In the Huddle

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Resilience is the capacity to absorb high levels of change and maintain high levels of performance. Based on a great deal of research and observation of people going through change, we have identified a set of characteristics that help people use their adaptation energy more effectively. We think of these characteristics as “change muscles.” We believe that everyone has the ability to develop and apply each one. Just as certain physical muscles are stronger in some people than others, people differ in the strength of their resilience muscles. And, just as regular exercise will strengthen physical muscles, resilience muscles can be strengthened through practice.

Megan Neyer, Ph.D., Neyer Performance Strategies, LLC

and Linda Hoopes, Ph.D., Resilience Alliance

Psychological resilience is a “dynamic process encompassing positive adaptation within the context of significant adversity” (Luthar, Cicchetti, & Becker, 2000, p. 543). In order to develop this process, a sport performer must embrace adversity and learn from it. Consultants can assist in this process by having athletes be their own BOOMERANG:

• Be aware

• Organize your thoughts

• Optimize your strengths

• Manage stress

• Embrace the challenge

• Reflect on your experience

• Adapt to circumstances

• Navigate roadblocks

• Get after your goals

Briana Salter, M.S., Barry University

I believe there are two things athletes can do to develop resilience: one involves preparation and the other involves mental conditioning. Athletes need to be committed and put in the time and effort on developing their physical skills and competencies so when it is time to compete they are prepared and ready. The other component involves visualization and mental conditioning, harnessing the power of positive thoughts and responses to every imaginable adverse challenging situation they might encounter, visualizing themselves reacting positively and adapting well with confidence, belief, focus, and composure, harnessing a “can do, will do, stick-to-itiveness” mindset and attitude.

David Yukelson, Ph.D., The Pennsylvania State University