Empowered Perspective of Maicon Leite: 'Adept Self-Understanding Equips One to Master Challenges.'
Embrace the grind with Maicon Leite's insights on mental toughness
Life's challenges are bound to show up at some point.
But it's how we tackle them that truly sets us apart. And that's no different in sports. That's what Maicon Leite, a Suzano player, firmly believes.
Pressure is mounting in today's world, and the demand for results is escalating just as rapidly. At 33, Maicon feels he's matured enough to handle it all.
He spent five seasons of his career abroad, playing in Italy, Portugal, Romania, and Belgium. In this candid chat with us, the athlete candidly discusses the importance of off-court care, the physical aspect, respect for the profession, and, most importantly, the mental aspect.
'The mental part is crucial for a prosperous career, both in and out of sports. In a world that's profoundly interconnected and so addicted to social media, understanding that external events matter less and how we respond does, is crucial.'
Maicon talks about selection, learning, and opportunities.
So, what do you make of the lack of opportunity in the Brazilian selection?
Our selection is undergoing a crucial shift, necessitating a search for new references due to the abrupt transition in generations. I believe in the work being done, as we have promising raw materials that just need to be polished, and it will take time and patience to build enough international experience. I'm focused on my development, aiming to improve physically, technically, and make significant strides as well, as I understand that these elevate my game and increase my chances of selection. I value my efforts and everything I commit to, and I'm prepared to give my best, regardless of the jersey I wear. Recently, I turned 33, with the certainty that I'm at the peak of my game. I'm energized, brimming with ambition, and ready for the challenges that lie ahead.
Do you think numbers and performance in the Superliga are given due consideration by the technical commission?
I believe that numbers should also be factored in. Statistics provide a measure of an athlete's season performance. Of course, other factors come into play, like posture, leadership, professionalism, and commitment, since donning the selection jersey requires being in top physical and mental condition, and a genuine desire to represent your country, as we know the schedule is punishing, and peak performance can only be achieved through consistent effort, both on and off the court.
Why do many athletes today opt for careers abroad?
I was given the chance to play in five distinct countries - Italy, Portugal, Romania, Iran, and Belgium. Each country had its own culture and approach to volleyball. I'm certain that this stint of adjustment outside our comfort zone greatly contributed to my growth, both personally and professionally. Going to a country where you're unknown is also an opportunity to write your own story on a clean slate, unencumbered by preconceived notions, enabling us to discover much more about ourselves. I think it's a natural part of everyone's career, and I'd say, in some sense, necessary for the personal and professional development of athletes.
And recognition? Has it arrived?
My last seasons, in Belgium, at Sesi, and in Suzano, have been a time of harvest. For years, I understood that excelling consistently requires making extra efforts. The detail that often goes unnoticed but makes the difference. I've always been interested in the physical aspect, understanding that I can make an impact if I'm in good shape. My body is my tool for work. Every year, I finish the season and undertake some crucial work, which enables me to start the next season in better shape, and build a physical foundation to sustain it, which is growing increasingly intense and balanced each year. I've also been working with my therapist for seven years, meeting weekly. These are minute details that have allowed me to reach a level I've aspired to.
What was it like in Suzano?
I'm incredibly proud of everything we built last season in Suzano. It was an intense season, marked by fluctuations, but when it mattered, the team delivered. We ended up as semi-finalists and finished within the top 4, leaving behind teams with greater investments than ours.
How do you work on mental strength, which is now considered even more vital than physical and technical aspects?
The mental aspect is crucial for a successful career, both in and out of sports. In today's digital age, where social media dominates and we're all interconnected, understanding that external events matter less and how we respond is crucial. I've been working weekly with my therapist, who is also a friend, for seven years now. Self-awareness gives us greater control over adversities. Knowing who we are and where we want to go is essential. For those who don't know where they're going, everything is a path, but our career is short and moves swiftly. I'm convinced that a resilient mind allows us to stay focused on our objectives.
How did the leadership question come up in your career, something that's evident whether your team is in the lead or behind in the score?
I consider myself fortunate to have worked with players who have been and will continue to be legends in our sport. Éder, Giba, André Nascimento, Dante, Serginho, Murilo, Marcelinho, among others, were references I could observe closely, follow their daily routine, and understand the mindset that made them champions. Volleyball is a team sport, everyone wins and loses together. It's important to make everyone feel involved in and responsible for the results. I believe my leadership is organic and emerged naturally as I invested in my own growth. The aim is to make everyone buy into our vision and grow together as a team. The leader isn't always in the spotlight, but they can positively affect and enhance those around them, which is what I strive for in my daily life, supporting my teammates and instilling confidence in them, which may not be visible to those who only watch the games, but it's clearly reflected in the results.
- Maicon Leite emphasizes the significance of mental health in both sports and life, stating that, "The mental part is crucial for a prosperous career, both in and out of sports."
- In the discussion on personal growth, Maicon Leite explains his strategy for handling external events and responding, saying, "In a world that's profoundly interconnected and so addicted to social media, understanding that external events matter less and how we respond does, is crucial."
- The athlete expresses his interest in education and self-development by sharing his weekly meetings with a therapist, stating, "I've been working weekly with my therapist, who is also a friend, for seven years now."
- Maicon Leite brings up the importance of mental strength in sports, specifically in basketball, by saying, "The mental aspect is crucial for a successful career, not just in sports, but also in fields such as health-and-wellness and personal-growth."
