Transformation in Sport
To win, you must apply your technical skills as consistently and as efficiently as possible. This won't happen if you cannot surpass the painful tests of competition. For most people, to do so requires that they make a type of transformation. By using the difficulties of competition in the right way, you "transform" yourself. The right way involves learning to focus and to switch focus at the right times. It means setting goals and setting them in the right way. It means getting a grip on your emotions so that they do not negatively affect your technical skills of actually playing the game.
Transformation in Chronic Pain
Those with chronic pain have not voluntarily submitted for the ongoing struggle of a chronic medical condition. So, for them, an important aspect of the struggle is acceptance. This is not resignation or defeat, but is an engagement of struggling with real-life issues. There is a division line, and you know where you fall on this, into "bitter" vs. "better". Those who become bitter are self-appointed victims, and they retreat from the difficult struggle of living with chronic pain. Those who become "better" are transformed through the struggle. The path has many difficulties, and is best made with others.