Learning to Earn Your Playing Time

Learning to Earn Your Playing Time: A Mindset Shift in Competitive Sports

In competitive sports, there comes a time when simply showing up is no longer enough to guarantee playing time. Earning your playing time becomes the new reality, a concept that challenges athletes to take ownership of their growth, performance, and mental strength. Yet, for those accustomed to always being in the starting lineup, adjusting to this shift can be tough. Inspired by my teachings on mental toughness and resilience, let’s explore why learning to earn your playing time is a transformative experience that every athlete can benefit from.

The Comfort Zone of “Guaranteed” Playing Time

For many athletes, especially those who have always been among the best on their team, playing time may have felt like an unspoken right. This can create a “comfort zone” where the athlete expects their place on the ice/field/court regardless of their performance, effort, or attitude. However, growth rarely happens within comfort zones.

When athletes start facing situations where their playing time must be earned, it often exposes a weak spot: the need for external validation. Playing time is no longer about participation but about contribution, hard work, and the level of commitment an athlete is willing to give. For some, this adjustment can be frustrating, leading to complaints and discouragement as they’re asked to earn what once seemed automatic.

The Problem with Complaining

Complaining about situations often comes from a mindset that avoids accountability. Complaining might feel like an emotional release, but in reality, it places the power outside yourself. When an athlete complains about playing time, they reinforce the belief that their worth or success is controlled by something external—the coach, teammates, or circumstances. This mindset is limiting because it stops athletes from addressing the actual factors within their control.

Complaining also diverts focus. Instead of channeling energy into improving skills, increasing effort, or seeking feedback, athletes focus on perceived injustice or unfairness. As I emphasize, the mindset of a champion is built on accountability, adaptability, and resilience—qualities that are undercut by a mindset focused on blame.

The Mental Shift to Earning Playing Time

So, how can athletes pivot from complaining to earning? The shift starts with a mindset of ownership. Instead of viewing playing time as a right, view it as a privilege that must be earned. This change creates a mentality where every practice, every drill, and every interaction become an opportunity to prove your commitment and dedication.

1. Focus on Self-Improvement: Rather than obsessing over who’s getting more playing time, focus on your own performance. Set personal goals for each practice and game, challenging yourself to improve on key skills, consistency, and attitude. This focus not only helps you become a better player but also shows coaches your commitment to growth.
2. Seek Feedback: Complaining comes from frustration, but seeking feedback is a proactive response that fuels improvement. Coaches are more likely to work with players who actively seek ways to get better. Ask your coach for specific areas you can work on, whether it’s defensive positioning, speed, or communication. By applying the feedback, you not only improve but demonstrate your willingness to earn your place.
3. Resilience in Adversity: Earning playing time often requires resilience—especially when it feels like you’re not getting immediate results. I teach that resilience is developed when we’re faced with challenges and choose to persevere. Instead of interpreting lack of playing time as a failure, view it as an opportunity to grow and prove your grit. Being able to work hard without guaranteed reward builds the mental strength needed for all areas of life, not just sports.
4. Shift to a Team-First Mentality: Sometimes, the focus on individual playing time can cause an athlete to lose sight of team dynamics. Coaches need players who think about what’s best for the team, not just their personal success. By embracing a team-first mentality, you show coaches that you’re willing to play whatever role is necessary to support the group’s success. This selflessness often results in more opportunities to play as coaches recognize the value of team-oriented players.
5. Control the Controllables: Mental resilience comes from focusing on what you can control—attitude, effort, and adaptability. You may not control how many shifts you get, but you control how you perform when you’re out there. Focus on winning battles, making smart plays, and being a positive presence on the bench. When you consistently deliver strong performances, coaches are more likely to trust you with additional time.

The Benefits of Earning vs. Expecting Playing Time

Learning to earn playing time isn’t just about increasing playtime; it’s about becoming a stronger, more resilient athlete. Earning playing time teaches critical life skills that extend far beyond the rink/court/field, such as work ethic, discipline, and perseverance.

1. Greater Appreciation for Opportunities: When you earn something, it carries a deeper value. You’ll find that each shift means more when you’ve worked hard for it, and you’re more likely to make the most of each moment playing.
2. Increased Confidence: Earning playing time fosters a sense of self-reliance. When you know you’ve put in the work and earned your spot, confidence grows. You stop depending on external approval for validation and start trusting in your abilities.
3. Preparation for Future Challenges: Facing setbacks is inevitable in sports and life. The lessons you learn from earning playing time—such as resilience, focus, and self-discipline—equip you to handle future challenges with poise.
4. Stronger Coach-Athlete Relationship: Coaches notice athletes who show up, work hard, and make positive changes. By focusing on earning your place rather than complaining, you build a strong, respectful relationship with your coach that can lead to more trust and, ultimately, more opportunities.

Final Thoughts: The Mindset of a Champion

Champions aren’t those who are handed success—they’re the ones who earn it through consistent effort, mental resilience, and an unshakeable commitment to growth. The same applies to playing time. Rather than expecting or complaining, take ownership of your development. Accept the challenge to earn your place every day.

In sports, as in life, there are few things as rewarding as knowing that your success is a result of your hard work and dedication. By shifting your focus from entitlement to effort, you not only increase your playing time but become a stronger, more resilient athlete prepared for any challenge that comes your way. Embrace the journey, earn your spot, and grow into the kind of player that every team needs—the kind who shows up ready to earn their place, no matter what.