When I see student athletes who are struggling usually the core problem comes down to them behaving like amateurs, not pro’s.
You don’t need to be a “pro” to decide to be a pro where you’re currently at.
Pro’s play hurt.
Pro’s study when they’d rather not.
Pro’s go to extra help with a teacher they don’t like.
Pro’s realize help isn’t on the way, and it’s up to them to get what they want.
Pro’s do the thing they don’t want to do, but most need to, even if it looks ugly.
“Oh that teacher just doesn’t like me”
“My chem teacher didn’t give me the points back on my test I wanted”
“I should be starting over that kid. Coach just doesn’t want to give me a chance”
All these excuses place blame on someone or something else.
That’s what amateurs do.
Amateurs see a problem coming down the pipeline and choose not to act - they don’t schedule extra help, they don’t do extra film, they think someone else - mom, dad, advisor - is going to swoop in to save the day.
And, unfortunately, we too often oblige this delusional thinking as coaches, teachers and adults in kids’ lives.
You might never get an A in your chem class, but being proactive, getting extra help and developing a functional relationship with your professor will get you a lot closer to that A than not.
You might not win the starting position, but sulking, pouting on the sidelines and avoiding extra coaching or film work with your position coach is a sure way to stay unhappy.
You might not have gotten the offer to the school you desired, but did you truly take your lifting, academics and nutrition seriously enough to get offered in the first place?
Pro or amateur, the choice is yours.
BC