Do you know your competition? – you know, those of the ‘old school’ work and training methods. They don’t take shortcuts, they don’t back down; their performances say more than word ever could. And we remember their names [usually just ONE of their names at that] more than anyone else in all sports. Names like Rice, Serena, Kobe, Ronaldo, & more. Your competition will make you better, as long as you take advantage of your time.
Good character in sports will raise you up
There are a few things I have learned from competing throughout the years and traits of those I have admired about competition and getting ahead of your mental, physical and personal game.
Our guest post from MLS 14 yr veteran Davy Arnaud hinted at some of these things as well.
Check out the short list below and then let us know on Facebook what you think should have made the list.
1. Your competition is working when you’re not
I don’t just mean working out…
True competitors are usually very driven people. If they’re singularly focused then they obsess about that one thing [goal, achievement, sport].
They rise early, run the extra 10 minutes, push hard for the last rep, skip the fun the night before the game.
The balance in their life is partly found in their focus on their craft. Don’t let them get out ahead of you!
2. They know what you’re doing [or not doing] to prepare
They are watching their film, your film, and your team’s film.
They’re analyzing your mindset in game play, position-specific strengths, and those of your team and its set plays. They are not ignoring you or assuming the position that you are beneath them.
Mature competition is usually very humble and work like they’re coming from second place to take yours in first [click here to tweet this]. They do not assume that their hard work and team effort is enough but they draw up a battle plan and execute it well.
Putting in work on cold windy days…
3. Remember your competition is human too
No person can work out 24 hours per day.
Rest is necessary. And your competition has struggles in their physical and mental game as well because [news flash] they’re not perfect, machines, or an island.
Once rested, they are eager to advance their game and potential and are willing to put in the work to get there.
The best days to come up are the days when nobody else wants to train.
The freezing cold days are good examples…
The real war to win
Every competition is merely a battle to win; the true competitors know that the real war to win are the accumulation of wins versus losses, knowledge gained, character built or revealed, and decisions made.
Most athletes no matter how good are going to lose games, but also know that there are more games ahead.
The ones that count are towards the end of the season, when you have social proof of saying “I am a champion.”
3 ways to combat your competition
To combat your competition you must first acknowledge that [a] the greatest competition you will ever face is yourself.
You can be your greatest asset or liability, competition or encourage builder; [b] quitting will cost you every time and is not something that can be measured by others because there will be many times you are alone and only you know when you have already quit in your mind.
Finally, [c] ignoring the competition will only guarantee their success over yours so get your head up! Look above your current achievements, team and location to your long-term goals and plans.
Get training and skills. That is where you will find the greatest success.
Believe in you and work hard
At the end of the day there are going to be people who work harder than you.
You are going to compete on and off the field against people who are smarter, bigger, stronger, faster.
In the end, it takes all of these things to be successful, plus much more.
Surround yourself with people who support you and then support what they do.
It helps to have people in your corner telling you good job, or telling you something you can do better. When this happens, be teachable and listen to them instead of arguing. You don’t have to like what they say, but you also don’t need to argue.
Keep you boots tied tight and keep grinding every day to reach your goals.
Believe in your ability!
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