Lesson Learned #2:
Prepare to Succeed!
I’m sure you’ve all heard the relatively hackneyed saying, ?Failing to plan is planning to fail.? I cannot count the number of times I’ve had it said to me, and even though I’d prefer to be listening to a quartet of power tools, I can’t help but agree. It is, indeed, a fact. I’ve learned over the years that if you want to be successful you must be prepared. This means that if a student wants to excel in the classroom, he must complete his assignments, turn them in when they are due, and prepare for tests by reviewing the material until he grasps the important concepts. The same ideas can be extended to a track and field athlete. If he desires athletic success, he (and ideally his coach) must carefully map out a plan to reach his goals; be it improvement in fitness or to medal at the Olympics.
Preparation is also essential because eliminates the excuses that come with failure. If our athlete from above desires to alter body composition, but fails to search for places where he can acquire high quality, nutrient dense food when he goes out of town, he may often blame the trip for why his results have slowed. However, had he prepared himself adequately by locating quality restaurants, grocery stores, paying a bit more for a hotel room with a kitchenette, or just bringing adequate foods along with him, he would have continued to progress at a greater rate.
Preparation begets success in all areas of life. Figure out what you want to accomplish, construct a plan, execute it precisely and consistently, and dare anyone to stop you from reaching your goals.
Good Preparations,
Carson Boddicker