One of the most important attributes top professional athletes share is resiliency.  When an athlete looks for the “good” in challenging situations, it increases confidence, motivation, and helps fuel their desire to be the best they can be.

LEADING UP TO THE 2013 MASTERS

In 2012, Adam Scott held a 4 shot lead with just 4 holes to go at the British Open.  With a four bogey finish, Adam lost a chance to win his first major championship.  After the tournament ended, he admitted he was disappointed, but also mentioned that he wasn’t going to beat himself up over it.  He felt he had a lot of great things to take away from that event.  After all, it was the first time he had such a lead in a major championship with just four holes to go.

It was clear that he was committed to growing and learning from that experience.  This is the art of mental toughness.  He could have focused on all that went wrong, but he chose to take a different perspective, looking at it as solid proof that he could win a major championship.  There is no doubt that his attitude and focus played a huge role in his future success.  Instead of derailing him, he used the 2012 British Open as motivation.  In April of the following year, Adam Scott got his major, becoming the first Australian to win The Masters.

THE TAKEAWAY

When coming across challenges on the way to your ultimate goal, find ways to put a positive spin on things.  Look for the good.  In doing so, you are metaphorically taking your mind to the gym and building the mental toughness that will help you to make your dreams a reality.