Episode 14: Building Resilience to Enhance Performance
We explore what resilience means in elite performance and how small movement patterns can reveal opportunities to build capacity. We discuss why resilience involves both the body and the mind, from adapting to physical challenges to staying open to feedback and unexpected changes.
Key topics
In this episode, we discuss how resilience can help athletes and artists perform at higher level, even when conditions or physical patterns aren’t ideal.
Why examining subtle movement patterns can help identify opportunities for growth, rather than labeling movement as simply good or bad.
How elite performers can still have small deficits or “glitches” in their systems, and how addressing the right one may improve performance.
How movement analysis can be mistaken for criticism, and why curiosity and openness to feedback can help performers make progress.
How sticking to the same routines, locations, or equipment can limit adaptability when competition conditions change.
Building resilience through safe, intentional disruptions in practice or interrupting a familiar routine.
Techniques for nervous system regulation
Timestamps
00:00 - Opening the conversation and introducing resilience
03:16 - Why resilience matters in performance
05:21 - Finding the small challenge that could build capacity
06:22 - Visual, vestibular, and movement-system inputs
12:38 - Why elite performers may still have areas to explore
15:38 - Simone Biles, pressure, and performance challenges
24:12 - Flexibility, plasticity, and getting out of a fixed routine
29:27 - Practical ideas: changing practice positions and using a breath reset
Resources and Links
Physiological sigh demonstration video
Connect with us
Yuka-IG: @levelupneuro
Nikki-IG: @bybee_nikki
For practical drills and movement strategies, check out our YouTube Channel.
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