The objective in most sports is to score the most points or runs. However, a team’s ability to achieve the highest score often depends on doing more than just scoring. In basketball, for example, a team must not only score but also rebound to create more scoring opportunities after a missed shot. Often, if a team out-rebounds another, it has a better chance of winning.
Good, consistent rebounders in basketball are extremely valuable, and their ability isn’t based on luck. They learn to anticipate and position themselves in the right place after a missed shot, and they have the tenacity to beat their teammates to the ball.
The concept and skill of rebounding in basketball provide valuable lessons that can guide our attitude to life and its challenges:
1. Recognize that some of our efforts will fail. Not all our endeavors will succeed. Consequently, when we experience failure, we should not be disheartened or surprised.
2. Having the right attitude after a failure is key to future success. Anticipation and positioning are key to rebounding because they indicate that we are not giving up but looking for another opportunity for success after failure.
3. Rebounding from failure is itself a successful endeavor. As in basketball, the rebound is, in itself, a measure of success. Rebounding in life builds character and is a key component of success.
4. Continuously rebounding increases the likelihood of overall success. The more we rebound from failure, the more likely we are to achieve great things because we learn from mistakes and give ourselves more opportunities to succeed.
James 1:2-3 says, ‘My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.’ The writer understood that difficulties, including failure, were meant to teach us patience, and our patience will eventually bring success.
So, whatever failure or disappointment you have experienced, don’t let it define you. It is not the end of your story. Within that experience is an opportunity to rebound and find another chance at success. Turn your misses into a rebound and try again.