters
Motivation underpins consistency, and consistency is the foundation of long-term development in sport. When motivation is clear, effort feels purposeful rather than forced, training becomes sustainable rather than exhausting, and setbacks are interpreted as part of growth rather than reasons to stop.
- Effort feels purposeful rather than forced
- Training becomes sustainable instead of exhausting
- Setbacks become information, not identity
Two Types of Motivation
Extrinsic motivation is driven by external rewards, recognition, rankings, outcomes, or praise. These motivators can be powerful, but they are often fragile and dependent on results beyond our control.
Intrinsic motivation comes from within — enjoyment, learning, growth, and personal meaning. Research consistently shows intrinsic motivation as a key driver of long-term excellence and enjoyment in sport.
Motivation in Action — A Case Study
Serena Williams dominated professional tennis for more than two decades, overcoming injuries, personal challenges, and the demands of motherhood while continuing to compete at the highest level.
For pickleball players at every level: find joy in the process, and anchor effort to a purpose that matters beyond today’s result.
Take It With You
Ask yourself: “What keeps me coming back to the court when no one is watching — and how can I reconnect with that reason more often?”
That answer is where sustainable motivation lives.
About the Author
Eddie Baghdikian is a graduate of Deakin University’s Graduate Diploma of Sport Management and the Australian College of Applied Psychology’s Graduate Diploma of Counselling. He brings a practical, accessible approach to helping athletes strengthen motivation, sharpen focus, and enjoy the game with clarity and composure.
Instagram: @eddiebaghdikian
