The Glass, the Ball, and the Muscle

 

The Glass, the Ball, and the Muscle: 

A Simple Metaphor for Resilience











We’ve all had days at work (or in life) when we feel like we’re falling apart, getting knocked around, or being stretched to our limit.

In a recent coaching session, I found myself using a simple metaphor that landed well — so I thought I’d share it here, with a real-life story woven in.

Three Ways We React to Challenge

Imagine three objects:

  • A glass — if it falls, it shatters.

  • A ball — if it falls, it bounces back to exactly how it was.

  • A muscle — if it is stretched and stressed, it becomes stronger. But if it’s not used, it gets weaker.

Each of these represents a mindset we might carry when dealing with adversity.

🫙 “I’m like glass — if something goes wrong, I’ll break.”
🏀 “I should be the ball — bounce back instantly and perfectly.”
💪 “I’ll be the muscle — stretch, adapt, and grow.”

The truth? Most of us are some combination of the three. But over time, with awareness and support, we can lean more into muscle mode — building the capacity to grow through challenge.

Enter Neuroplasticity (Your Brain’s Inner Gym)

This isn’t just a nice metaphor. Neuroscience tells us that the brain is capable of neuroplasticity — the ability to rewire and strengthen new pathways in response to experience.

  • When we choose to face discomfort consciously, we build neural circuits for resilience, curiosity, and calm.

  • When we avoid challenge or react impulsively, we reinforce the circuitry of fear, avoidance, and repetition.

Like physical muscles, our mental and emotional “muscles” get stronger the more we use them.

A Real-Life Example: From “Bounce Back” to “Build Forward”

Let me introduce you to Priya (name changed).

Priya had recently been laid off from a senior role at a well-known company. She was upset, frustrated, and clear about one thing:

“I just want the same kind of job. Same role, same industry, same level — in another company.”

She wanted to be the ball — to bounce back to exactly where she was, just elsewhere.

As we talked, though, it became clear that the world had moved on. And so had she — she just hadn’t recognized it yet.

We began to shift the conversation:

  • What if this is about building something new, not going backward?

  • What strengths do you have now that weren’t even visible a year ago?

  • What could grow from this space, if you allowed yourself to stretch?

Over time, Priya began exploring new options — roles aligned with her deeper strengths, values, and aspirations. One particular path lit her up — something she hadn’t even considered before.

Is she employed again yet? No. She’s deep in the recruitment process. (Which, as many of us know, can feel like a CrossFit workout for the soul.)

But her mindset has shifted. She’s not bitter. She’s not stuck. She feels stronger and more purposeful.

“It’s strange,” she told me recently, “I’m still stretched… but I’m definitely stronger. I’m working this new muscle. And it feels good.”

The Takeaway

You don’t have to be the glass. You won’t break.
You don’t need to be the ball. You won’t bounce back to exactly the old you — and that’s a good thing.
You can be the muscle. Stretch, adapt, and get stronger with each challenge.

A Reflection Prompt

Think back on a recent moment of stress or transition.

  • Were you feeling more like the glass, ball, or muscle?

  • What helped you respond the way you did?

  • What “muscle” might you want to strengthen going forward?

Feel free to drop your thoughts in the comments — I’d love to hear your story.

Thanks for reading. If this metaphor resonated, feel free to share it — maybe someone else out there needs a little reminder that they’re stronger than they think.

Sanjay
Coach | Facilitator | Resident muscle-in-training (and occasional bouncing ball)

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