The dream must be pursued in the real world and, for most athletes, that means years of training. Coaches can help athletes develop the goals and focus which makes living the dream possible. Coaches must also help athletes develop the ability to monitor their own performance and preparation. After performers turn their ideas into dreams and prepare to make them come true, they frequently experience obstacles and setbacks. The best performers accept obstacles and setbacks as part of the process of performance, not a deterrent to success.
Performers view obstacles and setbacks as important information and opportunities to learn.
Revisiting the Dream Performers must revisit their dream or their mission to re-energize, recover or confront obstacles. Revisiting the dream reminds performers of the value they initially placed on the dream. It helps them see if they are headed in their chosen direction or if they have veered off course. An Example For most of his life, Jeff Rouse faced very few obstacles on his way to dominating his event, the 100-meter backstroke. At the 1992 Olympic Games, however, Rouse suffered a major setback when he lost to Mark Tewksberry of Canada.