Setbacks are inevitable & part of the process. They are important tests of resiliency & clarify how much a person wants to reach a particular goal.

A setback might be an indication that a goal should be altered. A person could alter the type of goal or level of difficulty if progress is being hindered by ability or alternatively if the person is not adequately challenged.

One way to counter discouragement in sport & physical activity is to point to the long-term development model, to show kids they are where they’re supposed to be & how they can & will progress if they keep working. Be sure to focus on developmental age rather than chronological age as people come to sport & physical activities at different ages & stages in their lives.

Another way to deal with a setback is to either create or remind a participant of their individual social goal, the way they talk to themselves when working toward a goal or in times of adversity.

When part of a team, engage teammates to support & encourage one another. Build each other up not just when goals are met but when a team member perseveres in the face of difficulty.

Above all else, highlight sport’s intrinsic rewards like fun, pleasure, mastery & challenge, as well as the value of a person’s continued participation in developing skills such as communication, teamwork & resiliency.

Your potential is undefined if you are willing to keep learning & trying.