Time passes and seasons change. As new chapters begin the goal remains the same. Wake up and get better. One of our mottos at Nickels is get 1% better every day. In essence, the goal is not short term. Living up to your top potential does not happen over night and the single thing that stops most of us is quitting. Do. Not. Quit. Especially when it gets hard. When the obstacles begin to be the most challenging, that means you are one step away from being at the next level.
When I coach or train I always use the phrase that you are "1" thing away from being better today. What is it? This teaches kids self-awareness. Being self-aware and overcoming that obstacle is what builds the confidence. Confidence is key in reaching top potential.
What are the seasons? How to you categorize your training or improvement? What data do you use to track progress and success? I coach kids that are as young as 7 and all the way through high school. All ages and I can tell you each kid is different. Each kid is wired and motivated differently. However, the goal is the same. Get better!! Again, this does not happen overnight and you will not know what it takes until you are face to face with what restricts you.
Restrictions are our weaknesses. Self-awareness is not only knowing what these are but exposing them during training. Go at these hard! Make these a new strength. A new "season". Chandler is figuring out his left hand. Not only just finishing with it but realizing how to shift his body different ways, how to create spacing to the left, and so much more. Kash is realizing 32 minutes in a game is difficult. Endurance is restricting his game. They are aware and pushing through it.
Knowing our weaknesses also means we must know our strengths. When in doubt, do what works! If my players are good at something, I make sure they know. I make sure the team knows. Again, confidence is key. As one season closes, do not shut doors. Leave them all open! Keep working, keep growing, change seasons when needed or when time elapse.
Always, keep the same goal! Get better every day. Study the game. Work on your body. Work on emotions. Study the game again. Set goals and stick to the work that comes with those goals! 1% better every day.
-Coach Nicholson