Michael Jordan, Tom Brady, Derek Jeter, Serena Williams, and the list can go on. Do you think that these athletes became the greats and legends we see them as, by riding the “coattail” of being blessed with God given talent? What separates average from good, comes from a healthy balance of talent and a little work ethic. But when it comes down to transitioning from good to great, it falls on the individual’s will power and resilience. By doing this it enables you to maximize your potential and in some cases, exceed those expectations.
Have you come across that athlete that makes it all look so easy? Whenever they step on the field, court, etc. it’s as if every play they’ve made or make was as simple as the snap of a finger; or the student who seems to answer every question on a big test or quiz correctly without breaking a sweat. Between the two, the athlete never truly gives 100% effort at practice, and picks and chooses what play they give their all on during games. The student never takes a lot of time to study or do extra research to further enhance their knowledge due to the fact they have a feeling of invincibility as if they could never fail.
Now you look towards the bottom of the scouting report, there’s the “average” athlete. Skill level is about equal to all the other mid-level athletes. But there’s a quality that has set he/she apart. They are the first one to the practice facility and last to leave. Communicating with coach’s daily, eager to learn and to prepare them to perform at their highest ability possible. Always training as if everyday is game day. Never taking a play or possession off on the big stage, always giving 110%. But as we turn back to the classroom, the student who makes it all too easy; sits in the back of the class snap-chatting and texting. In the front is the student who also does well but has to work each and everyday to be where they are. This student is interacting in class discussion, utilizes all opportunities for extra study time with groups. Takes personal time to read on subjects pertaining to field of study.
What does this have to do with anything? We see it many times while watching sports or competitions. When the athlete obviously has solely relied on their pure talents they’ve been blessed with, at some point and time when it isn’t going as well as they’d like or are use to. They go internal and cave in. Whereas, the athlete who has put in “overtime” and continuously pushed themselves past limitations is prepared for difficulty or adverse times and will continue to excel and prosper. Same applies for the students. The student who has went through extremes to always prepare will not just rely on the skill or abilities they are blessed with, but also the resources they’ve stored in their personal “tool box” obtained through preparation.
No matter whether applying to a sport, training, education, job or just life in general. The only way you’ll be able to see your true potential maximized is by putting forth an extraordinary work ethic that will set you apart from those satisfied with just being okay or average. Don’t ever limit yourself! I close with this catch phrase, from one of my favorite speakers, that I hope you store in that “tool box” I spoke of before to maximize your potential.
“AVERAGE SKILL, PHENOMENAL WILL” –Eric ‘ET’ Thomas
For more information on Tim Wisdom, please visit the About page at Train36ixty.com.
