Reflection of Season - May 2023
As the 2022-2023 season has pretty much wrapped up, I encourage each gymnast to reflect on their season; no matter how it ended! I would encourage athletes to write answers to the questions below or maybe bring it up in conversation with them and have them share!
As I often discuss, our brain has a negativity bias and does a really good job of remembering the bad and glossing over the good. This is why it is imperative to take some time and reflect on what went well this season. Here are some questions that I love to use during this reflective exercise.
1. List at least 3 accomplishments from this past season (even if they seem minor).
2. Describe a great day for this past season. What made it so special?
3. How have you grown as a gymnast or what lessons have you learned this season?
4. What is a challenge you overcame this season?
And…if your season did not end how you wanted it to, remember that failing is a part of learning. I love to use the F.A.I.L. acronym, which stands for First Attempt In Learning. Failing is not the opposite of success, it is part of success. Here are some examples of people you might know who failed before becoming successful.
1. Simone Biles did not qualify for the National Team in her first year.
2. Michael Jordan (One of the best basketball players of all time), did not make his high school varsity basketball team.
3. Albert Einstein failed his school entrance exam.
4. Singer, Katy Perry, only sold 200 copies of her first album.
5. I know I am not famous, but I did manage to make it to the Elite level but did not get a qualifying score to qualify for level 5 states my first year out.
I could continue with the list because those who have succeeded or made it to the top have failed. So, if the season did not go how you wanted it to, still reflect on what was good and then use your failure as a learning opportunity to fuel your fire for the 2023-2024 season!