1) Thank your Parents and/or supporters
First of all, without them, there is no you. So, just thank them. Thank them for driving you to training .. and to competition ... and paying for both ... and giving up their weekends so you can compete. While you're thanking them, give them a big hug.
This is a MUST for all athletes. Show gratitude and appreciation. That's the least they deserve.
2) Have an Athletic Portfolio ready
If you want to compete at any level, training for sport and competing in sport has become expensive. So it helps you and your parents to have some sponsors that can help you. An athlete should have an ‘Athlete Portfolio’ ... a resume for your sporting achievements that you can hand over to any potential sponsor at any time. It's not bragging. It's a list of how much you've accomplished.
You never know who will wish to support the things that you are striving for. The burden is not solely your parent's to bear. Resist the natural inclination to feel embarrassed by asking for help.
3) Have friends that don’t compete in your sport (or sports)
It’s easy to only hang around those that compete in the same sport as you but it’s better if you have friends outside of that circle that have different interests than you. They will remind you that there is more to life than your sport.
Balance ... it's all about balance ... I have seen so many youngsters burn out by focusing solely on their chosen sport, at the expense of everything else. Live some, Work some, Play some.
4) Coach a younger athlete (or be their mentor)
Remember how awesome it was when one of the older athletes chatted with you or helped you out? Well, it’s good idea to pass that on to an athlete that is younger than you. Take them under your wing, ask about their training or their performance or invite them to come train with you for a while. They’ll love it and you’ll learn from it.
Pay it forward. No ifs, buts or maybes. I have always preached to my players that their legacy to the program is to make younger players better than they were. As the old teaching adage goes, "You never really know if you understand something until you teach it to someone else."
5) Keep all your doors open
You will reach a time when it’ll be tough to participate in other sports and still improve in your main one but keep participating in those sports as long as possible. You never know what might happen or when it’ll happen, so keep all your doors open for as long as possible.
A quick anecdote: My son Keaton was a very talented basketball player. It was his first love but he played a wide variety of sports growing up. When he reached high school, he realized that his genetics were working against him when he stopped growing up and started growing out. He made the switch to rugby and never looked back, representing both Ontario and Canada before retiring in his early 20's.
6) Keep your room (or living area) tidy
There are two reasons for this; Firstly, a cluttered room often means a cluttered mind and great performances rely on laser sharp focus. Secondly, your parents or your roommates will really appreciate it. Give your living area a deep clean and keep it that way. You know it doesn’t take that much effort!
The most successful rugby team for the past number of years has been the All Blacks of New Zealand. One of their foundational statements is "Sweep the sheds".... an expectation that the team leaders are the last out of the training room and ensure that it is clean and orderly.
7) Clean and carry your own equipment
I have a rule for all my Athletes: Carry and clean your own equipment. This will help keep you respectful and humble. It will also ensure you take responsibility for all facets of your participation.
Do some research of the most successful individuals and teams across all sporting activities and you'll find that this is a common theme. I have always preached to my athletes that all facets of their activity are their responsibility, and that includes equipment.
8) Be a good person. No one likes arrogance but there's nothing wrong with confidence. If you've worked really hard on your skills and you perform at a higher level, there's nothing wrong with be happy about that. Remember, it's easy to be a jerk, but it takes work to be a good person.
Always support your team mates in their pursuit of elite performance. Having said that, I believe strongly that if you are putting a lot of extra time, energy and expense improving your skills in pursuit of better performance, and others on your team (if there is a team) are not keeping up their end, politely and compassionately tell them one to one how you feel.
9) Always remember that there's more to sport than the physical stuff
When you strive to be elite, and you work hard to get to that level, you'll find out that physically there's not as much difference between elite athletes, but there's a HUGE difference between their mental prep, nutritional habits and recovery techniques. Always ask questions of those who are already successful. You'll quickly find out that they are likely willing to share their experience.
No successful athlete got there on their own, and when it comes to the elite level, no successful athlete is there based solely on talent. The vast amount of elite success comes with recovery techniques that include both physiotherapy, diet and sleep. Once the body is performing at its peak levels, the only avenue for improvement is the mental aspect. Seek some outside help with this one ... it will be worth it.
10) Last, but certainly not least, go THANK your Coach
Even if your Coach gets paid, it is almost guaranteed that they do more than is expected of them. Send them a text, give them a call or write a note. Just say thanks and know you have made someone very happy.
The fact of the matter is that people who are shown appreciation will be far more willing to go above and beyond in future dealings. Your coach is your primary resource and deserves a sincere thank you.
No comments:
Post a Comment