Resilience in action!
"If at first you don't succeed try, try and try again"
I am sure you may have heard this quote before and you may have even said this to yourself if you have ever been in a muddle or have been attempting something that was just not clicking for you. It could be at work, on the field, off the pitch or in a board/classroom.
Unfortunately I am not hearing this saying much nowadays.
One thing I have noticed recently whilst working with a group of 15 year old development players on a team is that in this fast paced world of youth sport and society in general, that there is an to much of a personal acceptance of "I can't do that" or "that's to hard" and the quickest and easiest way to move on is to give up and do something else.
Take a look at this guy, 8 year old Theo, now he just doesn't know when to stop, he doesn't know when to give up. He is at risk of breaking bones, breaking his bike, and in some instances smashing into his buddy on the other side of the ramp!
Each time he attempts and fails the landing someone is right there in the background to encourage him to continue. The positive reinforcement and encouragement through humour and excitement to make him believe that he could and will do it.
"I'm gonna need a bath" says Theo after eating dirt for the 3rd time.
Personally I tip my hat off to Theo as he shows the determination to succeed, the desire to improve and to achieve the goal of landing this trick and not breaking anything whilst doing it.
Look at his face when he eventually nails the landing. The sheer joy, excitement and sense of accomplishment in his face when he runs to his mum to get a hug and celebrate with his biggest cheerleader and fan.
Fantastic effort Theo. What a mindset, I can't do this......Yet,
But I have done now.
For those that give up at the first opportunity, welcome to excuseville, for Theo on the BMX, good luck on your journey to greatness young man.
Stevie Baxter
Chief Encouragement Officer
The Sporting Pursuit
Twitter - @TsportingP
Facebook - @thesportingpursuit
Video - UNILAD
