On March 12, 2020, the National Basketball Association (NBA) made a powerful decision to suspend the season as a response to the potential dangers of the pandemic, COVID-19. What followed: the National Hockey League (NHL) suspended their season 10 games away from the beginning of the Stanley Cup Playoffs; the NCAA decided to cancel the remaining conference tournaments and “March Madness,” the NCAA Basketball Tournament, for both men and women; and the NCAA canceled all remaining practices and games for all male and female spring sports. From this point, the practices and games from youth athletics to professional sports would come to an abrupt halt internationally. No one has ever experienced such a complete shut down like this in all sports congruently. Now, of course, in the wake of a viral spread, the stoppage of practice and play is the best thing to do for the overall health and wellbeing of society. As a performance coach, trainer and former athlete, all I could say is, “WOW!”
Many of the greatest lessons that are learned, arise from adverse situations. Greatness may be found in difficulty, yet, on the other side of that difficulty is a tremendous lesson. So, as a coach, trainer, teacher, and leader of people, I have sought to look past our current circumstance for this lesson; seeking, for some time for the exact message I wished to share. And, I have come to the conclusion that this lesson is something I have been teaching to student-athletes for over 30 years: you're here to do more than just play sport. To every athlete, regardless of age, you are here to impact your own life, your family, and your community positively with the use of all of your God-given talents.
For most athletes, their ultimate goal is to earn a college scholarship and then continue to play many years professionally. Unfortunately, many student-athletes' careers end just shy of their dreams. The actual number of student-athletes who will have the opportunity to fulfill the dream of playing professionally is infinitesimally small. And, even for those select few who do and will make it to the professional level, their careers will also, one day, come to an end, when the average career length in the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and MLS (Major League Soccer) is 3.3 yrs, 4.8 yrs, 5.6 yrs, 5.0 yrs, and 2.5 yrs respectively. Today, no average career length for athletes in the most popular leagues extends beyond six years. And so when that time comes, when playing sport comes to an end, whether it's in high school, college, or at the professional level, the athlete will not only be young in age, but he or she will have to answer the question of, “what’s next?”
Amidst a global pandemic, this current state of sports gives the student-athlete an early glimpse into life where he is unable to participate in the sport he loves. However, this down-time permits him or her to explore their other interests outside of athletics. These other interests may possibly give the athlete similar or more satisfaction than the sport has!
Here is the guidance that I would like to offer to a student athlete.
You, young person, are born great, and your life, from here on, is simply about fulfilling your greatest potential. The amazing thing is that you get to choose how you want to express your greatness. Possessing unlimited potential means, wherever or whatever you give your focused energy towards will bring success. Your thinking is where everything begins for you. Do you see yourself only as an athlete or do you see yourself as more? Everything gets created twice, once in the mind and then in reality. So create your life first in your imagination. See yourself being more than just an athlete. Remember that you are unlimited, because your imagination is unlimited. Think big and be big.
Next, ask yourself often, “What am I interested in doing/becoming?” A way of answering this question is by thinking of all the things that you have questioned. When you're curious, you seek answers, and seeking answers requires information. Obtaining information, provides you knowledge and knowledge gives you understanding. With increased understanding, you have more tools to make clear choices in regards to your life. Seek and you shall find!
Be creative! Just because something hasn’t been done before, doesn’t mean it can’t be done. Always respond to your inner thoughts positively. These are ideas that can be acted upon and lead you to incredible destinations. Creativity is very important, because it represents how you see yourself and the world around you. It takes courage to be your true self, but it will result ultimately in your joy!
Be of service to others. When you make the choice to help someone, you become a greater part of the world around you. This is an important concept to grasp because ultimately all human beings are here to fulfill their purpose. When you start understanding how you want to contribute to mankind, it leads you to interesting people and places. Experiencing new surroundings will both enhance your understanding of self and lead you to more choices that will give you joy!
Lastly, do the things that bring you joy, and I’m not talking about a temporary feeling of happiness. I’m talking about something that makes you jump out of bed everyday. Something that gives you the great feeling of accomplishment. When you experience the feeling of joy, you know that you’ve connected your life energy towards something that is connected to everyone. You are also willing to overcome adversity because you know that what you’re feeling and doing is connected to the Universal Power. Now you realize that you are more than an athlete!
Today, I say to every young athlete, now is your time to truly look inward and ask yourself the questions posed above and take action. I guarantee that the answer to these questions will lead you to incredible places where you will be able to express your gifts for your lifetime. Retain the passion that fueled your love of sport; maintain your work ethic and strive for greatness--but remember that you are more than just an athlete.