”One of the major factors for my players to be successful is for them to know that not being okay is okay.” -Kristina McSweeney, Head Softball Coach, South Dakota State University
As a parent and a coach, I often hear from teenagers who are struggling. They reach out to me seeking advice, direction, or just someone who will listen. The pressure they feel is overwhelming. They’re grappling with a range of emotions, from self-doubt to frustration to confusion. And I think it’s crucial that we teach them an important lesson: it’s okay not to be okay.
The reality is that kids today face so many challenges that sometimes the weight of it all can feel unbearable. As a parent of a teenage daughter, I can relate to the daily struggles—both hers and mine. But one thing I’ve learned is that it’s during these tough moments that we need to emphasize resilience.
Resilience isn’t about always being happy, always succeeding, or always having everything under control. It’s about being able to sit with discomfort, to acknowledge that sometimes life is hard, and to understand that struggling doesn’t make you weak—it makes you human. It’s about learning to pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and keep going, even when things don’t go as planned.
Teaching our kids that it’s okay to not have all the answers, and that it’s okay to have bad days, is a critical part of building their emotional strength. By giving them the space to fail, to feel, and to grow, we’re helping them develop the resilience they need to face life’s inevitable challenges.
If you’ve enjoyed this blog and want to dive deeper into understanding motivation and personal growth, check out my book, Significant Recruiting: The Playbook for Prospective College Athletes. It provides valuable insights into the recruiting process and how athletes can take control of their journey.
Families and school administrators can also schedule a strategy session with me. Together, we can uncover what truly motivates you and develop a game plan for long-term success.
