As I’ve been watching the group play of the 2015 Women’s World Cup, I can’t help but think about how much hard work, grit, and dedication it took me to make it to the top collegiate level. I think, wow, these women participating in the World Cup took that to a whole new level. Whenever I thought I did everything I could that day to better myself as a player, these women did 3 times more. However, what is even more impressive is that most of these women achieved this by being full-time moms, full-time students or holding full-time jobs, no excuses made. There is no other world stage where the athletes competing in it wear as many hats as these women whilst being elite athletes. I don’t think I will ever forget Joy Fawcett in all of her World Cups, bringing her kids along, or playing in the Olympics weeks after giving birth. These women are true heroes and warriors!
So how did they get to where they are? Well, how does anyone that is the top 1% in their field get to where they are at? It’s simple:
1.) While the world sleeps they work
2.) When life presents an opportunity they seize it, no hesitation
3.) They create routine and hold themselves accountable
4.) They fill their bodies with proper nutrients and a lot of it
So let’s start with the first one. How many times do you catch yourself saying “I just ran out of time today,” making an excuse for why you didn’t go to the gym or go for a run? I know I have. Well here is your solution… Get up early, 5:00/6:00 am, and get it done first. I promise you all Fortune 500 CEO’s and Olympic athletes don’t sleep in or watch 4+ hours of TV a day, or waste hours on social media.
Think about it, do you want to be someone who reads about other people’s greatness or does you want to be someone that others read about your greatness? You decide. I think you will find that the morning calm before the world wakes up is a magical and spiritual time, and there is no greater feeling in the world than heading off to school, or your work day, knowing that you have already achieved something great… a long run, gym, or yoga class.
Opportunity, we all know what that means– “a set of circumstances that makes it possible to do something.” I am sure you all are recognizing the big opportunities– an invitation to ODP camp, ID camp participation, etc. But let’s really break it down and focus on the little opportunities that you may be overlooking that have the greatest impact. The opportunity to practice once a week with your older age group, the opportunity to play kick around with your brother or older sibling’s team, the opportunity to hit the gym with your parents or friends, the opportunity to play indoor, the opportunity to reach out to a local collegiate player to train with them, the opportunity to stay late after practice and help a teammate or yourself work on your kicks, or fitness, or touch.
It is these little opportunities that will raise your game most profusely. Remember, “If you are going to achieve excellence in big things, you develop the habit in little matters. Excellence is not an exception, it is a prevailing attitude.” (Colin Powell.) What he means by this is that if you are going to succeed on the grander scale you need to first succeed on a smaller scale. I always say, start your day with making your bed. It is a little achievement but it is nonetheless an achievement and a start.
We all know routine is important, but we all can get a calendar and map out our week and think, wow, I am going to get so much done this week. But what I want you to do is get to the END of your week and say, “wow, I GOT so much done this week!”
Look back and see how many actions you were able to cross off. This is accountability, and I promise you there is no one in your life that is going to force you to do anything. Your parents are great advocates of yours, along with your friends and teammates, but at the end of the day, the only person that can make you get up and run farther, or faster, or do a third set of squats IS YOU. This is a true testament to how bad do you want to be great? I guarantee all those women you are watching on TV never had to be told to run harder, run farther or lift more. They do it because they want to be great!
Fuel, cars need it to run, some machines need it to run, and we ABSOLUTELY need it to run. But you have to remember that it needs to be the right fuel. If you just went to the gym and worked out hard, then reward yourself with a healthy snack and some hydration. Don’t ruin everything you have achieved in the gym by getting drive through after. That is being counterproductive.
Remember that you are an elite athlete and may look a little different than your non-athlete friends. I am here to tell you that more is OK! You are strong, fit, and beautiful, and your body needs more because you are burning more. So don’t feel bad about finishing your whole sandwich, yogurt, apple and peanut butter, Cliff bar, banana, and huge water. You needed it! Because at the end of the day, if you thrive at the first three–getting up early, seizing the opportunity, and being accountable, then you will never reach your potential if your body cannot keep up. Eat healthy, eat often and hydrate all the time! Be that person in the class that always has a water bottle with them.
So now that you have been given the recipe for success and ultimately a road map on how to make the World Cup team, what are you going to do with it?
Will I be watching you on TV in 4 years, maybe 8 years? I hope so, and I believe so 🙂
