Cultivating Resilience in Sports and Life

It is challenging to know how to build and strengthen a resilient skillset. Below are some ways that we will explore:

• Develop a Growth MindsetBeing willing and open to new experiences, opportunities, training, and techniques, but also being conscientious of who you are as an athlete. Creating an optimistic mindset can go a long way. Positive thoughts towards your sport and performance can support you through the negative stressors that may occur throughout. Identify your PERSONAL motivation:  What is important to you? What are your goals – including process AND outcome goals – that are you trying to achieve through your sport? What kinds of values do you identify with as an athlete (e.g., gritty; fair; persistent, etc.)? Anticipate setbacks.  Every athlete knows that negative outcomes are part of the process.  However, spending some time anticipating what could go wrong and planning, step-by-step, how you would cope will reduce your anxiety and build your confidence.
• Develop your Support SystemsMake sure to foster relationships with your coaches, teammates, family, friends so they can be reached out to when in need of support. This can be directed towards the technical aspects of the sport, or for social and emotional support as well.
• Evaluate Setbacks ConstructivelySetbacks are often viewed as failures, which can lead to a sense of discouragement and loss of motivation.  Instead, can you be constructive rather than critical when reviewing your performance?  What aspects were under your control (e.g., your pre-performance routine) and which were not (e.g., the weather)?  Were you still able to uphold your values as an athlete throughout this setback?  What have you learned and gained as an athlete from this experience? How can you generate a plan for tackling these setbacks in the future?
• Life BalanceAllowing yourself as an athlete to have a balanced lifestyle, socially and mentally can foster resilience within your sport. Participating in different activities with your friends and family can allow for a distraction from the negative stressors that are often faced. Additionally, being able to mentally take a step back and switch your focus between sport and non-sport related activities can increase mental recovery and overall well-being. As for coaches, it is important to be flexible with athletes, recognizing the importance of encouraging balance in other domains of their life (academics, social support etc.)