Being involved with youth athletes over the past 15 years. I have seen all levels of athleticism and skill level in both the mental and physical game. I have never believed that just because a natural ability sets a bar high that does not mean that there is no hope for the rest of us. With that being said I have compiled a list of 10 things that you don’t have to have the talent for. Things that you can focus on to make yourself more valuable than the “talent.” But watch out, when these things are combined with talent something magical happens. I am not talking only in sports but also in life.
Being on Time!
Punctuality is probably the most essential attribute. Always be at least 5-10 minutes early. This shows respect and commitment to whomever you are meeting.
Work Ethic
When you do show up somewhere for a workout, training session, new job or anything you do, work HARD! There is probably nothing more annoying than someone just showing up to take up space or just going through the motions. Don’t wait for someone else to set the bar, you set the bar for everyone else! Be a leader!
Body Language
How you present yourself is super important. As your parents said stand up tall, smile, and do your best always to have a positive energy about you even if you are having a bad day. Remember everyone has bad days, but it’s the exceptional ones who are able to shine in adversity.
Energy
Make sure your health is a priority. Take care of your body, get adequate rest, take your vitamins, eat healthier food choices and drink plenty of water. These small habits will help you have better energy, stay focused and keep going all day long.
Attitude
Nobody wants to be around someone who is always complaining or mad about something. Consistently portray a positive attitude and a positive outlook on life. This will always bring more opportunity to your path than negativity ever will.
Passion
Passion is everything; this is something that cannot be taught. It must come from within. If you are always following your heart and do what you love to do and get paid for it that is magic altogether. As the old saying goes, do what you like, and you will never work a day in your life! It’s a cliché, but it’s true.
Be Coachable
Something to keep in mind. You may know a lot about your sport, you may be a “professional,” but if you keep an open mind all of the time you can still learn something new. Make it a goal to listen and learn something new every day. This way you are able to keep yourself humble and a real student of the game.
Doing Extra
This is something that is very hard to master because even when you think you are going hard and doing more than the next, someone somewhere out there is doing more. So what do you do? Take what you have been doing and improve upon it each day. Every day push yourself harder. Just remember it’s not what you do when people are watching it’s what you do when no one is looking that builds you up and makes you superior to your competition.
Being Prepared
My husband always says go to the dance already knowing how to dance. So what does that mean? It means to look up, learn, do. Doing is the most important thing in being prepared. The most prepared person does everything they can think of to give them that competitive edge. For example, the other day my boys showed me a video of Stephen Curry at practice, and he actually practices shooting and falling down, off the wall shots, hurried shots and anything else you can think of. That is how you prepare yourself for anything that comes your way. That is how you become great if you practice in adversity.
No Excuses
This is the most important thing that will pave the way from being a kid to becoming a fantastic adult. The most successful people that I know have one thing in common and that is that they take complete responsibility for their lives their actions and the results of those actions. This is the single most important thing in life to master, it will assist you in becoming the most successful version of yourself.
So what does all of this mean?
Now, what do you do with this list of things you don’t have to have the talent for? One by one start implementing them and living them faithfully every day. Pick one, master that, then add another and do the same. Amazing things will start to take place in your life. Trust me, I know!