From a young age, if I grew up in a family that loves sports, then you were probably told that it builds character and makes you a better person. Sure, it helps us be a team player, learn to take losses, and not be a sore loser or winner. But what about other things that shape the person you become?
For example, you are failing at a certain task, and you are getting so frustrated that you want to quit. Instead, though, to build character, you keep trying until you get it, and you don’t give up. Or simply just helping someone, without anyone knowing it was you, and without expecting personal gain.
These simple things help build character, too. Even just maintaining a routine, which is something I thrive on as a neurodivergent. Having empathy as well, although I struggle with it, is a good thing to practice because someday you are going to need that empathy back in return. Or when someone is being rude, you instead “kill them with kindness” instead of insulting them back, because that can make the situation worse.
I myself have struggled with some of these myself, but I am always trying to strive to be a better person, and I don’t need sports to do that. Also, how you are raised is a factor in being a better person because if you are raised as always having to win, a loss will be especially hard, and learning humility and taking a loss is half the battle.
I struggle with being patient sometimes because of my neurodivergency. I like to be on time for things, but when I have to wait for something, like a doctor’s appointment, I get so frustrated because they should show curiosity and be on time.
Building character can be tough, but it takes time, practice, and the ability to fail and get up and try again, to have humility, courage, and empathy. Sports are not the only way to build character, and we have to learn that to grow.
