"It's tough, but I still love it" — Mindsets to avoid burnout while traveling with teams as a trainer
——The only 4 things you need to keep doing what you love——
[Who this note is for]
• Young trainers who feel like they're about to break from constant travel
• Students traveling to a national tournament for the first time
• Anyone who feels, "I love this, but I'm exhausted"
"This is tough..."
"If only someone could take over for me right now..."
National tournaments, training camps, away games, matches in the scorching heat.
The job of a trainer, standing right beside the athletes, is much tougher than it looks from the outside.
Yet, we keep returning to the field.
Why?
——Because, at the end of the day, we love this job.
In this article, I have compiled mindsets to maintain yourself and keep growing in a field where "toughness" and "fun" coexist.
Based on psychology, behavioral science, and field experience, I will provide tips to help you face tomorrow with your head held high.
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1. Finding travel tough is proof that you are growing as a trainer
When you're traveling with a team, you're constantly on edge, aren't you?
• Watching every step the athletes take during the game
• Being ready to rush in and make decisions the moment something goes wrong
• Even at night, when you're doing care at the hotel, your mind is still wondering, "Are they okay?"
This is proof that you've become able to notice things.
In other words, you aren't tired because you're inexperienced; you're tired because your perspective has broadened.
[A recommendation for reframing]
• "I'm tired..." → "I was really observant today"
• "I was nervous..." → "I have a responsibility to fulfill right now"
By viewing things this way, mere "toughness" transforms into "proof of growth."
Doesn't that make you feel a little proud?
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2. Instead of "Was I useful?", ask "Did I like who I was?"
It's great to be thanked by athletes, and it builds confidence to be recognized by the coach.
But if that becomes the core of your motivation, you'll break when you don't get that validation.
That's why I want you to be conscious of this——
"Did I like the way I acted?"
• The version of me that stayed calm during a sudden accident
• The version of me that treated even the most mundane tasks with care
• The version of me that acted properly in moments no one else noticed
Can you be proud of your actions, not just others' evaluations?
Once you start focusing on this, the trainer's job becomes increasingly "intrinsically fun."
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3. Those who can create "OFF" time are the ones who last
When you're traveling with a team, it's hard to know when to let your guard down.
• Worrying about the athletes' complexions even during bus rides
• Staying on standby after care is done, thinking someone might get injured
• Thinking about tomorrow's game even while taking a bath
But in reality, "OFF time" is what sustains your endurance as a trainer.
[Recommended ON/OFF switching points]
• Stop "watching" during the athletes' post-game meeting
• Wear headphones on the bus to shut out the athletes' conversations
• Take 15 minutes after your bath to be "completely off" without even looking at your phone
Be conscious of OFF time to ensure you can be fully ON.
Just this awareness makes traveling much easier.
You'll naturally start to feel, "I think I can do my best again tomorrow."
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4. Cherish the moments when you think, "I really do love this"
Even when traveling is tough, there are moments when you know you love this job.
• Seeing an athlete you treated play with all their heart during the game
• Being told "I feel so much lighter!" after a session
• When an athlete suddenly opens up and talks about their worries
These aren't just "rewards"; I believe this is the essence of the job.The moment hearts connect through care and support.
The time when trust grows through skills and knowledge.
That's why, even when things are tough, we come back.This cycle eventually becomes your own "weapon."
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Conclusion: Toughness and fun can exist at the same time
The job of a trainer is a series of "contradictions."
It's tough, but it's fun.
It's sometimes unrewarding, but it's fulfilling.
It's behind-the-scenes work, but it has a definite presence.
That is precisely why it is important to know the contours of what you "love."
"Why am I working so hard?"
→ "Ah, that's right, I love this job."
If you hold that question and answer within yourself, no matter how tough the field is, your stance will never waver.
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[Save for later] Summary of mindsets for traveling with teams
• Toughness is proof that your perspective is expanding
• Focus on being "someone you can be proud of" rather than on evaluation
• Taking time off is a strategy, not a sign of weakness
• Keep enough mental space to notice the moments you love