If we want to raise children who are inclusive, socially emotionally intelligent and charitable, giving them the tools and opportunities to exercise that perseverance “muscle” is mission critical.
When we think about performance, often people believe that natural talent is the “x” factor. Obviously, natural talent is needed. But natural talent is wasted without perseverance. It’s all well and good to have a natural advantage but an advantage becomes less of an advantage, and more of a lost opportunity, when the natural advantage is not honed by the development of perseverance. The substantial difference in a person’s excellence and a person’s potential can often come down an individual’s mental skills to manage the demands of the sport or activity.
We have all seen the kid who demonstrates natural ability, strength and understanding of a sport at an early age. The kid seems to take control and quickly dominate one or several sports. Many times, these players appear to level off in skill as they age. Natural ability has not decreased but other factors have increased their impact. (The taller than average 9-year-old basketball center who, in the span of six months, is no longer 5” taller than local competition, for example. Or the young gymnast or wrestler who has never lost an event or match but advances to a higher level of competition and fails not just to win but to qualify for finals). If the emerging STAR has learned perseverance, the new experience of defeat does not trip him or her up.
Alternately, a naturally talented individual will improve dramatically learning to play within a group, as group play enriches the ability to gain the concept and nuances of the game. Naturally talented individuals clear a significant hurdle when they learn resilience within group play and can bounce back and try again, to persevere.
Kids who will entertain perseverance as a viable option after a defeat are typically are easier to coach. They understand competition is not just about them but rather a collective group attempting to achieve a goal. They can see two steps forward, one step backward as a national progression. When they have ownership of the quality of perseverance and internal motivation, they have a valuable self-awareness.
With a specialty in elite performance, I see performance analogies everywhere. I also know that a young elite performer is a microcosm for all children growing up. The same positive character traits will serve them all well. Babe Ruth said, “It’s hard to beat a person who never gives up.”
As a sidebar, on a practical, “get these young adults launched and independent level”, it’s nice to know that perseverance is sought after in the workplace. I recently read a blog on LinkedIn that I found very helpful. The blog listed the advantages to hiring former student-athletes. One of the attributes sought in new hires was the skill of perseverance developed during a sport. My favorite all-time expert on perseverance is comedian author Steve Martin. He said, more than once, “Thankfully, perseverance is a good substitute for talent.”
by Robin Boggs Choquette, Psy.D.
Robin Boggs Choquette, Psy.D.
Elite Performance Counseling, Inc. provides psychological services to individuals from preteen through older adulthood in individual psychotherapy, family therapy (including parenting strategies), couple’s therapy, and skill seminars. In addition, Dr. Choquette consults with a specialized emphasis on performance enhancement for athletes, performing artists, musicians, and executives.