The Power of Gratitude in Wrestling: A Skill That Transforms Athletes

How gratitude has helped Penn State dominate in the NCAA semifinals

The echo of gratitude resonates through the words of Cael Sanderson and the Penn State team. Cael Sanderson understands gratitude is not just a casual mantra-it's a skill. But why does gratitude matter in wrestling?

Cael comprehends the transformative power embedded in the skill of gratitude. When we cultivate this skill, viewing it as an art to be honed, it becomes a lens through which we can shape our experiences with both a growth mindset and gratitude. This isn't merely a philosophical concept.  The true essence of practicing gratitude lies in feeling it resonate within our bodies and hearts, leading to the absence of fear, anxiety, frustration, and disappointment.

Consider Penn State's remarkable record of 50-7 in the NCAA championships' semi-finals since 2011. This isn't just a result of having the best wrestlers; it's a testament to their season-long dedication to honing the skill of gratitude. On Friday nights, they wrestle not from a place of fear and pressure, but from a wellspring of joy, acceptance, and ultimately, freedom.

For coaches looking to instill the skill of gratitude in their wrestling teams, practical strategies abound:

Daily Gratitude Talks: Initiate a daily ritual where, at the beginning or end of practice, a few wrestlers share what they are grateful for. Initially challenging, this practice will gradually elicit deeper and more meaningful responses.

Frame Past Experiences: After weekend tournaments, prompt both coaches and athletes to reflect on three things they learned and are thankful for. By framing challenging situations with gratitude, athletes can shift their perspective, transcending the dichotomy of wins and losses.

Journaling Gratitude: Encourage athletes to write down three things they are grateful for regularly. Have them approach each week with the question, "What are three things you learned this week that made it the most important week of the season?"

View gratitude not just as a word on a wall but as a skill that wrestlers can refine throughout the season and their careers. Dedicate a few minutes in each practice to discuss it and allocate time on Mondays to frame the weekend's experiences with growth and gratitude. As athletes develop this skill alongside their wrestling prowess, they'll find themselves embracing pressure and rising to big moments—just as Penn State has done. There's no reason why your program can't do the same!

Peace and Love

JB