You Cant Overcome Without Opposition

If you are a gamer, whether it be video games, poker, or even watching your favorite college or pro team, opposition is not just expected but essential.

It would be unexciting to watch our favorite team moving unopposed up and down the field, just as playing Mortal Kombat without an opponent would be utterly dull.

We would never enjoy watching our favorite super-hero go about his day without someone to fight, or our favorite movie without a character who is struggling to overcome something.

Despite these facts, real-life opposition is often the thing we hate most. Everyone hates to lose, everyone hates to experience pain, everyone hates to wait on their goals to manifest.

Yet this is the exact formula for success.

Young athletes will inevitably miss shots, make turnovers, and repeat mistakes, but these are crucial steps toward reaching their full potential.

Whether you like it or not, embracing opposition is key to your young athletes growth. Below are some tips to help parents and players overcome opposition.

See Opportunities not Opposition

Vision and direction are key determining factors in us reaching our goals. How we view and categorize challenges and setbacks is critical.

Begin to view every area of opposition as an opportunity for growth. This mindset will give you staying power through the store. A lack of playing time can develop patience, struggling with a skill set can develop mental resilience, dealing with difficult teammates or coaches can strengthen social skills and capabilities.

What comes out of opposition is always greater then what went in…if we stay the course.

Outlast with Obstinance

Outlasting opposition is the key component of winning any challenge. While simple sticktoitness sounds easy, it is the greatest challenge we will face when going through a storm.

Our tendency is often to quit the team when the coaching isn’t right, quit the workout when the shot isn’t falling, or quit believing when it isn’t going our way.

Recognize that all of these forms can be categorized as quitting. Simply showing up and going through the motions is quitting as well.

Stay in the fight. Tame your tongue to say and believe only positive things and your mind will follow. Disallow negativity from creeping in and continue to believe in breakthrough.

Observe Don’t Oppose

When things go wrong we often oppose those closest to us. Whether it’s the coach, teammates, or your young athlete themself.

Recognize that struggle can show up for no fault of our own but simply as an opportunity for growth.

As a parent, it is often our job to exhibit staying power by simply continuing to be present. Our negative mouths and mindsets are not necessary to this element, just simply showing up is enough.

Observe, be present, but don’t become the opposition by constantly tearing down others.

What’s funny is that our stories are often similar to our favorite character or team; things often always workout in the end (other than for Dallas Cowboy fans!). Stay in the fight, believe in your dream, and be willing to wait for your wins. Trust me, they’re coming!

Here's to Your Young Athlete's Success!

Dr. Jason Parker

Player Performance Specialist