Why Resiliency Deserves it’s 15 Minutes of Fame: A Look Into Enhancing Your Sport Performance and Life.

When life or sports get hard, how do you react? Do you quit, push through, evaluate what went wrong? Before we dig in, I want you to answer that question for yourself. Your answer will provide you with insight that can help you evaluate your own thoughts on what it means to be resilient.

What Is Resiliency?

Are you looking for a superpower? Well, I found it for you. Resiliency is one of the most powerful tools you can develop. In simple terms, resiliency is the ability to recover quickly from difficulties. Think of it like a rubber band: when you stretch it, it snaps back. Resiliency is that ability to snap back when life stretches you beyond your comfort zone. It’s not about avoiding failure or never experiencing challenges. Instead, it’s about how you respond to those challenges and what you learn from them.

One of the most resilient athletes I’ve worked with once told me, "Resiliency isn’t about winning every game. It’s about showing up, giving your best, and learning something new, even after a loss."

Why Resiliency Matters in Sports

In sports, resiliency is critical. Athletes are constantly faced with unpredictable situations: injuries, bad plays, losses, and personal setbacks. The difference between athletes who grow and thrive and those who get stuck often comes down to resiliency. The ones who build mental toughness are the ones who can keep showing up, learning, and improving.

Consider baseball, where even the best players fail seven out of ten times. To make it to the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame, you’re only getting a hit three out of ten times. That’s it! It’s an incredible example of how failure is built into success in certain sports, and resiliency is what keeps athletes going despite striking out, missing a serve or losing a race.

Take Michael Jordan, for instance. Most of us know the story of how he was cut from his high school varsity basketball team. Instead of letting that failure define him, he used it as motivation. That’s the essence of resiliency: turning setbacks into fuel for your fire.

Why Resiliency Matters in Life

Now let’s talk about why resiliency is just as important in life. Life, like sports, is full of unpredictable moments. There will be challenges—whether they’re in your career, relationships, or personal goals. How you respond to those challenges determines how you move forward.

For instance, imagine you’re applying for a job after college, and you don’t get it. Without resiliency, you might think, "I’m not good enough," and stop trying. But with resiliency, you might ask yourself, "What can I learn from this?" or "What can I do better next time?" That mindset opens new doors and opportunities you may not have seen otherwise.

How to Build Resiliency

So how can you build resiliency? Here are a few key practices:

Embrace Failure as a Learning Opportunity: Don’t see failure as the end—see it as part of your growth. After every setback, ask yourself: "What can I learn from this?" The most resilient people know that every failure is just a stepping stone to something greater.
Research from the American Psychological Association (APA) suggests that resilient people view failures as opportunities for growth. You can learn more about their perspective on resiliency here.
Focus on What You Can Control: You can’t always control the outcome of a game, an interview, or a relationship, but you can control your effort, attitude, and mindset. This focus helps you stay grounded, even when things feel out of your control.
If you’re struggling with anxiety or stress, practicing mindfulness can help. Apps like Headspace and Calm provide guided mindfulness exercises to help you stay present in difficult moments. Check them out here or here.
Stay Connected to Your Support System: Resiliency doesn’t mean doing everything on your own. In fact, knowing when to reach out for help is one of the hallmarks of a resilient person. Whether it’s friends, family, coaches, or therapists, lean on the people who support you. I know it's not easy. But then again, what in life is easy?
Practice Mindfulness and Self-Awareness: Building resiliency requires understanding your emotions and recognizing when you’re feeling overwhelmed. Mindfulness practices, such as deep breathing, meditation, or journaling, can help you stay centered and manage stress.
Set Goals and Keep Your Eye on the Big Picture: Having clear goals helps you stay motivated, even when things get tough. Resiliency isn’t just about bouncing back in the short term; it’s also about staying focused on your long-term vision.

Final Thoughts on Resiliency

Resiliency is one of the most powerful tools you can develop, whether you're an athlete, student, or working professional. It’s what keeps you going when times get tough and helps you turn setbacks into comebacks. Remember, being resilient doesn’t mean you never fail. It means you fail, learn, and come back stronger.

As a therapist, I often remind my clients that resiliency isn’t about being perfect or never needing help. It’s about knowing that you’re strong enough to keep going, even when life gets hard. So if you’re facing a tough moment right now, don’t be afraid to reach out for support. Whether it's a friend, coach, or mental health professional, help is out there, and asking for it is a sign of strength.

“Life doesn’t get easier or more forgiving, we get stronger and more resilient.”
—Steve Maraboli, Life, the Truth, and Being Free

Be Well Friends.

Megan