Resilience: Growing Strong Roots Before You Grow Tall

I had a conversation recently with my son that really stayed with me. We were talking about trees, specifically why some small trees take so long to grow. He asked why they weren’t as big and strong as others, and it led us into a simple but powerful analogy about life, sport, and resilience.

Some trees grow in poor soil. They don’t have everything they need readily available, so they have to work harder. Their roots stretch deeper, searching for nutrients and water. It takes time. From the outside, they may look smaller, slower, even behind. But beneath the surface, something incredible is happening: they are building a strong, stable foundation.

Now compare that to trees planted in rich, perfect soil. Everything is there. Nutrients are abundant, growth is fast, and they shoot up quickly. They look impressive early. But their roots don’t need to work as hard. They stay shallow.

So when the first strong wind comes, which tree is more likely to stand?

This is the essence of resilience.

In sport, and particularly in the development of junior athletes, we are often tempted to provide everything. The best facilities, the latest equipment, structured programs, constant support. And while these are all valuable, we need to ask an important question:

Are we helping young athletes grow, or are we doing the growing for them?

Resilience isn’t built when everything is easy. It’s built in the struggle. It’s built in the moments when things don’t go to plan, when progress feels slow, when effort isn’t immediately rewarded. It’s built when athletes have to problem solve, adapt, and push through discomfort.

Just like those small trees in poor soil, athletes who face challenges early, who have to work harder, stay patient, and dig deeper, are often the ones who develop the strongest foundations. They learn persistence. They learn perspective. They learn that growth takes time.

And when the inevitable “strong winds” of sport arrive, pressure, setbacks, injury, disappointment, it’s those deep roots that keep them standing.

This doesn’t mean we remove support. It means we are intentional about how we provide it. Instead of always smoothing the path, we guide our athletes to navigate it. Instead of solving every problem, we empower them to find solutions. Instead of chasing quick success, we prioritise long term development.

Because the goal isn’t just to grow tall, it’s to grow strong.

For our young athletes, resilience is one of the most valuable traits they can develop. It shapes not only their performance, but their character. It prepares them not just for sport, but for life.

So next time progress feels slow, or challenges arise, remember the small tree.

The one that looks like it’s falling behind…

is often the one preparing to stand the tallest when it matters most.