A Positive Force Fueled by Adversity

Really enjoyed this local documentary #TheSongsWeSang #Netflix https://www.netflix.com/title/81310409 about Xinyao.

Xinyao was a movement that evolved from a period of major reforms to “align” chinese education into the national syllables. The Chinese educated bore the brunt of these reforms and the ensuing discrimination – the extent of this was denoted by a Straits Times headline in 1978 – ‘Nantah graduates are worth only $300 per month’ and the closure of Nantah University in 1980.

A positive force fuelled by adversity…

Xinyao was an outlet for the Chinese-educated to assert their identity against these changes. Instead of being destructive, it became a unifying force between Chinese and English speaking Cinaporeans. Xinyao also became a catalyst for the development of international Mandopop stars such as Eric Moo, Kit Chan and Stephanie Sun.

“Adversity introduces a man to himself”

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Between Information and Application…

It is no longer surprising to hear athletes make statements such as “I should focus on the process rather than the outcome.” Compared to when I first started coaching, both coaches and athletes today are better informed about the need to focus on the process.

However, there is still a gap between information and application. Despite being better informed, athletes often do not know how to let go of the outcome and refocus on the process.

From what I’ve observed, there are three related reasons that are limiting their ability to do so.

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Time to practice what we preach

Many of us are now stuck at home and some without income. Of course we prefer things to be different. Well they aren’t. Instead of feeling helpless, how can we turn this around?

“It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.” –Epictetus

You’re not going to find direct answers to the question here but, you might be able to turn this into an opportunity for growth if you spend some time reflecting on what sports coaching has taught us and what we have been teaching our athletes…

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