Asking Questions: The Key to Growth in Sports and Life

Asking Questions: The Key to Growth in Sports and Life  

One of the clearest indicators of success I’ve seen in athletes is their willingness to ask questions. It might seem simple—almost insignificant—but in reality, it’s one of the most powerful habits an athlete can develop.  

Ask more questions, get better results.

Why? Because questions create a deeper understanding of the game, your role, and what it takes to improve. They open doors to learning, clarity, and ultimately, growth. Yet, many athletes hesitate to ask questions—whether it’s out of fear, pride, or discomfort. The ones who push past those barriers and embrace curiosity set themselves apart from the rest.  

Why Athletes Avoid Asking Questions  

Many athletes avoid asking questions for one of two reasons:  

1. Fear of Looking Weak or Uncertain  

    A lot of athletes believe that asking questions makes them seem dumb, unprepared, or unsure of themselves. They worry that coaches or teammates will judge them for not already knowing the answer. This couldn’t be further from the truth. The best athletes aren’t the ones who pretend to know everything—they’re the ones who seek out answers and knowledge to improve.  

   Coaches also play a role in this. A team culture that discourages questions or makes players feel uncomfortable speaking up can limit development. The best teams foster an environment where questions are encouraged, mistakes are viewed as learning opportunities, and curiosity is seen as a strength.  

2. Not Wanting to Hear the Answer 

   The other reason athletes shy away from questions is simple: they don’t always want to hear the truth. Asking a coach why you’re not playing as much as you’d like can be uncomfortable. The answer might highlight areas of weakness that you’d rather ignore. But here’s the reality—avoiding the truth doesn’t change it.  

   Great athletes don’t run from feedback; they embrace it. They understand that feedback isn’t meant to tear them down—it’s meant to inform them of reality. The sooner you accept constructive criticism, the faster you can address weaknesses and improve.  

Asking Questions Leads to Growth 

Growth doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when you actively seek out ways to improve. Asking questions is one of the simplest ways to accelerate that process.  

If you’re not playing as much as you want, ask why. If you don’t feel comfortable going to the head coach, ask an assistant. If your shot isn’t falling, ask your trainer what adjustments you need to make. If you’re struggling with confidence, ask a mentor how they overcame their own doubts.  

These conversations aren’t always easy—but the alternative is worse. The alternative is staying stuck, unsure of where you stand, and never addressing the things holding you back.  

The Most Important Questions Are the Ones You Ask Yourself 

While asking others for feedback is important, the best athletes also ask themselves the right questions every day. Let’s be clear—this isn’t about *questioning* yourself in a negative way. It’s about analyzing how you’re doing with the things you can control and identifying areas for growth.  

Questions Every Athlete Should Regularly Ask Themselves: 

- Am I giving maximum effort every day?  

- Am I preparing the right way?  

- What’s working for me right now? What’s not?  

- How am I responding to adversity?  

- What do I need to improve, and what steps am I taking to do so?  

- Am I open to feedback, or am I resisting it?  

The best athletes are constantly evaluating themselves. They don’t wait for a coach to call them out or for a bad game to force reflection—they take ownership of their development.  

The Connection Between Questions, Feedback, and Success

Success in sports—and in life—isn’t about always having the right answers. It’s about having the willingness to seek them out.  

The best athletes are the ones who embrace curiosity, ask for guidance, and learn from those around them. They seek feedback not just from coaches but also from teammates, mentors, and even opponents. They aren’t afraid of the truth because they know that facing it is the only way to grow.  

If you want to separate yourself, start asking more questions. Get comfortable with feedback. Be willing to hear the hard truth. Because the athletes who do this consistently are the ones who keep improving—long after everyone else has stopped.