Getting into a good routine will help to get you on track to becoming an elite athlete. With that in mind, what are some things you can do daily, regardless of skill, that will get you into the best possible position to succeed?
- Plan out your day, every day. If it is important, you must schedule time for it! I personally use the Self Journal (the free, downloadable one) because it not only helps you organize your day, but helps you to remember the things you are grateful for and to celebrate the little daily wins to help keep you motivated!
- Work on the right things. Physical fitness is something that can always be worked on. Indoors or outdoors, watching TV or standing in line – there is no reason not to be physically fit if you want to be an elite athlete! For a quick start, I recommend this 21-day fitness schedule. It is very simple and easy to do, even for beginners!
- Minimize the amount of time it takes to get better. This is where a good coach comes in. You can watch videos all day long, but someone with that extra knowledge and/or a second pair of eyes will help you achieve your goals of becoming an elite athlete much quicker. Everyone has a different way of teaching and of learning — make sure you find the best fit for you!
- Follow through. Plans mean nothing if you do not follow through. This is where a good friend, parent or coach can also help. Let them know about your daily routine, goals and ambitions and ask them to help you follow through. Being accountable to someone who truly cares about you and your success will help you get through the ups and downs.
- HAVE FUN! Success is a journey, not a destination. If you are not having fun with the process, the end result will not mean as much and/or you may just give up all together. The daily grind is the only thing you can count on and can control, and it is the one thing you cannot avoid if you want to be successful.
Human beings are creatures of habit; a habit is defined as ‘a settled or regular tendency or practice, especially one that is hard to give up‘. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could create a stepping stone to succeed daily? With the above steps – you can create your own stepping stone to success.
Just like you can create bad habits, you can also create good habits – all you have to do is stick to a routine that constantly enforces your desired end result. Our daily routine helps us to focus on what is important and to achieve the things we want, while not forgetting about the other little things life can sometimes throw our way! As inspirational speaker Tony Robbins states, “Where focus goes, energy flows!”
Charlie Jones is a softball coach in the Glendale, CA area. He is a college softball coach that’s experienced in working with youth, high school and travel athletes. Coach Jones is currently the head coach of Marauders Softball and assistant coach at Glendale College.
