THE HUDDLE
Calgary, AB – May 27, 2020. After each on-field or on-floor session at ELEV8 Lacrosse, we bring the student-athletes into a “huddle” and discuss topics relative to not only athletics and sports but life. Periodically, we will share with student-athletes and their families pieces on adversity, growth, leadership and mindset, and working through the day to day challenges that life can throw at us.
down but never out
The human body is an incredibly robust machine. We have the ability to accomplish tasks and achieve goals that reach far beyond our imagination. Our bodies can withstand demanding physical stress, overcome extreme injury, and become stronger over time. What’s even more impressive, is the mental fortitude we possess as human beings, especially when overcoming obstacles and faced with setbacks.
The world can change in an instant. Setbacks will always present themselves in our lives, and most of the time show up unannounced. Navigating these setbacks and obstacles is part of the process and a vital part of achieving success. Getting knocked off our feet is bound to happen. But what happens when our conscience is telling us to stay down?
We’ve all heard that little voice telling us “you should quit.” Or maybe that voice is saying “you can’t do it.” “You’re not cut out for this.” “You’re not smart enough.” “You will fail.” Let’s be honest, we’ve all heard that voice in the past, and during moments of weakness, we’ve all fallen for it.
Having the ability to silence that little voice in our head is the first step to bouncing back on our feet when things get tough. That little voice is just that; little. It’s a fragment, a tiny question mark, a sliver of doubt. Once that voice is squashed, full potential opens up. It’s not necessarily the obstacle itself in the way of success, but an individual’s self-doubt when faced with a challenge.
That little voice can be the one thing from keeping us in or out of the fight; it’s the one thing keeping us on the ground when we get knocked off our feet. By silencing the doubt, we gain the ability to manifest mental resilience and push through the challenging times. We must put that little voice in the back of our minds to rest and have the strength to embrace the challenges we face. When we come face to face with obstacles, we must remember we might be down, but never out.
