14/06/2026
🧠 Safety Before Growth
We often focus on what we want from athletes:
🏋️ To take risks
💪 Be resilient in the face of adversity
🗣️ Communicate honestly
But all of those require a degree of safety first.
When we feel threatened or overwhelmed, even subconsciously, our nervous system shifts into protection mode.
➡️ In sport, that might mean playing safe or hiding concerns.
➡️ In life, that might mean retreating from opportunity or avoiding vulnerability.
Growth requires challenge.
But challenge needs a foundation of trust, belonging and psychological safety.
Before asking people to be courageous, we should ask whether they feel safe enough to take the risk.