12/08/2020
The 5 Obsessions of a World Class Student Athlete and Champion Lifestyle :
During the course of nurturing my own daughters and outperforming athletes from various nationalities and different sporting fraternities, I observed that the following 5 skills when mastered, not only makes a successful Student Athlete but a Champion lifestyle too.
1.Sustain and Maintain Consistency
My elder daughter being the obedient and meticulous one, always used to be ready to go for tennis lessons . On the other hand the younger one ,the tom boyish character that she is came up with her own reasons like “my right is arm is paining” as an escape to play. Pat came my response, Ok you stay at home, I will take “Didi”. The moment we stepped onto the threshold to leave for the academy, she would turn up ready with her kit, with that innocent expression, if Didi is going, I will come too. Did this tact work skilfully? Of course yes!! Those were initial days.
As they started loving the process, yielding results became a pattern. Gradually this pattern gave birth to unwavering determination to go all out. Girls persevered in those testing times. The habit of sustaining and maintaining two-fold path was possible due to flexibility of the school teachers and parental support. It’s no big deal now, because it’s become a consistent habit. Guess what, it makes you feel good!! Without a doubt, the biggest way to cultivate..... Success..... is to create consistency by making tiny sustainable changes.... yielding remarkable results. requirements. Inspired by their nutritionist, as 10 and 12 year olds they went to the extremes of putting on their study table “I have no taste buds,” and “How hard do you play when no one’s watching you”. They stopped quaffing aerated beverages and devouring burgers.
2. Believe in Being THE One, Rather than being the None
Come what may, successful athletes are always hungry for improvement. It’s like squeezing last bit of juice out of the lemon. Just when you think it’s done, you squeeze out just a little more. However, in order to do so you must first believe in your inherent ability and then go all out. At times you need to master a different strategy and technique or learn a new skill altogether. You may require a fresh perspective as your habits and behaviour are not cast in stone. For instance, playing another sport or having healthy diet may actually improve your athletic competence. In order to so, though, you must believe that you can.
3. Bond With Good Fishes in the Pond
Quoting Roy T. Benett “Surround yourself with people who support your dreams.” My daughters and my clients did exactly that. My daughter became captain of the tennis team at her University. One of my clients from being a shy girl to a having a You-Tube channel. Student athletes surround themselves with athletes and people who are successful and full of positive vibes. Find and mingle with those student athletes, who walk the talk, carry the thoughts of a student athlete, as you are what you think about. You’d be happier and a more affirmed individual. You must feel the desired outcome. You are as good as the five people closest to you. Choose them carefully.
4. Time and Tide wait for None
Stepping stone of accountability commences with Time Management. For my daughters it was quiet a routine to strike a balance between school and tennis – there were varied thoughts of chaos, confusion, uncertainty that kept us on our feet. Writing their own fitness log books, completing class assignments, being at par with their peers in school taught them effective time management. This is what it takes to be a successful student athlete.
5. Realistic with Goals since Excuses are Useless and Results are Priceless
The strategy that helped my daughter achieve her outcome goals...... it took hard work, planning, logistics and ex*****on.......We had set a goal to play back-to-back tournaments in two junior categories that helped her performance peak and paved the way to earn 7 championships in a span of 3 months. She excelled by being methodical and working by the clock. Student athletes commit to their realistic goals even when life throws curveballs and detours. Because the journey is extended and laborious, they have to have patience, persistence and resilience in their arsenal. Your confidence grows, when you focus on a goal and inch closer and closer.
What skills do you want to master before the end of 2020? Comment below.
Kavita “5 Obsessions” Ranjan