Attitude is everything

My teammates in college used to say this all the time: "Fake it 'til you make it". What does this mean though?
Until you've got yourself put together, act like you already have the talent. It's a confidence on the field and off-- being sure of yourself (not bragging), but an air of confidence.

Bring out the old cliches and really live them:
"When you believe it you can achieve it." "Your attitude is youre altitude."
There is actually truth to these; the people who believe they can do something are most often the ones who can.

So if you want to succeed, you're going to have to set some goals, and confidently pursue these goals. Walk proudly my friends.

Trust your coaches

Today I step back and think to my time as an athlete. I remember how my coaches would plan practice. I hated running and conditioning the most, but I had to do it; like going through my daily living... There are many things I absolutely hate, but they are a small potion of my day.

In reflection I can see how the running and conditioning segments of practice pushed me to becoming the fastest girl on my college team. Wow--what an honor that was. But I would not have earned this reward if I ignored my coaches orders. See, they had a specific goal in mind. And only my coaches knew the best route. I had to trust then like I trust God, daily. He's my head coach, and he has so much in store; I can even imagine, not in my wildest dreams, what my life will turn out like. But I know it's going to be exciting, blessrd, and very rewarding.

So trust your coach. He knows the way; just hold on for this grand adventure.

Preparation

Isn't it funny how there is such a parallel between sports training and life? I am the girl who wants a full map of what's going to happen. But even when I set a goal (sports or life) two things are clearly apparent: 1) I can only put 100% into today doing everything possible to prepare and 2) my coach/god has unimaginable glories in store that I haven't even considered.

Athletes: your coaches can see potential in you that you can't even imagine. We see you going beyond your wildest dreams if you will just apply yourself 100% to our training plan for you. I as a coach get so frustrated when a girl's talent is cut short, because they only can see one way--when I see grander glories... Isn't this how God feels when we don't follow his "practice plan?"

Step back and think about it.




"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord , “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV)"

Practice needs to be part of your training

Why do we train for a competition? Essentially it's those daily "deposits", banking in good throws, shots, or pace times. While its creating muscle memory, moreso daily practice is installing confidence in what we do- so we may perform our best (with confidence) on the day it matters. I see how this so deeply matches faith; I read this today and see a connection between practice and trust to reach our goals.

Purpose driven living

Having a goal is our main training tool as athletes. But finding purpose in our goal is essential to setting the "right goal", and making connects to the work that will help us reach that goal.

As you enter the new year I encourage you to read into this Bible verse as you seek your purpose in 2013.... "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope AND A FUTURE.'"

I am drawn to the last portion of that passage... If I already know I will win, well I am more inclined to continue working toward my goal.
What would your training look like if you knew you were going to win? I'm telling you now--you will win if you set the right goal, and train accordingly.





*Need help developing a goal or training plan? I'm here to help if you'll ask...