The Source of the Direction: Approach vs Avoidance

The third source of motivation is what I call the source of direction. Quite simply, in which direction are you moving? Forward or backward. In sports, motivation tends to fall into one of two categories: approach motivation or avoidance motivation. Athletes are either moving toward something they want or away from something they fear.

You often hear this described as playing to win versus playing not to lose. Playing to win is an approach-oriented mindset. Athletes who operate this way stay aggressive, confident, and task-focused. They pursue points, take calculated risks, and make assertive decisions. Their attention stays on what they want to execute, not on what they are trying to avoid.

Avoidance motivation looks very different. This shows up when an athlete is focused on preventing mistakes, protecting a lead, or maintaining status. While it may seem safe, this mindset often creates hesitation and anxiety. Athletes become cautious, second-guess decisions, and stop trusting their skills. When confidence drops, distractions increase, and performance usually follows.

There is a real neurological and physical difference between these two states. When an athlete is approach-oriented, the left prefrontal cortex is activated. This part of the brain supports problem-solving, confidence, and proactive behavior. The body reflects this state by staying loose, fluid, and explosive. When an athlete shifts into avoidance mode, the right prefrontal cortex becomes dominant. This is the brain’s threat- and avoidance-centered region. Muscles tighten, movements become rigid, and reaction time slows.

A powerful example of this can be seen in the 2016 World Series. The Chicago Cubs entered the series carrying the weight of a 108-year championship drought. When they fell behind the Cleveland Indians 3-1, many teams would have tightened up and played not to lose. Instead, the Cubs stayed aggressive and kept playing to win. They trusted their approach, stayed assertive, and won three straight games to claim the title. It is also fair to say the pressure shifted, and the team with the lead began protecting instead of attacking.

The mental skill here is learning to keep your motivation pointed forward. Through proactive self-talk and clear performance statements, athletes can keep their minds in an approach state. When you focus on what you want to do, rather than what you are trying to avoid, your mind and body stay free. That freedom unlocks your best performance.

This is Mental Strength.

For Players

Do:

1. Use performance statements that tell your body what to do, not what to avoid.

2. Focus on attacking your tasks and executing your strengths.

Avoid:

1. Playing cautiously to protect a lead or avoid mistakes.

2. Letting fear dictate your decisions in competition.

For Parents

Do:

1. Use language that encourages attacking effort and confidence.

2. Reinforce playing to win through positive, task-focused feedback.

Avoid:

1. Saying things like “just don’t mess this up” or “play it safe.”

2. Creating pressure that shifts your athlete into fear-based thinking.

For Coaches

Do:

1. Design practices that reward assertiveness and decision-making.

2. Cue athletes toward actions and solutions rather than mistakes.

Avoid:

1. Coaching from a fear of errors instead of execution.

2. Sending mixed messages that push athletes into avoidance mode.

Ready to Train Your Mind to Play to Win

If you want to build approach-oriented confidence, stronger decision-making, and real mental toughness, come train with us. Download the MOTYV8 app and start developing the mental operating system that helps athletes play free, aggressive, and confident when it matters most.