Blog Post #2
Hugo Engelhardt
December 1st, 2018
How to be a champion in the world of sports
Throughout the world, millions of kids and adults participate in sports. In some places sports are so popular that the local teams are worshipped by the fans, and sports become more of a culture than a form of exercise. No wonder so many kids want to grow up to become sports stars!
No matter someone’s skin color, age, or economic status the world of sports can always be an escape from one’s homework, job, or other tasks. Sports can be a fun way to get active and sharpen one’s decision making, all while making meaningful relationships with teammates and coaches. But as we all know being good at something tends to make it more enjoyable. So, with the help of, The Champions Mind, by Jim Afremow, and other online sources, here are three ways to improve your athletic performance:
1: Surround yourself with good competition
As humans we want to succeed and many of us are inherently competitive. Having good competition can push an athlete to the peak of his or her game, “The bodily presence of another athlete is a stimulant that arouses the competitive instinct, and thus, makes the athlete compete at a higher level” (The champions mind pg.2). This competitive nature and will to succeed normally leads to an improved performance for the athlete.
2: Practice, practice, practice!
Have you ever wondered how Ronaldo can shoot the soccer ball at such a fast pace, or how Connor McDavid is so blazing fast on skates? The answer: Practice, practice, practice. While the 10,000-hour rule may not be 100% accurate, practice is still a significant part in an athlete’s success. According to a Princeton study, nearly 1/5th of an athlete’s success is contingent on the amount of practicing they do. So, while you may not have been blessed with the perfect body for your sport, practicing and effort can even the playing field.
3: Have a growth mindset
One of humanities greatest strengths is the ability to adapt to changes and have a growth mindset. This skill is especially important in the world of sports. According to Jim Afremow, “Being able to adapt is a vital skill for success in sports” (44). For example, when an athlete is matched up against a taller opponent in basketball, he must utilize the fadeaway shot way more than if he was facing a smaller opponent. Its game time decisions like these that separate the average athletes from the great ones.
Glossary
Inherently: existing in someone or something as a permanent and inseparable element, quality, or attribute.
Contingent: dependent for existence, occurrence, or character.
Contingent: dependent for existence, occurrence, or character.
Works cited
Book: Afremow, James A. The Champion's Mind: How Great Athletes Think, Train, and Thrive. Rodale, 2014.
Image: https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwi_xNve6oTfAhUCJKwKHeqvAWMQjRx6BAgBEAU&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.lovethispic.com%2Fimage%2F90556%2Folympic-gold-medalist--hussain-bolt&psig=AOvVaw0xZyDa7kxzBccvrkNNvYh2&ust=1543966813820650
Hugo, I loved how you presented this article and recognized that sports is a world of diversity. I also liked the three most important ways to reach success in athletics. I agree that effort can have a great impact on success even if you are not built for a particular sport. However, I felt you could have included information regarding to Derrick Rose or Muggsy Bogues as these stories prove true success in a professional basketball organization as a result of hard work despite their limitations in height. Finally, I liked that you used reliable studies such as one from Princeton and another from renowned author Jim Afremow. This blog post has inspired me to pursue my athletic dreams and become a professional curler. Thanks Hugo.
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