Dealing with failure is always hard, especially when you start to doubt your own chance for success. Well, sometimes it helps to know you’re not alone, and that others have struggled and failed and still made it big – really big.
Read on to find out who were told they’d never make it or amount to anything – yet who kept going despite the naysayers and became huge successes!
Your players may find it hard to believe they can achieve greatness when the present seems full of struggle and challenges. They may be told them aren’t any good at this, or that. They may have someone in their life who is demeaning and hard on them.
Struggles and roadblocks are vital to overall growth, since it helps strengthen determination, motivation, and character. However, the critical key is making sure your players believe in themselves, no matter what. They have to believe they’re going to be the best hitter in the league, so they work hard EVERYDAY to achieve that goal. And not allow anyone else to keep them from their dreams! Here are five examples of some very famous people who were told they weren’t good enough – yet who proved everybody wrong:
Lucille Ball – Was told she was too shy. Was kicked out of drama school, yet went on to become one of the most popular stars in the world during her 30 year career in television, including on the much beloved tv show, I Love Lucy.
The Beatles – Were turned down for a recording contract because someone in charge didn’t like their sound. Went on to become one of the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed bands in the history of music, selling over one billion records internationally.
Thomas Edison – Was told by his teacher that he was too stupid to learn anything. He went on to develop many devices that greatly influenced life around the world, including the phonograph and the long-lasting, practical electric light bulb.
Walt Disney – Was fired from his newspaper job and told he had no imagination and no original ideas. Went on to become a multiple Academy Award-winning film producer, director, screenwriter, voice actor, animator, entrepreneur and philanthropist. Influenced the field of entertainment during the twentieth century through his most famous character creation – Mickey Mouse – and through Walt Disney Productions.
Abraham Lincoln – Failed in business, had a nervous breakdown and was defeated 8 times before becoming the sixteenth President of the United States. Successfully led the country through its greatest internal crisis, the American Civil War, saving the Union and ending slavery.
While your players may not go on to greatness and fame like these people, who’s to say they won’t! Sometimes all it takes is someone to believe in them and a little encouragement. So be that person, encourage and foster that belief! The next great American President, doctor, inventor, astronaut, scientist or league hitting champ is out there waiting to be developed, and they might just be playing on your softball team!
For more help with coaching female athletes and inspiring your athletes check out:
- Coach’s Guide to Creating Team Chemistry: Tips on Coaching Female Athletes
- Softball Excellence Coaching Certification
- Vault Classic™
For more inspiration check on fostering success, check out this great link on the story behind “Big” Failures.
