Struggle is connective, so is redemption.
As we begin this new year, I feel deeply grateful, yet I’m also acutely aware of those who are struggling—many of whom we might never know are facing hardships because let’s face it, we don’t often post about our losses.
Negative self-talk is natural, but overcoming it? That’s the real challenge.
Whether in youth sports or life, we’ve all spent countless hours practicing, working, and pushing for our moment. Those early lessons from the field, gym, or, in my case, the pool— about teamwork, perseverance, and overcoming adversity— shape us long after we leave the sport.
As we age, there’s rarely a coach to push us harder or remind us to keep moving forward. That voice has to become our own. We must quiet negative self-talk and replace it with confidence that our next step is within reach. Your resilience is the key to unlocking what comes next.
You are your agent— rise or be stagnant.
Most of us don’t have an agent pushing for our next opportunity, yet every day, we must step into that role ourselves.
How many top professional athletes are traded or let go to make room for the next rising star? When an athlete is released, benched, or steps back from the Olympics to focus on their mental health, the world takes notice. The spotlight that once highlighted their achievements now shifts to the question: What will they do next? In those pivotal moments, the choice is theirs. Do they accept being sidelined, allowing doubt and frustration to take over? Or do they use the setback as fuel, push harder, and come back even stronger?
In both sports and business, setbacks are inevitable, and the path forward is rarely a straight line. Like the athletes we admire, we can turn difficult moments into fuel for growth—using adversity or rejection as motivation to reinvent ourselves. When faced with setbacks, you have two choices: stay stuck in frustration, or rise, adapt, and keep pushing toward your next goal.
If you need a push, I’m here to say- let’s go.
What we do after a setback speaks volumes about our character and determination. When an athlete rises after a fall or pushes through pain to finish strong, what do you hear? Applause. It's that moment of resilience that people remember.
If you’ve hit a roadblock or feel stuck, dig deep and imagine the sound of applause, waiting for you to claim it. Take inspiration from the greats—like Simone Biles, Greg Olsen, and Misty Hyman, to name a few, who didn’t back down when faced with challenges or the pressure to settle. Instead, they used those moments to fuel their success, solidifying their legacy as true champions and class acts by overcoming adversity.
If you haven’t yet found the resilience or determination to take your next step, now is the time. Keep growing, keep moving forward—stop holding back and start taking action.
New Year, New Beginnings.
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