Becoming Stronger

We all want to be more resilient, but what is it that we actually want to become anyway?

In the physical sciences, the word resilience refers to the property whereby an object returns to its original shape after being compressed, such as a rubber ball does after you press it between your palms. A resilient object doesn't break under force.

Interestingly, the word was first used to refer to the immaterial form of resilience two centuries before it was used to refer to objects. The Latin words resilire (recoil or bounce back) and salire (to jump or leap) were combined in the 17th century to denote human abilities to "spring back" or "rebound."

Today, to be resilient means not only to bounce back after adversity or challenges, it actually involves coming back stronger than we were before. The bar has been raised!

There is truth to the notion that pain helps us grow, just like how muscle fibers in our body breakdown under stress only to grow bigger. However, without repair work, we do not bounce back stronger from strain or hardship.

If our physical bodies need rest, water, nutrients, and sleep to recover from the muscular tears that exercise or resistance training introduce, our mental, emotional, and spiritual muscles need the same, and more.

On its own, pain does not produce growth. Here's what athletic resilience models for us:

• Breath and heart-rate should be slow and rhythmic

• Body and mind work together

• Awareness of bodily sensations

• Focus and energy

• Appropriately relaxed without being too tensed

• Appropriately confident without being over-confident

• Flexible and able to respond effectively in the moment

• Able to work with others on a team without becoming overcome by extreme emotions

Stress can push us out of the optimal zone for performance, whether it is in sports or in life generally. Here are a few things we can try to help us return to where we want to be:

• Breathing exercises that slow down rapid or erratic breathing so we regain composure and the ability to think clearly

• Stretches that increase balance, mobility, and awareness

• Acknowledge pain and bring it to resolution, perhaps with the help from a trusted confidant

• Recognize and dismantle limiting beliefs

• Use humor and compassion to reframe what you see

• Start a gratitude journal

• Engage in meaningful relationships that involve understanding and forgiveness

• Understand your values and develop integrity

How many have you tried? Where would you like to begin? Do you find any of these steps challenging?