Two Inspiring Feedback Stories:
Alexander is a dedicated professional athlete. After taking a well-earned break post-Olympics and transitioning to a new coach, he felt ready for the season ahead. His training had gone well, but with a new coach came uncertainty. Despite his confidence, his first competition didn't go as planned.
Alexander’s Result:
He made a critical mistake that cost him the race. Disappointed and feeling he had let his team down, Alexander began questioning his fitness and his capabilities.
Alexander’s Response to Feedback:
Initially upset, Alexander quickly reframed the situation. As his Mindset Coach, we discussed how to leverage this setback as a learning opportunity. He reached out to his coach and teammates, took ownership of his mistake, and shifted his focus to the next competition just days away.
He transformed feedback into fuel for his next performance.
Bianca, a semi-professional athlete, faced a challenging seven-month rehabilitation journey following surgery. Her pre-season preparation was limited, and joining a new team while being sidelined made connection difficult. Last week, she had her first performance testing with her new team—a moment filled with anticipation.
Bianca’s Result:
Bianca called me after testing to share the news that she had far exceeded her expectations, achieving the top results in her team. We celebrated! Her patience and commitment to rehabilitation had paid off.
Bianca’s Response to Feedback:
Motivated by her success, Bianca took immediate action. The next morning she scheduled follow-up sessions with her Strength and Conditioning coach and physiotherapist to refine her next steps.
She embraced the feedback and used it as momentum for continued improvement.
What Do These Stories Mean for You?
You might not be a professional athlete, but like Alexander and Bianca, you have goals and ambitions at work. Feedback isn’t just about performance reviews; it’s about gathering insights to inform your next move, and using the motivation to take action.
When mistakes happen, like Alexander, embrace feedback to grow and improve.
When you achieve success, like Bianca, use feedback to build momentum and plan your next steps.
Feedback is information. Feedback is an opportunity. Feedback is fuel.
*Names and genders have been changed to protect privacy. Specific sports have been omitted intentionally.