The Illusion of Choice:
In the world of sports, many athletes believe they have control over their training, nutrition, and overall performance. Interestingly, these choices and commitments are based on external factors: coaches, teams, scouts, competition, etc. The sports world has limited space at the top. Working to unleash an athlete’s potential, an assessment of goals is essential to understand what kind of commitment is expected and desired. The commitment dictates the path. There are many talented athletes out there; some are naturally so good that they can just show up, no work needed. However, the majority are strict, committed, and consistent. That’s the competition! Team practice, skills work, movement and performance training, nutrition, mental performance, and a disciplined schedule are all bare essentials if that is the goal. That’s the illusion: there is a choice available, but if the goal is to be achieved, there is no choice. That is the commitment.
Here are three things to keep in mind if you desire to become a top athlete:
No Comparing to Non-Athletes or Those on a Different Path:
Potential is only valuable if it is unleashed. An athlete with great ability should, in a perfect world, commit to developing those skills. If the example isn’t there and the inner drive isn’t focused, the athlete will fall short of the goal most of the time. Getting and staying at the highest level takes true commitment. Some may say, “Life is short, enjoy it,” and many would agree with that sentiment. However, if that’s the sentiment, maybe it’s time to adjust the goals. The higher-end athlete commits short-term so that long-term they have the greatest return. Keep your eye on the vision rather than the small side street distractions.
Habits Drive Consistency:
Once the non-negotiables of the vision are identified, commit and get after it. No exceptions! Okay, things happen, but no exceptions! They are the non-negotiables: shooting pucks daily, developing athletic movement, strength, conditioning, skills, mental performance, and eating right. Huge commitment! If it’s the vision, the end result will be well worth it. No excuses in the short term lead to no excuses in the long term.
Remember Why:
The illusion of choice for the top athlete is a huge commitment. The sport becomes the athlete’s whole world. If the obsession with the vision and the goals leads to fears of burnout, it may not be the right goal and vision. Burnout actually occurs from external factors rather than the love of the sport. The pressure from coaches, parents, peers, etc., plays a more significant role in burnout than anything else. When the athlete doesn’t feel they chose the path and feels forced into it, let the athlete choose to play, compete and develop.
Don’t fear the unknown:
The fear of the unknown: the sports world is competitive. To commit from a young age to possibly not succeed can be a scary thought. However, the commitment to the sport develops more than just the character and skills needed for the sport; it also fosters personal growth in life. Sports can truly be an amazing investment, from a happiness perspective to one of personal development. Once the choice is made, don’t look back—enjoy the journey; it will pay off in many ways!
#unleashthepotential
Written by:
Kirill Vaks
BA, CSCS
Take action… Now!
Voorhees Flyers Training center.
The Hollydell ice arena, in the main building.
