Finding Strength Through Sports: A Journey to Resilience
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Chapter 1: The Power of Competition
Engaging in sports reveals our vulnerabilities.
Recently, during a padel match—think of it as a blend of tennis and squash—I found myself struggling. My team was trailing 5–2, and I had to face the music: it was my fault.
I was having an off day—big time.
Let me explain: I was missing easy shots that I’ve never missed before! I stood at the net waiting for a simple ball, only to mess up. On defense, I tripped over my own feet. And when I aimed for the back glass, I accidentally sent the ball soaring out of bounds, carried away by the cool breeze.
My patient partner chuckled, “Wow! I’ve never seen that happen before!”
While it was amusing in hindsight, during the game, it didn’t feel funny at all. I was terrible, but that’s okay. I’m learning to bounce back faster, extract lessons from my blunders, and evolve as a person. At least, that’s what I remind myself.
Building Resilience Through Failure
When I write and struggle, no one witnesses my frustration. I can sit alone, staring blankly at my screen. However, in sports, I am laid bare. As the Incredible Hulk said in The Avengers, “I don’t get a suit of armor. I’m exposed, like a nerve. It’s a nightmare.”
This raw exposure to failure is potent. It can make us want to quit, yet it also serves as a catalyst for growth. Anyone striving for improvement knows this truth: failure is an unavoidable part of the journey.
Of course, there are some professions—like piloting or surgery—where failure carries significant consequences. For most of us, though, failure is not life-threatening; it merely feels that way.
We often sense this “danger” most acutely when our failures are public:
- I felt the sting when my first book launched to silence.
- I cringed when I attempted to play taps at my eighth-grade graduation, producing only a few embarrassing sounds.
- I faced despair during our padel match when I felt responsible for our poor performance.
Many shy away from the fear of open failure, but resilience cannot be built without facing adversity.
Embrace failure as a stepping stone toward greater worth. By suffering through challenges, we can remain calm, even when down by a score, and eventually overcome.
Sports provide an excellent arena to test our skills against others, enhancing our ability to cope with setbacks.
As Professor John Keating from Dead Poets Society aptly put it, “The most important thing in all sport is the way other human beings can push us to excel.”
Chapter 2: Lifting Others Through Our Struggles
How to Build Mental Resilience in Sports - This video explores the significance of mental resilience in sports and how challenges can foster growth.
Despite the discomfort of rejection and failure, I refuse to let fear silence me. Even when it feels unbearable, I persist.
Witnessing others display strength in adversity fuels my motivation. Our struggles can serve a purpose beyond ourselves.
While I often act out of self-interest, recognizing that my journey can inspire others empowers me.
When we endure hardship for reasons greater than personal development, we gain a sense of selfless love. The teachings of Jesus exemplify this selflessness, inspiring millions over the ages.
Competing against others is one path to resilience, but it’s not the only one. Find what resonates with you, and don’t shy away from making mistakes in public.
Remember, you might have a greater impact than you realize.
All the best,
-Jordan
Still feeling stuck? Aarti Tailor has compiled an insightful list of six signs to help you determine if your ego is hindering your success.
3 Steps to Navigating the Mental Challenges of Sports Injury Recovery | DMP Ep. 65 - This video outlines strategies to cope with the mental hurdles during sports injury recovery.