As the end of the year or season comes around what keeps you
motivated to keep coming back every year? It is easy to point out that almost
every athletic trainer puts in a lot of hours and can easily feel “burnt out”,
but what makes it all worth it?
I recently had this
conversation with another athletic trainer and we decided that what helps us
the most is remembering why we picked the field of athletic training in the
first place and holding on to the feelings of those you have helped.
Everyone has a different reason for choosing the field of
athletic training. I have heard stories from others about being injured while
they were in high school, college or they just had a passion for helping people
and loving sports. An athletic trainer somewhere made a difference in their
lives. Try to think of that when you are
winding down at the end of a season. The athlete you are treating still
deserves your very best and you may ignite a passion for the field of athletic
training in them, like you once felt.
We also decided that reflecting on the thank you phone calls
or emails from students or parents can help ease the burden of working so many
hours at the end of the season or year. We also discussed that not everyone has
a positive work environment, so it may be up to you to set that tone. Show your
co-workers that you have enthusiasm for your job and your athletes and you will
set a positive example.
