Let’s tackle a common question from one of the teams I’m working with:
How do you play through frustration?

It’s something every athlete deals with.

Start with a brain reboot.
Use eye movements, count down from 200 by 7s, or take centering breaths. These are emotional management skills—they help reset your mind.

Long-term adjustments:
✔ Accept that frustration is part of the game.
It wouldn’t be a tough challenge if there was no risk of difficulty.

✔ Don’t try to eliminate it.
You won’t. And the more you try, the worse it gets. Overfocus on it, and it multiplies.

✔ See it as information.
Frustration is telling you something needs to change—your game or your attitude.

✔ Refocus.
Win the next play, next shot, next possession, next minute.

✔ Simplify.
If frustration builds, focus on one thing—play good defense, execute one skill well. Be hard to play against.

✔ Believe in your ability to adjust.
Frustration doesn’t mean something is wrong with you. But if you believe it does, frustration will confirm it.

Playing through frustration is mental fitness.
It’s also a way to build mental health. You grow when you execute despite it.