Levelling Up: Embracing the Challenge in Your Athletic Journey
Life doesn't get any easier; you just get better at handling the hard stuff
Hey Superstar,
Let’s chat about a truth bomb dropped by Kara Lawson, Duke’s women’s basketball coach, that’s got the power to shift how you see your journey in sports, and honestly, life.
Picture this: a struggling freshman, battling through a summer workout, thinking, "Just gotta get through this."
Sounds familiar, right? We’ve all been there, counting down the minutes till practice is over, believing that if we can just make it to the end, everything will be smooth sailing.
The Reality Check
Lawson saw this mindset in her players and realised it was a crucial teaching moment not just for her, but for everyone aiming to be elite.
The gist?
“It will never get easier. What happens is you handle hard better.”
Boom. That’s not just advice; that’s a game-changer.
Why It’s All About Mindset
When you switch from “I have to get through this” to “I get to level up each day,” you transform our entire approach.
It’s like going from enduring a storm to learning how to dance in the rain. The workouts, the practices, the games—they’re not obstacles; they’re opportunities.
Opportunities to grow stronger, to become more resilient, and to handle the hard stuff with grace.
Handling Hard Better
So, how can you start handling the hard stuff like pros? Here are some actionable thoughts:
Embrace the Challenge: Every drop of sweat, every moment of exhaustion, it all adds up to something greater. It’s like collecting points in a video game; every challenge you conquer levels you up.
Celebrate Small Wins: Finished that gruelling workout? Nailed a complex play? Celebrate it. These small victories are reminders of your progress, like badges of honour showcasing your growth.
Reflect and Refocus: After each practice or game, take a moment to reflect. What did you learn? How did you improve? Use these insights to refocus your efforts, turning today’s lessons into tomorrow’s strengths.
Seek Support: Talk to your coaches, and your teammates, and even look up to athletes you admire. Understanding how they handle challenges can offer new perspectives and strategies, showing you’re not alone in this journey.
Mind Over Matter: Train your mind like you do your body. Meditation, visualisation, positive self-talk—these are your mental gym equipment, building your resilience and preparing you for whatever comes next.
The Power of Perspective
Changing your mindset from enduring to growing doesn’t mean the path becomes easier.
It means your capacity to navigate it expands. You start seeing every drop of sweat not as a sign of struggle but as proof of your commitment to levelling up.
Remember, elite isn’t just a skill level; it’s a mindset. It’s about facing the hard, the pressure, the intensity, and saying, “Bring it on. I’m ready to level up.”
So, next time you’re facing a challenge, whether it’s a brutal workout, a tough practice, or the pressure of a game, remember: this isn’t something you have to get through; it’s an opportunity to get better at handling hard.
And in that process, you’re not just surviving; you’re thriving, growing, and becoming the elite athlete you aspire to be.
Keep levelling up, champ. The journey’s tough, but so are you.