Adversity as a Teacher: John Novak on Rugby Coaching and Resilience

ADVERSITY - OVERVIEW

Introduction:

Adversity is my companion.
It is a lesson, teacher, test and then invariably becomes an opportunity.
In fact, the greater the adversity, the greater the lesson; the greater the opportunity, the greater the benefit and the more one grows.
Athletes are masters of dealing with adversity. This is the very nature of being an elite athlete on the most competitive stages in the world.
With wisdom, the best of the best not only wholeheartedly accept adversity but appreciatively welcome it into in their lives because it offers them the very opportunity to become the best of selves.
Whilst this is simple to understand, these basic sentiments are challenging to implement and habitualise.
Simply put, it’s easier said than done!

What is adversity?

Share a working definition- Let’s avoid the quick sand of semantics
Adversity means a variety of things in a variety of situations and presents itself in a myriad of ways. Describe different forms of adversity.
Every sport and life circumstance has its version of adversity to deal with.
It is multi-faceted, equally as challenging at the micro level and macro level.
However, one describes the concept, most would concur that the ideal response to adversity is a positive one. I venture to postulate that the best way to deal with adversity is:

Win, lose or draw one perform at one’s world class best: totally driven to excel technically, tactically, strategically, physical and psychological. Never losing faith. Never doubting. Never questioning oneself. Unperturbed by adversity but in fact invigorated by its presence.

Personal experiences

How I have come to the conclusions above?
Anecdotal and experiential examples of my athletes and teams.
It is an ever evolving concept.
From a Zen perspective of impermanence and limitlessness, adversity, like all things, is ever changing, a chameleon as much as the individual is ever transforming and changing.
Thus one must be malleable. Dancing with constant change.
Adversity is like a shape shifter. Constantly evolving and enabling one to grow.
Adversity wears many masks and requires a variety of responses and interventions.
Not surprisingly, it is difficult to always respond to it positively and productively.
Explain and highlight this point. For example, every elite athlete knows the importance of keeping his / her ‘head in the game’, or understands the importance of concentration, remaining focused and positive to give themselves the best chance of success. However, many elite athletes haven’t mastered a consistent process to adversity.
What framework can best guide athletes to effectively and consistently address adversity in the best possible outcomes?

Boomerang Effect approach

Describe the basic principles of Boomerang Effect including Best Self. Importance of an athlete seeing himself holistically and comprehensively. 24/7 approach.
What you put out, is what you get back.
The essential ingredients to live a life like this are….open and not fixed mind set, (Dweck).

How to best deal with adversity using boomerang effect?

Using a boomerang effect perspective.
Look at some strategies and techniques.
Mindfulness – Intention & Attention

 3 key macro strategies:

1. Golden Rule 2. Boomerang Effect 3. Best Choice: 24/7 approach

2. Projection – Mindfulness – Reflection: Way to achieve ALL goals.

3. Best Self + Mindfulness = Flow/Zone: Approach for competition.

The literature suggests in respect to one form of adversity; namely pain.

Here are the thoughts of a respected physio who said;
The somatosensory cortex plays an important role in pain modulation. Chronic pain has been demonstrated to reduce grey matter in the brain.
In other words, a positive attitude mitigates the intensity of the athlete’s experience of pain and minimises the potential atrophy of the brain if chronic pain responses are reinforced by a negative mindset that is allowed to fester.
Strategies such as mindfulness, hope and positive mindset with positive expectations have been shown to significantly help chronic pain.
Relaxation, mindfulness and guided relaxation meditation practices….work to relieve physical tension and calm anxiety….multiple affects for people experiencing chronic pain. Relaxes tight muscles that contribute to pain. Calm distressing thoughts. Promotes accepting and positive thoughts.

Conclusion

Adversity is the very reason great athletes are great!
When an athlete graciously accepts adversity into their lives, they deeply know and appreciate that they, can overcome challenges, bounce back, be resilient and consequently are ready to flourish at the next level.
Do not wish away adversity because it is the very thing that facilitates growth and perennial evolution.
For athletes, adversity is the gateway to an athlete’s limitless best self.