Sports Then and Now

While most of the attention tends to go to the big-time football and basketball players, there are actually hundreds of thousands of student athletes at colleges across the country.

As a student athlete, you’ve worked hard and played hard for years. Now that all of that hard work is paying off, it’s time to celebrate your successes and look forward to the future. When you’re dreaming of a collegiate or professional sports career, however, it can be easy to get caught up in the possibilities at the expense of preparation. Follow these 10 tips to keep yourself focused as a student athlete.

1. Manage Your Time Wisely – Invest in a planner and schedule your time to accommodate both school and your sport.

2. Learn the Game – Learn the fundamentals first. Then turn your attention to mastering the big picture. Understanding the strategy of the game and how the pieces fit together can give you an edge over your competition.

3. Practice Relentlessly – Even a natural-born athlete needs practice to hone those skills. No matter how good you get, don’t lose sight of the importance of practicing.

4. Find Your Mentors – Finding an experienced player or coach who can mentor you can be a powerful tool for improvement.

5. Minimize Distractions – Although video games and web surfing can be a fun escape, don’t get caught up in the distractions. Instead, spend your time in the classroom, on the field, and with the people who matter to you.

6. Don’t Shy Away from Failure – Failure is a necessary part of life. If you never fail, it likely means you didn’t try hard enough. Risk failure and push yourself out of your comfort zone to reach for the impossible.

7. Know What You Want – What do you want out of your athletic career? Examine your personal priorities and preferences. Knowing what you want improves your chances of success.

8. Get on The Radar – When you’re positioning yourself to play at the next level, it’s important to get on the radar of recruiters and schools. Work with your coaches to help promote your abilities. Take every opportunity to stand out.

9. Ask Questions – Don’t be afraid of asking questions. Whether in the classroom, in the huddle, or in your living room with a recruiter, ask questions. Not only will it show your enthusiasm, the answers can help guide your choices.

10. Have a Plan B – Even the best-laid plans can go awry. Be prepared by having a Plan B. Don’t lose sight of the student in student athlete. Prepare for success on and off the field by concentrating on your education as much as your athletic performance.

On or off the field, the keys for success remain the same. Whether you end up playing in the pros or running a successful business, focus on building your skills and learning as much as you can. With the right attitude and preparation, you’ll be poised for whatever the next phase of your life brings.