The Painful Moments That Lead to Progress: Lessons from Pickleball and Life
Hey, let’s talk about pain for a minute. Have you ever experienced something that just knocked you off your feet? I’m talking about those moments when you’re convinced you’re done for, it’s over, and all you want to do is give up. Me too.
Last week, I had an epidural shot to deal with some persistent pain. And let me tell you, it hurt like #$%$! The kind of pain that makes you cry. (And yes, I cried. No shame in that.)
But here’s the crazy part: as soon as it was over, I felt better than I had in months. That pain I was dreading? It turned out to be the key to some serious relief. And as I sat there, processing it all, you know where my mind went? Yep, straight to pickleball.
Pickleball and Painful Moments
If you’ve ever played pickleball, you know exactly what I mean. Picture this: you’re in the middle of a dink rally and your opponent pops the ball up right to your forehand. Your eyes widen as you see the hole that your opponents have left. As you reach your paddle back into position to hit the kill shot you notice your opponents are starting to flinch. You swing forward, with enough force to knock down the “Great Wall of China,” the spectators feign in anticipation of the loud sound of the ball exploding from the surface of your brand new $250 titanium paddle, only to be greeted by the whiff of your paddle hitting nothing but air.
Kind of stings. Right?
But here’s the thing: those moments, the ones that frustrate you and shake your confidence? They’re also the ones that push you to grow. You learn to adjust your position, anticipate better, and before you know it, you’re returning those shots like a pro.
Painful moments aren’t just part of the game; they’re part of the process.
Why Discomfort is a Good Thing
Let’s get real: growth never happens in your comfort zone. Sure, it’s nice to stay there, but nothing changes when you’re playing it safe. On the court, that might mean sticking with easy rallies and avoiding risks. But in life? That’s where the real lessons come in.
Take my epidural, for example. I didn’t want to go through it. I dreaded it. But now, I feel like a new person. That discomfort was temporary, but the payoff? That’s going to stick with me.
Same goes for leadership, work, relationships—you name it. The hard stuff might hurt, but it’s what makes you stronger, better, and more prepared for the next challenge.
Resilience: The Key to Everything
Pickleball and life have a lot in common: you’re going to mess up. You’ll lose points, make mistakes, and feel like giving up. But the players who succeed? They’re the ones who stay in it.
You shank a shot? Shake it off and move on. Your team at work hits a setback? Adjust and keep going. The name of the game is resilience—showing up and staying in it, no matter how tough things get.
Or as Frederick Douglass so wisely put it: “Without struggle, there is no progress.”
A Quick Timeout for Some Leadership Lessons
So, what can we take from this?
- Lean Into the Pain: Whether it’s a tough shot on the court or a big challenge in life, don’t run from it. Face it head-on—it’s part of the process.
- Focus on the Next Play: Don’t dwell on the miss or the mistake. Keep your eyes on the next opportunity.
- Celebrate the Wins (Big or Small): That perfect dink or that moment when the pain finally eases? Take a second to appreciate it.
Wrapping It Up
Here’s what I want you to take away from this little chat: the painful moments? They’re not the end. They’re just part of the journey. They’re what set you up for your next big win, whether that’s on the court or in life.
So the next time you’re facing something tough—whether it’s an unexpected shot in pickleball or something life throws your way—just remember: the pain is temporary, but the progress is worth it.
Exciting News!
I’m thrilled to share that I’ll be presenting my research on the impact of pickleball on leadership at the TrainingMag 2025 Conference and Expo in Orlando, February 17–19. If you’ll be attending, come by and let’s connect!
Looking for more ways to grow your leadership skills? Check out my books and workshops designed to help you transform your leadership game—both on and off the court. Visit my site www.pickleballleadership.com for all the details.