The Stories We Tell Ourselves: Narrative Identity in Sport
Are you chasing performance or just trying to prove the story you’ve been told?
Every athlete has a story.
Some are loud:
“I never finish strong.”
“I have to prove myself.”
Others are quiet, almost invisible:
“I’m not like the real athletes.”
“I’m the one who always gets injured.”
“I’m only good at suffering, not winning.”
These are more than thoughts. They’re identities—stories we tell ourselves about who we are, what we’re capable of, and what kind of athlete we can become.
This blog explores the idea of narrative identity in sport: how the internal stories we carry shape our training, mindset, and resilience. And more importantly—how to rewrite those stories to serve us, not sabotage us.
What Is Narrative Identity?
Narrative identity is the internal story you create about your life. It’s the way you make sense of your past, interpret your present, and project into your future.
In sport, your narrative identity often sounds like:
“I’m the gritty one, not the talented one.”
“I’m always chasing, never leading.”
“I’m great in training but fall apart in races.”
“I don’t have a runner’s body.”
“I’m the comeback story.”
These stories aren’t facts. They’re frames. The frame you use determines what you focus on and what you believe about your limits.
How Stories Shape Athletic Behaviour
Your story isn’t just emotional—it’s behavioural.
For example:
If your story is “I’m not a strong runner,” you might unconsciously underperform in run sessions, avoid pushing pace, or shy away from hilly routes.
If your story is “I always crack in the final stretch,” you might mentally check out before the end, even when your body is still capable.
If your story is “I’m the hard worker, not the gifted one,” you might overtrain to compensate, never allowing yourself to rest without guilt.
The story becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy—not because it’s true, but because it shapes how you show up.
The Problem with Outdated or Inherited Stories
Many of the stories we carry didn’t come from us. They came from:
Early race results
Coaches’ feedback
Teammates’ comments
Parental expectations
A single bad season that became the narrative
The issue? These stories don’t update automatically.
What once felt like truth (“I always fade in the heat”) may no longer apply, but if you’ve never challenged it, it’s still guiding your choices.
You’ve evolved. Your story should, too.
Step 1: Identify the Story on Repeat
Start by asking: What do I always seem to say about myself as an athlete?
Finish the sentences:
“I’m the kind of athlete who…”
“When it gets tough, I always…”
“The thing that defines me in sport is…”
Then ask: Who gave me this story? Was it earned? Was it true then but outdated now? Do I even want it to be part of my identity anymore?
Naming the story is the first step in changing it.
Step 2: Separate Narrative from Evidence
Your mind loves patterns. It builds identity from moments—but often ignores the full picture.
Let’s say your story is “I’m not a strong cyclist.”
Ask:
Is that based on a few bad races or seasons?
Has that pattern actually continued?
Have I improved but never acknowledged it?
Do I train like someone who believes they can improve?
List 3–5 pieces of evidence that challenge the old story. Even small ones. They’re the start of a new script.
Step 3: Re-Author with Intention
You don’t need to erase your story—you just need to revise it.
Instead of:
“I always blow up in the final third.”
Try:
“I’m learning how to manage my effort deep into fatigue.”
Instead of:
“I’m only here because I’m stubborn.”
Try:
“My consistency is my superpower.”
Instead of:
“I’m not built like a real triathlete.”
Try:
“I race with what I’ve got—and it’s enough.”
This is narrative identity work in real time. The goal isn’t to fake positivity. It’s to speak the truth you want to grow into.
Step 4: Live the New Story in Training
Now comes the integration.
Start acting like the athlete in your new story:
If your story is “I finish strong,” practice pacing and closing hard—even when your brain says back off.
If your story is “I’m building mental resilience,” stay present during uncomfortable reps.
If your story is “I trust my fitness,” train without over checking data. Let the body speak.
Every time you act in alignment with your new narrative, you reinforce it. Your brain starts to believe, because your behavior is proof.
Step 5: Use Reflection to Reinforce the Shift
After each session or race, take 3 minutes to write:
“How did I show up in alignment with my new story today?”
“Where did the old narrative try to come back in?”
“What’s one sentence I want to carry into my next effort?”
These reflections aren’t fluff. They’re rewiring. You’re teaching your brain a new story, on purpose.
FAQ
What if I’ve always had the same identity in sport?
That’s normal. Most of us carry stories we built early on. But just like your fitness evolves, so should your mindset. Outdated stories limit current potential.
Can I have multiple narratives at once?
Yes. Some parts of your story may be empowering, others limiting. The goal is to amplify the helpful voices and reframe the ones that hold you back.
Is this just about mindset—or does it affect performance too?
It affects both. Your story shapes your effort, your decision-making under pressure, your pacing confidence, and your recovery mindset. It’s deeply tied to performance.
How do I know if a story is hurting me?
If it keeps you small, cautious, or ashamed—it’s hurting you. If it drives growth, compassion, and consistency—it’s serving you.
Final Thoughts
You are not locked into the story you started with.
You are not defined by that race five years ago.
You are not here to play out someone else’s script.
You are the author.
And every session, every setback, every start line—you get to write the next line. So what will it be?
If your performance is shaped by your story, what would change if you chose to tell a new one?
The information provided on FLJUGA is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical, psychological, or training advice. Always consult with a qualified medical professional, mental health provider, or certified coach before beginning any new training or mindset program. Your use of this content is at your own risk.