Have you ever felt that you let certain situations control your decisions and destiny? You might have a future plan for yourself but it seems to be hard to follow up on those future plans. It seems very important but one little thing gets in the way. This could be something as simple as feeling to busy, overwhelmed, too much going on at once, not applying for that job, waiting the last minute, not using free time wisely, not working on the work that needs to get done now, being scared of what might come next, moving to a new location, people around you swaying you the other way, etc.
It is hard to feel like you are in control, but why is that? Well, some of the things I have listed above might be why. People fill their day up with excuses on tasks that are not the most pleasant. This could be unloading the dishwasher, folding clothes, studying for that exam, going to the athletic training room before practice, call your relative that you haven’t talked too in a year to thank them for the birthday card, practicing your skill on your own, working on yourself, etc.
You might say certain phrases to yourself such as:

  1. “I’ll do it tomorrow.”
  2. “I have time.”
  3. “I am too busy to do that right now.”
  4. “I will get to it eventually.”

Does it really get done tomorrow? Do you have time? Are you really too busy? Does it get done eventually?
Most of the time, the answer is no. What are you waiting for? Are you waiting for that day you do not have to set an alarm, go to work/class, have practice later, do homework, and finish daily chores? The answer probably is yes. But, haven’t you noticed you end up still putting it off because you rather just relax than do that task you are dreading?
This is when the power of focus comes into play. You have to ignore everything else you would rather be doing and accomplish the things that need to be done so your life can move forward in a positive way.
A little example from the book “You don’t need a title to be a leader” by Mark Sanborn.
Squirrels, yes squirrels. They are always able to get into a bird feeder no matter what you try to do to stop them. This is because squirrels will think about food 98% of their day. The person that put the bird feeder up wants to stop the squirrels from receiving the food. As I said, squirrels will think about food all day, while the guy only thought about ways to get them off the bird feeder for 15 minutes a day. Squirrels have that focus and determination, which beats brains and intellection every time.
The will, want, and focus can beat someone that naturally understands complicated things easily. As an athlete, we already have that will, want, and focus to do well. Something coaches have helped the athletes realize and athletes never wanting to disappoint their coach, parents, teammates, and self. It might be challenging at first, but after repeating those tasks, they will turn into habits, intelligence, and success. It will not come easy at first, but working really hard to get where you want will pay off in the end.
Reference:
Sanborn, M. (2006). You don’t need a title to be a leader: How anyone, anywhere, can make a positive difference. Manila, Philippines: Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group
Written by:
Sarah Grippi
Basketball Mindset

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Category: Basketball