How does this relate to sports? Well, sports are stressful. The mind is working non-stop. Your athlete is not only thinking about what they need to do but also about the mistakes they made, being “benched,” and yes, the drive home with all of the advice that will be thrown at them. Their mind is pushing the limits of their window of tolerance. They need time to decompress and rebalance their blood sugar levels. They have just had a hard day at work and “need a minute.”

“We learn more from people who challenge our thought process than those who affirm our conclusions. Strong leaders engage their critics and make themselves stronger. Weak leaders silence their critics and make themselves weaker.”
― Adam M. Grant

At Northern Lights Athletic Club, we like to talk about four powerful pieces in the journey of personal development: self-kindness, mindfulness, resilience, and a growth mindset. Each plays a crucial role in our well-being and helps us navigate life's challenges.