Redefine failure. It’s not the opposite of success — it’s part of becoming great.

Play to learn, not just to impress. Mistakes teach you. Playing scared teaches nothing.

Say this: “I’d rather fail fully than succeed halfway.” Give everything. That’s how you grow.

“Courage isn’t the absence of fear — it’s doing it anyway.”

Steph Curry: “You have to be okay with looking bad. That’s how confidence is built.”

Tell your stories of failure. Show them you survived setbacks — and even grew from them.

Watch your language. Avoid shaming words like “embarrassing” or “disappointed” after losses.

Celebrate courage, not perfection. “I’m proud you took the shot,” even if it didn’t go in.

“Failure is never final. Quitting growth is.”

Dr. Kristin Neff: “Self-compassion fuels resilience far more than harsh self-criticism ever will.”

Normalize struggle. Share pro stories. Ask, “What did you learn?” instead of “Why’d you miss it?”

Run “fear-free” drills. Emphasize freedom, creativity, and resilience over outcome.

Praise bounce-back moments. Let effort and response earn more respect than perfection.

Anson Dorrance: “Failure is feedback. Feedback is fuel.”

“A player who fears failing will never find their edge.”