July 15, 2025
How Difficulty Strengthens Athletes
Often, society promotes facing difficulty in school or sports as an indication that there is a lack of confidence or talent. This is especially exposed in poor teaching environments where comparison is a tool of methodology. Since we are such an efficiency-fixated world, we can become impatient, frustrated, or even embarrassed if something takes us more time or is more challenging for us to figure out.
With the right mindset, difficulty can help us achieve and succeed. It requires us to slow down, wait, and work harder. We need greater patience for success, operating with a growth mindset. Pushing through difficult challenges develops grit and resilience, a sense of patience, a greater ability to solve problems, stronger memory, and a higher athletic ceiling. As we see challenges positively, we grow stronger.
Scripture even tells us to consider trials as pure joy! That is an audacious recommendation. It tells us exactly what modern scientists tell us today. When we are thankful and grateful for our trials, they produce in us perseverance, proven character, and hope— hope that does not disappoint— not hope as wishful thinking but as a quiet knowing— that which has not yet happened, will happen.
Recognizing Difficulty As An Athlete
Too many athletes choose the easy path based on comfort. This path will not lead to excellence. Prioritizing travel and games rather than workouts and practice demonstrates the lazy wish of wanting to be great at sports without having the proper work ethic and dedication needed. Working out is incredibly difficult when it is done with the highest levels of intensity and tenacity.
At NBC Volleyball we have Intensity Night at some overnight locations where students and coaches go through a workout together. We are drawing campers to the understanding that it is the love of difficulty and discipline of hard work that leads to greatness. We celebrate and honor the work needed to become a strong player.
Most often the difficulty lies in some aspect concerning “success” in this sport—playing time, winning, scholarships, advancement, perceived dominance, or talent. We want people to admire us.
This difficulty is a profoundly spiritual one because at the root is meaning and purpose— your why for playing the game and your frustration at the difficulty in not achieving your why at the pace or ease you wished.
Ask yourself if the difficult work you have done is enough to place you at the level of excellence you desire for your sport. Are you truly as skilled as you believe you are, and would most professional coaches or mentors agree?
If you are at that level, have patience, focus on the work, your opportunities are coming.
If you wish to be at the top, but you are not close to the goal, this is a beautiful place. Enjoy the game, play with passion and joy. Gratitude and hope are the best tools for building the internal fire needed to go through difficulty. Love is the highest motivation. Increase the love and you increase the will to overcome any obstacle.
Love never stares at the difficulty or the obstacles. Love looks beyond and finds the way.
Hey NBC Volleyball Athletes,
You light up the world like you light up the court. You know how to be on fire with love for your community, family, friends, and God. You know what kinds of difficulties are important to welcome and what to resist, what to push through and when to walk away. We see this in you because you find mentors and wise counselors/coaches who can help you discern and be wise along your life journey. Keep up the work!