Phenomenal athletes like Simone Biles and the late Kobe Bryant (and there are so many others) will tell you that talent and skill alone doesn’t make them the phenomenal athletes that they are and were!  Almost every student-athlete strives to be the best. Especially those athletes who dream of playing at the college level and maybe even on some type of professional level. In their journey to becoming the best, most athletes focus a lot on skill development… long hours of practice, training sessions, camps, and more. But, did you know that at the end of the day, all those long hours of hard work are not enough? Yes, that’s right… it is not enough! So, what does it take to be the best athlete you can be? Here are seven habits to adopt and master!

1. Examine Your Attitude

There is a quote that states, “Your attitude determines your altitude.” And this quote is so true. Most athletes don’t realize how much their thoughts and attitude affect their life and their sport on and off the court, field, pool, track, etc.! How your thoughts and attitude affect you depends on whether those thoughts and attitudes are positive or negative. If you live in negative thoughts, wallow in self-pity, linger on complaining boulevard, marinate on the blame game, you will not succeed!

2. Willing to Sacrifice

To be successful, you have to sacrifice. There is just no way around it. Sacrificing doesn’t mean giving up those things you like to do, like hanging with your friends, going to the movies, etc. But, at the end of the day… yes, you’re going to miss out… and miss out on a lot! There might be times where you question your decision to become the athlete you are striving to become… and that’s okay! Only you can answer the question, “Is it worth it?” But, if you stick with it, you will not regret your decision. And no matter what the outcome is in the end, you will reap the benefits of the experience.

3. Don’t Be Afraid to Fail 

Not being afraid to fail is a crucial mindset for athletes aiming for success. Failure is a natural part of improvement and development. Having a bad game, poor run, etc., is all good because it’s in those moments that athletes can reassess, learn, and grow. Failure also builds resilience, and teaches athletes to cope with setbacks and persevere through challenges.

4. Setting Goals

Athletes who set clear, specific, and measurable goals are more likely to stay focused and motivated. Goals should be both short-term (daily or weekly) and long-term (seasonal or annual) to provide direction and benchmarks for progress. 

5. Consistency & Commitment

Consistency is important in everything a student-athlete does daily.  Consistency in training, practices, studying, rest, eating right, taking care of your body, mind, and soul is important in becoming the best, all-around athlete you can be. It takes a lot of commitment and dedication to stay consistent. But the rewards in the end are well worth it.

6. Nutrition and Hydration

Proper nutrition and hydration are fundamental for athletic performance and recovery. Athletes should fuel their bodies with balanced meals rich in carbohydrates, proteins, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. Staying hydrated before, during, and after workouts is also crucial for optimal performance.

7. Rest and Recovery

Adequate rest and recovery are as important as training itself. Quality sleep, active recovery exercises, and rest days help prevent injuries, reduce fatigue, and allow muscles to repair and grow stronger.

There is so much more that can be found within each category. Mindfulness and mental health, and finding balance is crucial too! But, these 7 habits lay a strong foundation for athletic success. As always, good luck in your recruiting journey!