SWOT Analysis – A strategic planning tool for athletes

One strategic planning tool athletes can use for situational decision-making is a SWOT analysis. A SWOT analysis involves the athlete identifying their Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats regarding a particular situation or decision. When done as a self-reflective exercise, a SWOT analysis gives the athlete a method to identify and evaluate internal and external factors that could contribute to mental health and performance. 

An athlete can draw out a SWOT analysis as a simple four quadrants on a piece of paper (see picture). In the Strength quadrant, you identify some of the assets you have either in general or in regard to the particular situation you are considering. These could be physical or mental attributes which provide you an advantage. For Weaknesses, you name areas in need of improvement or specific aspects that could serve as physical or mental barriers. In the Opportunities quadrant, you consider your own potential growth and ways you could expand your physical or mental skills. For Threats, you explore internal and external factors that could hinder you in the situation and get in the way of your accomplishments.