Purity Over Performance
Building a Winning Mindset for Life and Sport
Being an athlete isn’t just about what happens on the court, field, or track—it’s also about the business of life. Choosing purity, integrity, and faith first creates lasting success both in sports and beyond. This means cultivating discipline, managing your time wisely, and prioritizing God in ways that advance your athletic and personal goals.
This past September, I had the privilege of mentoring female athletes through a cohort I launched called “The Girls Anthem Locker Room”. Over six weeks, I poured into these women with one goal in mind: that they would walk away with a deeper understanding of Christ and a sense of identity beyond the scoreboard.
You don’t have to be a part of the cohort to benefit from some of the lessons I shared. While it’s not always easy, practicing purity over performance is possible in every area of life, including your relationship with God. You don’t need to perform for Him to earn His love, and you don’t have to put on a facade to make it through the day. Here are practical ways to prioritize faith and integrity while building success in sports and life.
1. Consider Putting Your Sport Down for a Season
This doesn’t mean quitting or neglecting your obligations, but sometimes stepping back allows space for spiritual growth. Take a month to focus more on your relationship with Christ than your relationship with the court. You’re not giving up—you’re suiting up for a different field God is calling you to.
2. See Yourself as a Daughter of God First
Too often, athletes measure their worth by their roles instead of their spiritual inheritance. When you view yourself as God sees you, you eliminate the pressure to perform for Him. Lean into your identity as a daughter so you can show up authentically, not just on the court, but in life.
3. Ask God What’s Holding You Back
Honesty with God is crucial. For young female athletes, this isn’t the season to pursue relationships that distract you or explore behaviors that compromise your purity. Meditate on Hebrews 12:1-2 and ask God to reveal what’s weighing you down so you can shed it and run your race unburdened.
4. Cultivate Hobbies Beyond Your Sport
Expand your identity by exploring other interests—painting, reading, sewing, or creative projects. Weekly hobbies help you discover new talents and can also become sacred spaces to connect with God. As you create, pray, and reflect, allowing Him to speak into the fullness of who you are beyond athletics.
5. Work Through Emotional Baggage
Athletes often carry emotional weight that impacts performance. Seek help from mentors, therapists, or coaches to address stress or unresolved issues. Journaling can also reveal patterns and triggers, while prayer provides clarity and guidance for moving forward. Emotional health is just as vital as physical or mental training.
6. Be Disciplined on the Court and in the Kingdom
It’s easy to push hard for practice, but spiritual discipline is equally essential. When you’re spiritually centered, you’ll notice discipline flowing into your business, relationships, and life. Consistently study God’s Word and maintain spiritual habits—even during winning seasons—so you have a foundation to rely on when challenges arise. Remember: “Closed mouths don’t get fed, and closed Bibles don’t win wars.”
7. Take Inventory and Ask Tough Questions
Some of these tips may sound familiar, but repetition is key. Don’t just be a great athlete, be a fully devoted disciple. Consider accountability and reflect on questions like:
Where have I compromised devotion time with God for sport?
Do I seek God first thing in the morning, or jump straight into practice?
Am I in relationships that honor God’s will for my life?
Have I allowed comparison to other athletes to influence my mindset?
Where can I spend more time listening to God instead of focusing on my own agenda?
Use these reflections to ensure that purity, integrity, and faith guide your every move.
God blessed you with your talents, and using them is not wrong, but they should never replace your time with Him. Prioritizing Him first creates a mindset that not only advances your athletic goals but also develops a life that honors God and reflects your true identity.
Are you an athlete who wants to join The Locker Room and grow spiritually while excelling athletically? Visit our sign-up page here: Girls Anthem Locker Room