There are six building blocks for athletes. And sport is a game of Inches. The Six Inch Blocks are: Mindset, Knowledge, Teammates, Training, Nutrition, and Recovery. Here are three things I wish I knew then for the first set of blocks and how I try to improve now. Then there is a suggestion/challenge for you. See if it helps.
Mindset
- I believed I’d get crushed and hurt playing football as a kid. At age 14 I was 190lbs and 6’3” and still didn’t know any better. I let fear decide for me.
- Now when I see myself pause at a perceived fear, I remember being a kid. I remember making the fear mistakes And now right or wrong, I make myself go through the fears at once now so I’m never a slave to it again.
- Pick something that puts you outside your comfort zone, like a SEALFit Kokoro camp. And make yourself get through it.
Knowledge
- I had no idea how to get better physically to play basketball. My father simply said do push-ups. Well, that wasn’t quite enough. And I got cut my sophomore year in high school.
- Now, I absolutely know how to get kids, faster, more powerful, and stronger to play high school and college sports. I have a blueprint that I stand by.
- Learn more about your sport and the nuances. If your child plays baseball or softball, I bet he/she goes to a lot of practices or has personal lessons. The challenge is to get the kids more cognizant with situational awareness for the “game within the game.” That knowledge can make the difference between a W and L in a game this year.
Teammates
- I used to view teammates as threats to my own success. I wouldn’t help others in sports. Man, what a mistake.
- I know now that when I can teach a teammate something, the act of teaching further solidifies my knowledge of the skill. An improved teammate can help me improve then. And an improved teammate will cause me to chase him, so I keep improving. It’s a fantastic cycle.
- Ask a teammate what his/her goals are for June. Then ask how you can help him/her. Then make it happen. Don’t fail your teammate.
