The other day, while on a walk with a friend, she shared something about her 13-year-old daughter that struck a chord. Her daughter is an exceptional athlete who almost always brings home trophies. But recently, she decided to step away from athletics entirely. My friend, visibly disappointed, opened up about how last year the first time her daughter didn’t win a trophy. She admired her daughter’s headstrong nature but couldn’t shake the feeling that this decision was a form of self-sabotage. “I don’t know how to handle this,” she admitted. As I listened, I couldn’t help but wonder: Was this self-sabotage? Or could it be something deeper—like the need to explore other interests, redefine success, or even take a breather from the pressure to perform? An apt title for this Teens often make decisions that puzzle us as adults. But these choices might be their way of expressing autonomy or signalling something we’ve overlooked or probably something they are unable to express. Perhaps it’s an opportunity to have open conversations, explore their motivations, and learn how they perceive success, failure, and fulfilment. For parents, it can be incredibly hard to let go of expectations, especially when they see potential in their child. But what if stepping back from something, even temporarily, is a necessary part of growth? What would you do in a situation like this? Would you encourage your teen to stick it out, or give them space to find their way?
What do you think? How do you navigate self-doubt? Do you see it as a roadblock to overcome, or as an opportunity to reconnect with yourself and your goals?
