If I'm no longer an athlete or a founder... who am I? Do I still matter? How do I even introduce myself? Am I a failure because I gave up? Here's how others are grappling with finding a new identity.
I've had a non-sports career for 14 years since "retiring". I found I stopped talking about my swimming career when people asked me to introduce myself. But then it inevitably comes up as you build stronger relationships with people. I could actually sense that when someone found out they looked at me differently. So I wouldn't say people stop caring when you retire, but rather your athletic career is something that adds to the way you are perceived rather than being the core aspect of how people perceive you.
Great article and for what it’s worth, I think a lot people pigeon-hole/prevent themselves from reaching their full potential because they try to shape their identity in a way that suits others.
I've had a non-sports career for 14 years since "retiring". I found I stopped talking about my swimming career when people asked me to introduce myself. But then it inevitably comes up as you build stronger relationships with people. I could actually sense that when someone found out they looked at me differently. So I wouldn't say people stop caring when you retire, but rather your athletic career is something that adds to the way you are perceived rather than being the core aspect of how people perceive you.
Great article and for what it’s worth, I think a lot people pigeon-hole/prevent themselves from reaching their full potential because they try to shape their identity in a way that suits others.