A lesson in grit from the Toronto Blue Jays.

Resilience isn’t built in comfort, it’s built in innings.

Watching the Toronto Blue Jays fight their way to the World Series this year is a masterclass in what resilience really looks like. They didn’t get here on raw talent alone. They got here by showing up when it was hardest and that’s something every professional can relate to.

Whether you’re chasing a a degree, a specific job, a career goal, leading a team through change, or rebuilding yourself after a set back the same principles apply.

1. Play the long game.

Every season, every inning, every at-bat matters but not every one goes your way. The Jays faced moments where momentum dipped, pressure mounted, and the outcome was uncertain. But they kept showing up. In our own careers, progress rarely happens in a straight line. The key is to pace yourself, protect your energy, and keep your eye on the bigger picture not just the next play.

2. Reset fast.

A tough loss doesn’t define a team (of you) what happens after does. The ability to reset, regroup, and come back sharper is what separates contenders from champions. The same applies professionally: missed opportunities, layoffs, or wrong turns are part of the game. Resilience is built in the quick pivot not the perfect plan. Baseball, like in life, teaches you more in the extra innings, than the easy ones.

3. Stay grounded in your game plan.

Even when the stakes are high, the Jays didn’t abandon who they were as a team. They adjusted, yes but stayed true to their strengths. In our work lives, it’s easy to doubt ourselves or shift too far when things get tough. But sustainable success comes from knowing your strengths, refining your strategy, applying the hard lessons, staying true to the foundation you’ve built and trusting your vision.

Resilience isn’t built in comfort it’s built in innings.

At Thrive & Co., we believe resilience isn’t just about bouncing back, it’s about staying steady in the innings that move you forward. It’s the quiet consistency, the self-belief that doesn’t waver when results do, and the discipline to keep swinging.

The Blue Jays remind us that progress is rarely linear but persistence, alignment, and purpose always pay off.