Stepping Up: Finding Opportunity Over Anxiety
Dear Durable Minds,
Our goalie is unable to make tomorrow's game. The coach is asking if anyone wants to volunteer to play. I never have, and I don't want to look like a fool! Why would I? It's not my position and I would create chaos and screw things up for the team. - Contemplating Chaos
“Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.” - Thomas Edison
Dear Contemplating Chaos,
It's completely natural to feel hesitant when faced with stepping into a role you’ve never played before. The fear of failure, looking foolish, or disrupting team dynamics can weigh heavily. But let me tell you a story that might shed light on why sometimes taking a risk and stepping out of your comfort zone can be transformative—not just for you, but for your team as well.
The Story of Tim Howard and the 2014 World Cup
You may have heard of Tim Howard, one of the most renowned goalkeepers in soccer history. But what many people don’t know is that when Howard was younger, he didn’t start out as a goalkeeper. He was originally a field player—focused on running and tackling. One day, during practice, his coach needed speed, height and aggressive play. Howard reluctantly volunteered, unsure if he could handle the pressure.
What followed was an unexpected discovery of talent. Howard realized he had a natural aptitude for the position, which he had never considered before. He went on to become one of the best goalkeepers in U.S. soccer history, recording a record 16 saves in a single World Cup match.
Would Howard have reached that level of success if he hadn’t taken a leap of faith? Probably not. That one moment of stepping into an uncomfortable role opened up a world of opportunities he hadn’t envisioned.
Facing the Unknown with Courage
Now, you might be thinking, “That’s Tim Howard; I’m not him.” And you're right—you don’t have to be a future legend to step up. What matters is your willingness to embrace a challenge. Statistics show that people who take on roles outside of their expertise tend to develop new skills faster. A 2019 study from the American Psychological Association found that individuals who stretch themselves by taking on new tasks experience a 20% increase in overall performance in the long term because they adapt to unforeseen situations, build resilience, and enhance their problem-solving abilities.
The Power of "Team Over Self"
Remember, your coach isn’t asking for perfection. Your team isn’t expecting you to step into the goal with world-class skills. What they do need is someone willing to help, someone who understands that supporting the team’s immediate need outweighs the fear of making mistakes. If you do make an error, guess what? It’s part of the learning process. Every athlete has faced this at some point.
Taking on a new role could change the dynamic for your team in unexpected ways. What if you succeed beyond your expectations? What if the experience makes you a stronger player in your regular position? These are possibilities you won’t discover unless you try.
Embrace the Chaos, but Control the Mind
Stepping into the chaos doesn’t mean you have to let the chaos control you. Approach this opportunity with a mindset of growth and adaptability.
In the end, it’s not about being perfect in a position that’s unfamiliar—it’s about showing up, doing your best, and contributing to the team in a way you hadn’t expected. It might just turn out to be one of your best games yet.
Wishing you the best of luck in your game—take a deep breath, embrace the challenge, and enjoy the opportunity to grow.
Focus on what you can control—your effort, attitude, and preparation. Lean on your teammates for guidance, and take the chance to expand your skills.
Simplify Your Strategy for this new position and event:
Ask your coach for 2-3 tips to focus on when playing this new position.
Visualize Success
Take 5-10 minutes to close your eyes and visualize yourself in the role of a goalie. Picture yourself successfully using the tips from your coach, which may include blocking shots, staying calm, and making quick decisions. Visualization helps mentally prepare for the situation and can improve performance. Research shows that mental rehearsal can activate the same neural pathways as physical practice.
Warm Up using basic drills
Communicate with Teammates
Before the game, let them know that you will try your hardest, but you will need positive support as the game progresses.
During the game, don’t be afraid to communicate loudly with your defenders. Good communication can prevent dangerous situations from happening in the first place. Shout instructions like “clear the ball/puck” or “mark your player” to organize the defense and take pressure off yourself.
After the game, thank them for their support.
Adopt a “Reset Ritual”
Mistakes will happen—what’s important is how quickly you bounce back. After every play, whether it was a success or a mistake, have a quick reset ritual (e.g., take a deep breath, pace 3x in front of the goal as a symbol of reclaiming your space, or create a self-talk ritual). Resetting your mind will help you stay present and avoid getting stuck in negative thoughts.
Play for Fun, Not Perfection
Remind yourself that you’re doing this for the love of the game and the team, not for a flawless performance. Play with a sense of enjoyment, which helps alleviate pressure and improve your overall performance.
Mindset Flip: Mistakes are Learning Opportunities
Instead of dreading mistakes, embrace them as part of your growth process. Every mistake on the field teaches something new about the game, your teammates, and yourself. Adopt the mindset that every game, even with setbacks, adds to your experience.
These hacks give practical strategies to help players step up with confidence, control their nerves, and perform to the best of their abilities—especially when faced with an unexpected challenge like playing in a new position.
