Imagine that you have just come off a season when you scored more points than anyone in history, you were the first pick in the draft, and you began your rookie year setting records in the first month. Confidence is high and you are living your dreams, only to find out that the Olympic team for your sport did not select you to their roster.
This was the recent reality for basketball star, Caitlin Clark. The media and fans were in an uproar and had plenty of fodder for discussion. All were eager to see how Caitlin would respond. And true to her high-level athlete status, her comments matched the level of professionalism fans have to come to expect and respect her for.
Caitlin Clark photo credit from: https://hawkeyesports.com/caitlin-clark/
“I think it just gives me something to work for…. Hopefully one day I can be there. I think it’s just a little more motivation, and you remember that. And hopefully in four years, when four years comes back around, I can be there.”
Caitlin’s response speaks volumes in terms of her mindset – it keeps helping her move forward. It is clear that she is keeping this event (what she may or may not define as a setback) in perspective. She demonstrates a long-range vision and the view that this missed opportunity does not need to define her. She later goes on to discuss how not being selected for the roster will give her time for recovery and reflection, which she suggested are well-needed after a whirlwind of a year. Caitlin sees an opportunity for growth where others might see disappointment or anger.
Her response also demonstrates an understanding that we cannot control everything about our competitive experiences. Whether we like it or not, coaching, a referee, or scheduling decisions are often out of our control and may be more of a reflection of other factors (such as not being able to be present for the tryout, which was the case for Caitlin. As such, Caitlin is choosing to control what is in her power, her own response.
Michelle Joshua Ph.D.
Licensed Psychologist, NC
Certified Mental Performance Consultant®, CMPC
Listed in USOPC Mental Performance Registry
