What Happens When We Don't Win?
The journey of life often takes unexpected turns, presenting challenges that test us. In moments of adversity, the power of resilience becomes evident. While success is a sweet victory, the stories of those who faced setbacks, yet emerged stronger, teach us valuable lessons. Through the stories of athletes like Sara Hall and Zach Panning, and leaders like Principal EL, we discover that resilience is a key element in the pursuit of our dreams.
Great Stories of Resilience are Everywhere
“This one hurts more than any of the other 7, and somehow I still feel proud and have no regrets. I was third and could see third, the whole last lap as I battled through cramps. I never stopped believing as I fought every step. What a beautiful thing to chase your dreams and have others believe in them with you. I have made incredible relationships through this sport. I wouldn't trade them for anything I have accomplished or would have accomplished. Thanks for believing in me. The story continues.” -Sara Hall, 2024 US Olympic Trials
“I have always been a firm believer that manifestations have no linear timeline. The fruition of today’s hopes may not unfold tomorrow or the day after. We may not be able to understand this Divine timing and it may cause us to question our goals. The only thing we can do is stay on the path and continue to sacrifice until there is nothing else left to give. The promise of dedication and persistence, along with an unrelenting drive for success, ensures that our dreams will one day find their way into the light.” -Aidan Hutchinson, Detroit Lions
When It Doesn’t Go According to What We Trained for
Last week the Lions were one game away from a chance to play in the Superbowl. Before halftime, it seemed like there was a good chance for victory. But, as the minutes fell away, it was shocking that the season had come to an end.
Yesterday, the Olympic trials for the marathon were held in Orlando. The greatest distance runners across the nation were competing for two or three spots to represent the United States in Paris this summer.
Embracing Uncertainty
The length of the marathon gives the spectator time to see a symphony of different first, second, and third-place combinations. The final miles and stretch before crossing the finish line remind me why I love running, sports, and people who are willing to take risks and show up uncertain of the outcome.
The Symphony of Resilience:
The world of sports is a canvas painted with stories of triumph and heartbreak. The recent example of the Detroit Lions, just one game away from the Super Bowl, illustrates how victory can slip away. The marathon, with its twists and turns, showcases the beauty of uncertainty and the courage it takes to endure. The marathon's unpredictable nature offers spectators a symphony of emotions as athletes give their all, even when victory seems elusive.
Uncertainty is not the enemy. It does not point to chaos but to possibility. -Michael Hyatt
Principal EL's insight into building resilience in students emphasizes the importance of facing adversity rather than avoiding it. Principal EL, (Salome Thomas-EL), was on The Dave Burgess Podcast a few years ago and talked about resilience in a powerful way as he said, “Building resilience in students is not about preventing them from facing adversity! It's about teaching them to view their challenges in a different way and seek to overcome them! Amen!”
The stories of those who come agonizingly close to their goals, only to miss the mark, inspire students to view challenges differently. Highlighting both the underdogs who prevail and those who give their all without achieving the intended result provides a well-rounded narrative of resilience.
Success starts with Setbacks:
In the pursuit of greatness, setbacks are inevitable. Taking risks and dreaming big expose us to the possibility of failure. The key to success lies in refusing to stay down when life knocks us over. Resilience is not merely bouncing back; it's about rising stronger, armed with the knowledge that our story is far from over. Today, a friend of mine ran her fourth marathon and qualified for Boston by 11 minutes! Her first three were rough experiences. Had she quit, and not climned her way back, training with a vengeance, she would have never seen sweet succes today! By finding our unique formula for resilience, we make it possible to seize opportunities when they arise.
In a world captivated by success stories, the narrative of resilience in the face of defeat is compelling. Sara Hall's profound words and Zach Panning's heartbreaking yet inspiring marathon journey echo the sentiment that true success is not defined by a single triumph but by the ability to persevere in the face of adversity. As we teach and learn the art of resilience, we create a mindset that embraces uncertainty, navigates setbacks, and ultimately finds peace in knowning that are stories are not over.
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