{"id":19382,"date":"2024-09-05T15:40:42","date_gmt":"2024-09-05T19:40:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/?p=19382"},"modified":"2025-06-03T06:21:58","modified_gmt":"2025-06-03T10:21:58","slug":"how-to-embrace-challenges-like-pro-athletes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/how-to-embrace-challenges-like-pro-athletes\/","title":{"rendered":"How to\u00a0Embrace Challenges\u00a0Like Pro Athletes"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/athletic-challenges.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-19383\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/athletic-challenges.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/athletic-challenges-300x150.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_you_Ready_for_the_Athletic_Challenges_in_your_Sports_Career\"><\/span>Are you Ready for the Athletic Challenges in your Sports Career?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 ez-toc-wrap-center counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-transparent ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Article Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #0769bf;color:#0769bf\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #0769bf;color:#0769bf\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/how-to-embrace-challenges-like-pro-athletes\/#Are_you_Ready_for_the_Athletic_Challenges_in_your_Sports_Career\" >Are you Ready for the Athletic Challenges in your Sports Career?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/how-to-embrace-challenges-like-pro-athletes\/#For_example_what_if_you_were_not_chosen_for_your_high_school_varsity_team\" >For example, what if you were not chosen for your high school varsity team?&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/how-to-embrace-challenges-like-pro-athletes\/#VanSumeren_viewed_his_circumstances_as_an_opportunity_and_was_up_for_the_challenge\" >VanSumeren viewed his circumstances as an opportunity and was up for the challenge.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/how-to-embrace-challenges-like-pro-athletes\/#Related_Sports_Psychology_Article\" >Related Sports Psychology Article<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/how-to-embrace-challenges-like-pro-athletes\/#The_Composed_Athlete_Digital_Download\" >The Composed Athlete (Digital Download)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<p>Many athletes become so focused on obstacles that they become overwhelmed by their circumstances instead of seeing solutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While obstacles may seem daunting, it is often not the obstacle that determines your future but your response to the challenge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"For_example_what_if_you_were_not_chosen_for_your_high_school_varsity_team\"><\/span>For example, what if you were not chosen for your high school varsity team?&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Instead, you were assigned to the JV team for a second straight year. Would you continue to work and do whatever it takes to make the varsity team in your junior year, or would you consider quitting your sport?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>How about if your coach replaced you in the starting lineup?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Would you still be motivated and fight to regain a starting role, or would you accept the demotion and lose your confidence?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Challenges<\/strong> in sports are ever-present; they are inescapable. How you respond to those <strong>challenges<\/strong> is a choice that significantly impacts your future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When you view circumstances as <strong>challenges<\/strong>, you will focus on solutions. Each challenge you overcome helps you become a better athlete and more mentally equipped to handle future <strong>challenges<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Take, for instance, Ben VanSumeren, a 2023 non-drafted NFL rookie free agent for the Philadelphia Eagles. Before trying out for the Eagles, VanSumeren mainly played offense throughout his football career, until the Eagles decided to develop him into a linebacker.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"VanSumeren_viewed_his_circumstances_as_an_opportunity_and_was_up_for_the_challenge\"><\/span>VanSumeren viewed his circumstances as an opportunity and was up for the challenge.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>VANSUMEREN: &#8220;It was &#8230; very different. I&#8217;m always looking for the next thing to improve on and get better at, and that is the way I approached it.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After the 2023 training camp, VanSumeren was assigned to the Eagles\u2019 practice squad. Later in the season, VanSumeren was moved to the active roster and played 230 total snaps during the 2023 season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, VanSumeren was not satisfied, and his next challenge was to expand his role in 2024. VanSumeren dedicated his offseason to developing his defensive skills, and his work paid off. VanSumeren earned his way onto the opening-day 53-man roster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>VANSUMEREN: &#8220;I don&#8217;t leave a stone unturned. All the things that factor into my game and make me the player that I am, I&#8217;ve tried to focus on, and I think that&#8217;s really helped me going into this year. I&#8217;ve definitely taken some big strides\u2026 &nbsp;along with some coaching points I&#8217;ve gotten from coaches in the building and players I&#8217;ve played with, and it&#8217;s really helped me come a long way\u2026 I take these steps every day to prepare myself to make me the best player I can be.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A positive mindset is crucial for overcoming <strong>challenges<\/strong> and achieving success in sports. By focusing on solutions and learning from setbacks, athletes can improve their game and develop mental toughness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Stop classifying your circumstances as a roadblock, obstacle, or insurmountable mountain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Instead, start seeing your circumstances as a challenge to overcome or a puzzle to be pieced together. Changing how you view or speak about a situation impacts how you approach those circumstances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-dots\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"block-979ef383-5bc7-43ee-b8f9-249663ca1a6c\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Related_Sports_Psychology_Article\"><\/span>Related Sports Psychology Article<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/the-mental-game-challenges-of-injuries-in-youth-sports\/\">The Mental Game Challenges of Injuries in Youth Sports<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/how-to-mentally-prepare-for-challenges-in-races\/\">How to Mentally Prepare For Challenges in Races<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/overcoming-adversity-and-mental-game-challenges-in-sports\/\">Overcoming Adversity and Mental Game Challenges in Sports<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-dots\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-left\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Composed_Athlete_Digital_Download\"><\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/shop.peaksports.com\/products\/the-composed-athlete-digital\" title=\"\">The Composed Athlete (Digital Download)<\/a><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"225\" height=\"250\" src=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/composed-athlete-small.jpg\" alt=\"The Composed Athlete Workbook &amp; Audio\" class=\"wp-image-19327\" style=\"width:160px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>\u201cThe Composed Athlete\u201d audio and workbook program helps you gain a competitive edge by improving your composure in competition. Learn the best ways to let go of mistakes and overcome frustration and dwelling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>\u201cMy son Jake has struggled with composure for as long as I can remember. He is doing the&nbsp;<strong>Composed Athlete<\/strong>&nbsp;program and is about half-way through. He had the biggest, most stressful wrestling tournament of his season this past weekend. I have never seen him demonstrate such composure and sportsmanship -ever. I was so happy I was fighting back tears. It\u2019s been a long and frustrating road. I am so thankful for your program.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>~Laura Grogan&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:100%\">\n<div style=\"text-align:center\" class=\"wp-block-atomic-blocks-ab-button ab-block-button\"><a href=\"https:\/\/shop.peaksports.com\/products\/the-composed-athlete-digital\" class=\"ab-button ab-button-shape-rounded ab-button-size-medium\" style=\"color:#ffffff;background-color:#3373dc\">Learn More<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Are you Ready for the Athletic Challenges in your Sports Career? Many athletes become so focused on obstacles that they become overwhelmed by their circumstances instead of seeing solutions. While obstacles may seem daunting, it is often not the obstacle that determines your future but your response to the challenge. For example, what if you were not chosen &#8230; <a title=\"How to\u00a0Embrace Challenges\u00a0Like Pro Athletes\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/how-to-embrace-challenges-like-pro-athletes\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about How to\u00a0Embrace Challenges\u00a0Like Pro Athletes\">Sport Psychology Article&#8230;<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":19384,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[142],"tags":[1029,182],"class_list":["post-19382","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-sports-psychology-tips","tag-challenges-in-sports","tag-mental-game-challenges"],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t<!-- All in One SEO Pro 4.9.6.2 - aioseo.com -->\n\t<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Many athletes become so focused on obstacles ahead of them that they become overwhelmed by their circumstances instead of seeing solutions. 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