More Little Things

Still thinking about all those little things that athletes can/should do to succeed.

Like always showing up ready.  Definitely a little thing.  But hugely important.  It's the mental preparation part.  Show up to practice ready to go.  Show up ready to play. 

I work with the MHS kickers a little bit.  Mostly I try and not mess them up.  But I do tell them to visualize what they are about to do, just before they do it.  Visualize your steps.  Visualize the contact with the ball.  And always, always visualize the ball splitting the uprights.

That works with other sports as well.  I never took a basketball shot that wasn't going in.  When it left my hands, it was going in the basket.  Obviously it didn't really end that way all the time but there is no doubt that it helped.

Do the little things like get enough sleep.  I confessed to failing in this one but several recent studies have clearly shown that proper rest is an important part of the training of an athlete. 

And acclimatizing to the heat.  Don't keep your house iceberg cold if your sport is outdoors in the heat.  It doesn't have to be drastic.  Maybe just a couple of degrees.  Same for your vehicle.  Maybe roll down the windows instead.

Little things like treating people nicely.  What's that got to do with sports?  It shows integrity.  And a life of integrity means you're going to be more reliable and thus a better teammate. 

I mentioned eating last week. The old nutrition saying is "garbage in, garbage out."  That adage has never been proven wrong.  If your diet is healthy, your body is healthy which means you can train harder and perform better.

Do you really need burgers and pizzas and all that fried stuff?  How about lean meats, plenty of fruits and vegetables, and fewer desserts and carbs?  Get past the habits and the cravings and you'll be surprised how well you feel and perform.

It's the little things.  Like showing respect.  Listen to your coaches.  They really want you to succeed.  Your success is their success.  Their job is to help you be better.

It's the same thing in the classroom.  Teachers have the same goals--to help you to succeed and get better in life. One of the great pleasures of being a teacher is when one of their students becomes a successful adult.

And by the way, go by and thank them for it.  A handwritten thank you note is nice.  Social media works. 

Do the little things like be on time.  Doing so is a measure of discipline and discipline and dedication are the cornerstones to athletic success in any arena. 

Maybe do a little extra after practice.  Run a few more wind sprints.  Stop to stretch.  Think about what you could do better tomorrow.

It's the little things.