THE TOP 12 ACTIONS AND TRAITS THAT HIGH LEVEL ATHLETES HAVE IN COMMON
PART III: NUMBERS 7-9
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 week, we looked at numbers 4 through 6. 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
Here are Numbers 7, 8, and 9:
7. They Have Unwavering Confidence in Their Ability
There is never a shortage of confidence in high level athletes. At times, this can be mistaken as ego or arrogance, but the good ones will always keep this ego within the larger framework of team success. They fully believe in their ability to succeed in all situations, and this cannot be shaken. Even in "game-on-the-line" moments, they are the ones that not only step up, but know it is their duty to do so. They want the ball at the foul line with two shots and down by one, with only seconds left to play. They want to be the one at the plate with a chance to hit a walk-off RBI. They want the puck in the shootout, when the last goal will win it. In each of those situations, there is no question in their mind that that they will be the one to come through for the team. To be a successful, high level athlete, this firm belief must exist within you as well.
8. They Draw Strength from Their Support System
All high level athletes have someone to lean on. Whether it's their immediate family, their girlfriends or wives, friends that they grew up with, or a special Guardian or Mentor, the great athletes know that they cannot achieve without help from others. There are inherent difficulties and stresses that come with getting to a high level in sports, as in all other jobs and professions. When these issues come about, it is this support system that helps athletes deal with them, and in seeing that they come out on top. Everyone needs someone to speak to and to confide in during difficult times. High level athletes recognize that they can draw strength from these situations, through using this support system. They also know that because of these people, they will be better able to deal with tough times when they inevitably come around again.
9. They are Goal-Driven
Nothing big is accomplished without a goal to work towards, and high level athletes live this truth. They will purposely assign goals to many of their activities, just so they can accomplish more. I can think of one small weight training example that demonstrates this. For some exercises, I would write in "burn-out" sets, when the final set would be to perform as many reps as the person could accomplish with good form. When I would assign these types of sets within the programs of a high level athlete, they would always say "Give Me A Number! Don't just tell me to do a lot of reps, I need a goal number to hit!" You can apply this idea to sport skills as well. Don't just go to the gym and shoot, give yourself a goal number of shots to hit at each spot before you can leave for the day. A quarterback shouldn't just go out and throw routes to his receivers, he should complete a pre-determined number of passes before he ends his workout. You should even get creative and give yourself some type of motivational penalty if you don't reach the goal. This could be in the form of extra running or conditioning, restrictions from your favorite foods for a week, or a money-penalty like having to pay for your workout partner's lunch. Find something that will motivate you to achieve! These small goal-related examples demonstrate a big concept in reaching big success. Begin with a goal, and then figure out the steps you need to take to ensure that you reach it. Assign goals to everything you do, and you will undoubtedly accomplish more. High level athletes do, and they will tell you that this is a big action that has helped them reach the level that they have.
Are YOU a high level athlete?
Yours in Strength,
Jesse
PS. For programs that can make your athleticism high level, take a minute to check out www.worldwidesportsperformance.com!
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