In this episode of Behind the Glitz, I had the chance to sit down with Vilis Ozols, a former pro volleyball player and NCAA women’s basketball coach, to dive into the mindset it takes to win, overcome adversity, and bounce back from setbacks. We got real about the grit, determination, and relentless drive needed not just in sports but in life.

Vilis shared a powerful personal story about a major setback he faced and how he turned it into one of his biggest learning experiences. It’s a reminder that the behind-the-scenes work, the struggles and challenges, are what really shape success.

We also talked about burnout—something that hits athletes and coaches hard. Vilis shared some great insights on how to stay motivated and avoid burnout by building resilience and practicing mental toughness. We both agree that preparation, maintaining a positive mindset, and even embracing failure are all essential parts of the journey to success.

The conversation wrapped up with three powerful takeaways: giving everything you’ve got, positioning yourself for success, and relentlessly going after your goals—without burning out.

Takeaways:

• Success, in sports and life, requires giving maximum effort and pushing past your limits.
• Grit can be developed through consistent habits, attitude, and perseverance.
• Having a support system makes a huge difference when overcoming challenges.
• Setbacks and failures are valuable opportunities for growth and learning.
• Always give 100% so you can look back and say you left nothing on the table.
• Put yourself in a position to win by being prepared and ready for whatever comes your way.
• The only goal you can’t achieve is the one you don’t go after—so go for it!