3 things March Madness can teach us about life

It’s March Madness season! As we count down the days until Selection Sunday, read on to find out what March Madness can teach us about life.

1. Go with your gut

It can be tempting to feel like you should seek out expert advice, stats or your friends’ opinions when making your bracket picks. But sometimes going with your gut can be your best option.

This applies to many decisions you’ll make in your life – whether it’s deciding on a major, applying for jobs or starting new relationships. It can be helpful to ask for opinions and look at situations from different perspectives. But in the end, you’re the only one who can truly know what might be the best decision for you. Learning to trust your instincts is a skill that will get better with practice.

2. Don’t let upsets get you down

One thing is inevitable when it comes to March Madness: upsets. An underdog team might beat a team that they weren’t supposed to, resulting in a busted bracket. Maybe your favorite team doesn’t do that well, or a star player suffers an injury and has to leave a high-stakes game.

We can’t predict the future, and upsets are something that can happen to us at any time. When it seems like things aren’t going your way, try to maintain a positive outlook. Whether it’s a busted bracket or a bad grade in a class, these setbacks are usually temporary and can be overcome. For example, getting a bad grade is a temporary condition limited to one assignment or exam. You can bounce back by asking for help with the material, getting an earlier start next time, working on your study skills or making more time for classwork going forward.

3. Enjoy the moment

March Madness happens once a year – it can fly by quickly, and it can feel like a roller coaster of emotions. Whether your team or bracket wins or loses, take time to enjoy the journey!

Practicing mindfulness and expressing gratitude can help ease the transition when things change in our lives. Take time throughout your day to pause and reflect on the beautiful place we call home or the excitement when your team moves on to the next round. Maybe the next time you’re out with friends, remind them how grateful you are for their friendship.

Happy March Madness and good luck with your brackets!