How To Actively Benefit From Adversity: The Wisdom of Good Timber
Adversity is unavoidable in life—and in sports. At Major League Mindset, we don’t see challenges as something to avoid; we see them as opportunities to grow. That’s why Douglas Malloch’s poem Good Timber resonates so deeply with our philosophy. It illustrates how growth, strength, and resilience are forged through challenging times. Let’s break down this poem and connect its wisdom to the principles of the Major League Mindset.
The tree that never had to fight
For sun and sky and air and light,
But stood out in the open plain
And always got its share of rain,
Never became a forest king
But lived and died a scrubby thing.
At MLM, we emphasize that true growth only happens through struggle. A tree in the open plain may have all the resources it needs, but it won’t grow strong without resistance. Similarly, athletes who stay in their comfort zone and avoid adversity miss the opportunity to become their best. Challenges are what push us to develop resilience, confidence, and strength. That’s why we teach athletes to embrace discomfort—it’s the fuel for becoming a forest king, not a scrubby thing.
The man who never had to toil
To gain and farm his patch of soil,
Who never had to win his share
Of sun and sky and light and air,
Never became a manly man
But lived and died as he began.
Success isn’t handed to you; it’s earned through consistent effort and persistence. Whether it’s training, mental preparation, or mastering your craft, the work you put in shapes who you become. At MLM, we believe in progress through process. Athletes must put in the reps—physically and mentally—to grow into the person and player they’re meant to be.
Good timber does not grow with ease,
The stronger wind, the stronger trees,
The further sky, the greater length,
The more the storm, the more the strength.
By sun and cold, by rain and snow,
In trees and men good timbers grow.
This is the heart of the poem—and the heart of what we teach. Growth happens because of adversity, not in spite of it. The stronger the wind, the stronger the tree. The same is true for athletes: the tougher the challenge, the greater the growth. This is the essence of being anti-fragile. When setbacks come—bad games, mistakes, injuries—we teach athletes to reframe those moments as they are happening FOR them, not TO them, and they are all opportunities to strengthen their mindset, build their confidence, and emerge tougher than ever.
Where thickest lies the forest growth
We find the patriarchs of both.
And they hold counsel with the stars
Whose broken branches show the scars
Of many winds and much of strife.
This is the common law of life.
At MLM, we see scars—whether physical or mental—as proof of strength. Every challenge you face, every setback you overcome, leaves a mark that tells the story of your growth. The greatest athletes, just like the tallest trees in the forest, didn’t get there without enduring storms. They’re strong because of their scars, not despite them. We encourage our athletes to see their struggles as badges of honor and reminders of their resilience.
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Common Law of Life
Malloch’s Good Timber captures the truth that growth and strength come from adversity. Setbacks, failures, and challenges aren’t roadblocks; they’re stepping stones to greatness. The key is to adopt an anti-fragile mindset—welcoming resistance, learning from it, and using it to become the best version of yourself.
Remember, whether it’s a stormy season, a tough game, or a personal challenge, you’re not just surviving—you’re growing. And just like the strongest trees in the forest, you’ll emerge from the storm with strength, resilience, and confidence that can’t be shaken.
