NBA Finals MVP Jalen Brunson said the one constant among winning players is being willing to fail in the summer when nobody is watching.
— Bryce Butler (@bball_brainiac1) June 17, 2026
Every failed rep forces you to adjust and figure it out, and that is exactly what builds the self belief that shows up when the lights come… pic.twitter.com/YngmlvRdXO
Have the will to fail.
Unconventional wisdom allows the neonate to walk, the pitcher to pitch to contact, the point guard to find new ways to score and lead.
The story that resonates shares the mogul skier watched by a nine year-old who says, "I love how you ski. You never fall." At that moment, the woman realized she could not become a champion without taking more risk, having the will to fail. She became a champion.
There's a saying that the cost of an Olympic Gold Medal in figure skating is falling 20,000 times.
The conventional advice is "leave your comfort zone."
Leaving the Comfort Zone
Growth seldom happens inside our comfort zone. Improvement requires a willingness to be uncomfortable, make mistakes, and risk failure in pursuit of mastery.
1. Seek Better Competition
One of the fastest ways to improve is to compete against superior athletes - bigger, faster, stronger, more skilled.
Leveling up can be humbling. What worked before may not still work. Your favorite moves may be shut down. Weaknesses are exposed that were hidden against lesser opponents.
Many women's college programs have a scrimmage team comprised of men.
Better competition informs gaps in your game and forces change. Great players seek strong opponents. "Iron sharpens iron."
2. Change Weakness Into Strength
Most athletes enjoy practicing known skills. The problem is that comfort does not foster growth.
The forward who struggles to contain the ball needs to grow grit and skill through playing one-on-one. The shooting guard who avoids penetration should work on athleticism, footwork, and reading defenders. The center who struggles on the defensive boards needs both strength and technique.
The will to attack weaknesses separates good players from exceptional ones.
3. Assume Leadership
Leadership can create stress, especially for athletes who are natural introverts. You don't need a title to lead.
Leadership means communicating early, loud, and often. Hold teammates accountable, encourage others through mistakes, and raise standards when hard times come...and they always do.
Leadership can improve performance though commitment to excellence and growing confidence. Teaching, communicating, and setting an example deepen understanding and strengthen commitment to the team.
Commonalities
In each case, the athlete chooses challenge over comfort:
- Better opponents instead of easier wins.
- Weakness development instead of favorite drills.
- Leadership responsibility instead of retreat to the background.
The comfort zone feels safe, but growth lives elsewhere.
The athletes who consistently stretch themselves - physically, mentally, and emotionally - can approach mastery. Have the will to fail.
Lagniappe. Love our losses.
