ABSTRACT
The metaphor of a foundation is powerful in the field of performance and sport psychology. Utilizing performance enhancement techniques, along with a belief system that provides purpose and meaning, creates a strong foundation (Brown, 2001). Purpose and meaning are provided by faith, and Jesus compares His faithful followers (Luke 6:48, emphasis added) to “a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock.” For the Christian athlete, a holistic approach that integrates the mind, body, and soul may be foundational to performance. This chapter outlines a foundational model of performance based on the belief that an athlete’s identity in Christ provides a transformative freedom to perform. Motivation shifts from proving self-worth to an outward focus on witness, worship, and vocation. Fear, anxiety, pressure, and comparison are diminished as athletes experience enhanced focus in the present moment, thereby enhancing performance. The central thesis of the chapter is that the foundational model has the potential to equip athletes with the attitude and resilience necessary to navigate the challenges of a career in sport and life beyond.
