Leveling Up: From JV to Varsity

It feels incredible to be the best at something. To know your skills, shine in your role, and feel the confidence that comes with being at the top of your game. But if we want to keep evolving and expanding, there comes a moment where we have to step out of that comfort zone and into something bigger.

Think about freshman year, playing JV. You’re one of the best on the team, getting plenty of playing time, building skills, and enjoying that sweet confidence boost. But if you stayed on JV forever, eventually you’d level out. The growth would slow, and that incredible spark of learning and stretching yourself would fade.

The true call comes when it’s time to move up to Varsity. It doesn’t always feel easy. Suddenly, you might not be the best anymore. You might spend time on the bench. You might have to watch others get more attention, more praise, or more minutes on the field. That can feel humbling — even discouraging.

But this is the work of leveling up. It’s the season of resilience. On Varsity, you show up anyway. You practice harder. You find joy in supporting teammates. You learn patience and persistence. And little by little, you grow into your new level of mastery. Eventually, you will shine here too.

This is how life asks us to expand. If we’re calling in more abundance, deeper love, or greater opportunities, we’ll often be given challenges that stretch us. The Universe hands us situations that remind us to show up, use our skills, and trust that we are strong enough to grow through them.

So what does it take to walk through those uncomfortable times of leveling up?

• Grit — the determination to keep going, even when progress feels slow.

• Resilience — the ability to bounce back after setbacks.

• Courage — stepping onto the Varsity court even when you’re not the star.

• Trust — believing that the hard season is shaping you for something greater.

• Positive Attitude — choosing gratitude for the lessons, even on the bench.

• Humility — celebrating others’ wins while you prepare for your own.

When we’re willing to leave the safety of being the best behind, we give ourselves the gift of becoming even better. Growth is uncomfortable, but it’s also where the magic happens.

So ask yourself: are you staying on JV because it feels good to be the best? Or are you ready to step onto Varsity, trust the process, and see what incredible new level of you is waiting on the other side?