THE TOP 12 ACTIONS AND TRAITS THAT HIGH LEVEL ATHLETES HAVE IN COMMON
PART IV: NUMBERS 10-12
Throughout my 11 years of training athletes, I've had the fortunate opportunity to work with many individuals that have gone on to very successful careers in their sport. From Division I Football, to the NFL, to one of the top training centers in the country that has allowed me to work with Division I and Professional Basketball players, this path has enabled me to see that high level athletes exhibit many of the same qualities and perform many of the same actions. This is not to say that every top athlete in the world adheres to every one of these, but, without question, there is a common thread that leads to big-time success. The following is a list of the TOP 12 ACTIONS AND TRAITS THAT HIGH LEVEL ATHLETES HAVE IN COMMON.
Last time, we looked at numbers 7 through 9. Here's a quick review:
1. They Put Themselves in Competitive Situations
2. They're Superstitious, which leads to an Established Gameday Routine
3. They Listen to Motivational Music
4. They Give Daily Effort to Max Out their "Crate of Potential"
5. They Disagree Respectfully
6. They have Interests and Success Outside of the Sports Arena
7. They have Unwavering Confidence in their Ability
8. They Draw Strength from their Support System
9. They are Goal-Driven
Here are the final 3, Numbers 10, 11, and 12:
10. They are Fluid, and can Readily Adapt to Change.
Sports, and life in general, are fluid. Rosters, plays, opportunities, and situations change all the time. High level athletes not only accept this, but are always prepared for it to ensure their success. Many times, Coaches will ask an athlete to play a different position, because that's what the team needs. Other times, a coaching change may mean a change in the overall system that the team runs, to match the new philosophy. Even within a single game, an injury or special circumstance could occur which alters the original gameplan for that day. High level athletes expect that all of these types of changes might occur, and are able to reinvent themselves quickly in order to succeed in these new situations. They have an overall outlook that the only thing you can really count on in athletics is that things, in fact, will change. This does not hinder them or affect them negatively, rather, they know it gives them a new opportunity to shine in a new way.
11. They have "The Edge"
With high level athletes, there are situations when I don't even recognize the person that I thought I knew. The regular, down-to-earth personality that I deal with each day suddenly changes. I quickly realized that this type of transformation is created by one thing... "The Edge." It's that strong fire inside that they know how to ignite in response to competition and challenge. I've heard pro football players call it "The Dog," and I've heard pro basketball players call it "That Beast." It's impossible to tell where it comes from, and not everyone has it, but it's that next level of ferocity that transforms big-time athletes into ultra-competitive "you-will-have-to-kill-me-before-you-beat-me" warriors. It usually comes with a change in facial expression, a controlled aggression, and an unmatched level of intensity. They can be the most personable, likable, and nice individual off the court. But when they call on that "edge" during a practice or game, look out; you won't recognize them. And they will probably win. I have seen it many times personally, and it is something special. To be really high level, find your "edge."
12. They are Always Described as "Coachable"
There is something to be said about an individual that is continually willing to learn. This is a huge quality in high-level athletes, because even though they have reached the top of their profession, they are still open to new ideas and want learn more about what they do. Even with their top-notch status, high level athletes remain coachable. They recognize that they do not know it all, even about their sport, and are willing to listen to their Coaches and others who have been around the game longer than them. They won't even consider disrespecting their Coaches, but, rather show them the most respect out of all of their superiors. This even extends into other areas of their sports life, such as Athletic Training and injuries, Strength and Conditioning, and off-the-court issues such as schooling and education, public speaking, financial issues, and overall life skills. High level athletes are surrounded by knowledgeable individuals in many different fields, and the good ones welcome their instruction and advice. They know and believe that this continuing advice is what makes them more well-rounded individuals, and they are in a better position to succeed because of it.
IS IT YOUR GOAL TO BE A HIGH-LEVEL ATHLETE?
ASK YOURSELF, HOW MANY OF THESE 12 EXAMPLES DO YOU DISPLAY EACH DAY?
Yours in Strength,
Jesse
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