ELITE ATHLETE | PERFORMANCE COACH | P.E. TEACHER
As a junior athlete beginning my journey in athletics, I was part of a group of young British athletes with the potential to transition from under-20 junior ranks to senior competition. As a young sprinter, I faced a particularly challenging progression through age groups. The U23 category was in its infancy, lacking established competition. Many athletes, including myself, attempted to leap directly from junior to senior categories.
I remember one race vividly. My coach suggested I compete against senior athletes to gain experience. This made perfect sense to me; I felt confident and excited to test myself against higher-calibre competitors. “On your marks, get set, GO!”
What followed shocked me to my core. As I pushed out of the blocks, the reality of competing against much older and stronger athletes set in. I was a young cub trying to compete with lions, clearly racing at a level far beyond my current capabilities. The power of the athletes around me forced me to ask, Can I ever become that good?
To this day, I’m unsure where I finished in that race, but I do know I was beaten convincingly, and it hurt. Success isn’t just about winning; it’s about how you react to losing. After that race, I found myself in an empty stand, questioning my abilities: Could I really do this? Did I have what it takes?
Our beliefs function like software, forming a fundamental system that can either propel us toward our goals or hinder our progress. When faced with significant challenges, setbacks trigger emotions, fears and doubts within our belief system, testing our resilience.
Research supports this perspective; a study published in the journal Psychological Science found that individuals who view failure as a learning opportunity are more likely to develop resilience and ultimately achieve their goals. This illustrates the importance of cultivating a growth mindset, particularly among young athletes.
Beliefs are often formed at an early age and can either limit potential or empower individuals to overcome challenges. Building strong, positive beliefs in young people requires a supportive environment. As a father, I recognise my influence on my children; my words and actions shape their perspectives. It is essential for parents to avoid projecting their own negative beliefs onto their children and to encourage them to embrace challenges with a positive mindset.
At BISS Puxi, our dedicated sports educators thoughtfully create a culture of positivity, setting appropriate challenges and establishing support structures that foster growth. When I coach individual children at BISS, we discuss cultivating a winning mindset, recognising their strengths, addressing challenges, and developing plans to overcome obstacles.
Having faced numerous challenges in my career, experiencing both failures and successes, I strive to be a practical example of what can be achieved through self-belief and resilience. Even after disappointment, it’s possible to dig deep and try again.
Next week, I will expand on this further in C for Confidence, sharing insights from professional athletics that can help us perform at our best in critical moments.
If you want your child to discover their personal pathway to excellence contact admissions@bisspuxi.com for an initial conversation.
BISS Puxi. You want your child to excel. So do we.
