How to Rebuild Self-Trust After Injury—And Why It Matters for All Athletes

Coming back from an injury is a layered experience.
It’s not just about physical rehab—it’s about learning how to trust yourself again.

As outdoor athletes, our bodies are often our tools and our playground. So when injury happens, it can shake our confidence—not only in our bodies, but in our decisions.

I’ve been there.
After my fourth concussion, I didn’t feel like myself. I was moody, mentally foggy, unmotivated. Once I finally understood I was dealing with concussion symptoms, I took a good look at how I was approaching my biking and snowboarding.
And when it was time to come back… I didn’t quite feel ready.

That’s the part we don’t talk about enough: the fear, the doubt, and the slow process of rebuilding trust. Not just in our bodies, but in our judgment, our skills, and our readiness.

Self-trust is one of the most essential skills you can build—not only after an injury, but throughout your journey as an athlete.

3 Steps to Rebuilding Self-Trust (In Any Season)

1. Start Small and Get Specific

After injury or time off, don’t jump straight to where you used to be.
Start with what feels solid right now.
In mountain biking, this meant returning to my fundamentals: body position, braking, line choice. This helped me rebuild not just skill, but trust in my decision-making.

Ask yourself: “What do I feel 90% confident doing today?” Start there.

2. Let Go of the Shoulds

The pressure to “get back to where you were” can override your inner wisdom.
Especially in outdoor sports, ego can creep in—even if it’s just pressure we’re putting on ourselves.

Reminder: You’re not behind. You’re building a stronger foundation.
Give yourself permission to progress at your own pace, not the pace of comparison.

3. Track Trust, Not Just Progress

Instead of only measuring how far or fast you go, track moments of self-trust.
Did you listen to your gut and choose the safer line? Did you take a break before you felt overwhelmed? Did you attempt something new because it felt exciting, not forced?

Progress isn’t always visible—but self-trust builds quietly through consistent reps.

Whether you’re navigating recovery or just working toward something new, strengthening self-trust is one of the most valuable things you can do.

It won’t always be linear. There will be days of doubt. But every time you choose to listen, to slow down, or to go for it when it feels right—you’re building something unshakable.

If this hit home for you, I’d love to hear from you.
What’s one way you’re practicing self-trust right now?

Talk soon,
Sam