How to Bounce Back After a Big Loss

Even though it’s not all about winning, losing still sucks. Instead of drowning your sorrows in a pint of ice cream, here are some ways to deal with a big loss:

Even The USWNT Has Lost a Game

Think about your favorite soccer player. Guess what? Even she’s lost a game or two. It’s O.K. to be upset, but it’s also important to remember that losing is part of playing the sport and it happens to everyone. 

Don’t Beat Yourself Up

Process your feelings, but only listen to constructive criticism. Especially from yourself. One loss doesn’t make you a loser. One bad decision in the middle of a game doesn’t make you a bad soccer player. Think about what you did wrong, but don’t forget about all of the things that you did right including how you supported other players on your team. 

Talk to Someone Supportive

You don’t need someone who’s going to sugar coat your loss, but you don’t need someone who’s going to make you feel worse than you already do either. Talk to your coach or a parent, someone who knows how much you’ve been practicing and how hard you tried in that game. 

Focus on Your Next Game

Watch the game and look at the statistics, this will give you an opportunity to see what you’ve done wrong and improve upon it before your next game. 

Use It As Motivation

Don’t be a sore loser. Instead, take that loss and use it as motivation to win your next game. Practice harder and eat the ice cream, just maybe not a whole pint. 

We’ll end back where we started, with your favorite soccer player. She’s lost a game before and you still think she’s awesome, right? Well, so are you.

Featured Image via Adobe Stock

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