Monkey Mind Podcast Episode #113 – Overcoming and Embracing Failure and Adversity with Matt Rieger, CMPC

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Monkey Mind Podcast Episode #113 – Overcoming and Embracing Failure and Adversity with Matt Rieger, CMPC

We’ve all been there—the sinking feeling in your stomach when a play goes wrong, a grade comes back lower than expected, or a project at work hits a wall. Our minds are naturally wired for "smooth sailing," so when failure or adversity strikes, our first instinct is often to panic or retreat.

But what if the very thing we fear most is actually the secret ingredient to long-term success?

In this episode, Matt Rieger, CMPC, joins us to discuss why we should stop avoiding failure and start embracing it as an essential part of the growth process.

The Video Game Paradox

Matt shares a powerful analogy: think of your favorite video game. If the game were perfectly easy and you never failed, you would likely get bored and stop playing. It is the challenge—the "dying" and restarting, getting a little further each time—that keeps you engaged and makes the ultimate victory feel so fulfilling.

The same applies to high performance. True fulfillment and confidence come from overcoming obstacles, not from things being easy.

Reframing the Outcome

One of the biggest hurdles to growth is the emotional weight we attach to failure. It can hurt our ego and shake our identity. Matt suggests that the only time we truly fail is when we stop trying. As long as we are still in the game, every setback is just data for our next move.

The Power of Reflection

To turn adversity into an advantage, Matt encourages listeners to practice intentional reflection. Many athletes and high performers "let the result happen" without looking back, which leads to repeating the same mistakes. Instead, Matt recommends asking two critical questions after any performance—win or lose:

1. What did I learn from this situation?

2. What is my next best step to move forward?

By asking these questions, you shift from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset, allowing you to see progress as a "stock market graph"—full of ups and downs, but trending upward over time.

Listen to the full episode now to learn how to face your fears, build resilience, and keep pushing forward.

Listen on Spotify

Listen on Apple Podcasts 

Monkey Mind Website 

Key Takeaways from Episode #113:

• Embrace the Challenge: Difficulty isn't a sign to stop; it’s what makes the achievement worthwhile.

• Don't Fear the Public: Much of our fear of failure is tied to what others think. Focus on your internal progress instead.

• Stay Consistent: Success isn’t a linear path. If you stick with it through the downs, you will see progress over time.

• Reflect to Improve: Taking the time to analyze your performance gives you a massive advantage over those who don't.

— Danny
Founder, Monkey Mind
www.MonkeyMindAthletes.com

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