We are taught growing up that we should never give up on our goals and dreams. Sometimes, it is easy to keep going but what do you do during those moments when negative thoughts start to take over?
Everyone goes through a rough patch every now and then when motivation drops and self-doubt kicks in. However, being able to overcome such challenges is a trait that everyone should develop. Think of how your favorite top athletes can go from what seems to be a bad performance to pulling off a win in their next game. They learn from mistakes, train harder, stay in focus and never ever quit. It takes great mental strength to stay in the game despite setbacks.
Playing sports is a great way to develop such a mindset, especially among young adults. Studies have shown that kids who participate in organized sports regularly develop the grit to rise above challenges. Grit makes athletes work harder day in and day out, enabling them to turn losses into wins and goals into reality.
On top of building physical and social skills, grit drives young athletes to build confidence, become goal-oriented, be resilient, and hone their ability to do well under pressure. Every training session, competition, and interaction with fellow athletes is a life lesson that can help build good mental health, which may serve them well as they grow older.
Getting involved in sports gives athletes a better understanding of how to take care of their mental health and overall wellness. This is the attitude that Milo® hopes to inspire among all Filipino student-athletes. Milo® has the nourishing combination of milk and energy-releasing nutrients that helps provide the strength and energy to take on hurdles they might face on and off the court.
Milo® drinker and captain of De La Salle College of Saint Benilde volleyball team Benilde Blazers Mycah Go understands how much her grit helps her, especially when the sport she enjoyed the most was canceled in the early months of the pandemic. “I did not let the pandemic stop me from what I love,” she said, recalling her struggles with anxiety and uncertainties brought by that time, “I still play ball at home and make alternative ways just for me to play. I keep telling myself to endure and persevere. So, in that way, that helps my mentality,” she explained. This kind of mindset helped Mycah land the NCAA’s Season 97 Women’s Volleyball MVP title.
“It is really important to look after your mental health.” says Brent Paraiso, small forward for the Colegio de San Juan de Letran Knights. When the pandemic put a pause to all his games, Brent admitted he felt weighed down with restlessness and depression. “I had to force myself to overcome this and to just work on improving my body by doing home workouts to keep me sane,” he shares. "It’s just not all about the passion I have for the game because every day there are new challenges. I have to overcome these challenges and adjust my ways to become a better athlete.” His team was the NCAA’s Basketball Champion in seasons 95 and 97.
Passion and talent aren't enough to win in sports and in life; grit is what you need to go beyond expectations. Building daily habits that can develop your grit will allow you to conquer challenges consistently, taking you a step closer to personal success.
Get the daily energy you need to perform at your best every day with Milo®! Visit the official Milo® website for inspiring stories from champion athletes.
