Ever wondered how elite athletes bounce back from crushing defeats on the world stage? It's a fascinating look into the human psyche, isn't it? These moments of failure, often played out in front of millions, offer a unique window into resilience. We're talking about instances that can define careers, like Simone Biles' experience with 'the twisties' at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics or Bill Buckner's infamous error in the 1986 World Series. These are the moments that stick with us, aren't they?
Recently, Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Orion Kerkering joined this club after a costly error in the MLB playoffs. In the aftermath, he offered a glimpse into his mindset: "Just kind of keep going with it... Get over this hump. Keep pushing." But how do you push past such a public and painful setback?
But here's where it gets controversial... How do we, as a society, view failure? Pope Leo XIV even weighed in on this, stating, "Sport also teaches us how to lose... It forces us, in learning the art of losing, to confront our fragility, our limitations and our imperfections." This perspective highlights the importance of understanding that failure is an inevitable part of life, not just in sports, but in everything we do.
Sports psychologists, who work with athletes at all levels, emphasize that overcoming failure requires more than just accepting it; it demands actionable strategies to regain peak performance. So, what are some of these strategies? Let's dive in.
Prior Preparation: Setting the Stage for Success
While you can't predict the future, you can prepare your mind for it. Robert Andrews, a mental training consultant with 30 years of experience, including work with Olympians and professional athletes in the NBA, NFL, and MLB, stresses the importance of mental preparation. He explains that in Kerkering's case, the pressure of the playoff situation likely amplified his reaction. Mental preparation is key to staying centered. This involves rehearsing potential scenarios and building confidence.
Alex Auerbach, a performance psychologist with the NFL's Jacksonville Jaguars, suggests a "release, reset, refocus" routine. This technique helps athletes quickly move past mistakes during games. The goal? Redirect your attention to the task at hand. Dwelling on errors can disrupt performance.
Navigating the Aftermath: What Happens When Things Go Wrong?
When the game is over and the loss is real, the mental work truly begins. Andrews advises avoiding social media, where harsh criticism is often found. He shares stories of athletes who've made game-losing errors and the emotional toll it takes.
Andrews uses a technique called EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) to help athletes process the experience and reduce the fear of repeating the mistake. He suggests giving the brain time to heal – about a month – before starting to teach the nervous system how to process the shock of the event.
The Rise of Mindset Work
The good news? Athletes are increasingly open to mental strategies. Auerbach notes a growing appreciation for the role of mental health and performance in achieving peak results, especially in baseball.
What do you think? Do you agree that these strategies can be applied beyond sports? How do you personally cope with failure? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
