We can teach, train, and coach our hearts out, but we can’t protect our kids from adversity. We all face the unexpected, the challenging, the curveballs. According to a child pediatrician and human development expert, there are seven components to resilience in children: competence, confidence, connection, character, contribution, coping, and control. Here are ways to build resilience when life throws you a curveball:
Look to your coach.
Keep mentors, parents, and friends close. Ask advice. Watch how people you respect handle adversity. Model your behavior and thoughts after people whose resilience you admire. Don’t be afraid to ask for someone’s opinion or find a listening ear.
Know when to take the bench.
It’s OK to take a break. To rest. To admit when you don’t know what you’re doing. Even the best players can’t star in every play. Allow yourself to sit back and watch how other people handle their adversity.
Keep your eye on the ball.
Focus on the right things. When you have a higher purpose and mission, you see value in your adversity and recognize that challenges produce perseverance and character. Stay aware and engaged in the everyday moments of your life – whether hard or easy or in between.
Winners don’t always have the highest score.
Take a perspective that finds something to celebrate in every situation. Learn from failures. Building relationships with others, rising to a new challenge, strengthening new skills, and adjusting your attitude to be positive are all things to cheer for!
Above all else, this is your life – learn to love it as much as you can! You are meant to be a star player, not a spectator. To take a concept from Wayne Gretsky – by way of Michael Scott — you miss 100 percent of the balls you don’t swing at.
If you want a strong school on your team when life throws you a curveball, check us out! Self Development Academy is a K-8 nationally awarded charter school of excellence with an advanced learning curriculum. In addition to online learning, we have campuses in Phoenix, Glendale, East Mesa, and Mesa. If you are interested in our schools, contact us at (480) 641-2640 or (602) 274-1910 to get more information.
