Three is an important number in life and in athletics. Many times, the number three is used to hold up structures like a tripod. Congruent triangles balance things. However, the number three is very difficult to come by in terms of athletic success:
Professionally, there are a few cities that have at least three teams that are decent. New York (Yankees, Rangers, and Knicks), Boston (Patriots, Red Sox, Celtics), and Los Angeles (Clippers, Lakers, Galaxy). More could be on the rise. We see more of this type of success at the college level. The Division III college level is so vast, and many universities have multiple successful teams. In addition, Division I teams that succeed include the following: Notre Dame (football, basketball, ice hockey), Texas (football, basketball, track and field), Penn State (volleyball, football, fencing, soccer), Maryland (lacrosse, soccer, basketball), and North Carolina (basketball, soccer, field hockey). Of course, there are more schools that share the success in multiple sports. In fact, some of the schools listed above as well as others have success in most of their sports, which is remarkable.
What does that mean...this whole success talk?
It means that these programs have some working and measurable protocol for success. At the professional level, consistent success seems more difficult because salaries and larger egos come into play. Also, the pros see many coaching changes and drastic trades that can ultimately disconnect or destroy team chemistry. Usually, one team loses in a trade and the other wins. At the college level, teams seem to stay afloat a little longer. The main issue is recruiting the right players and having a strong athletic department. Successful college programs have good athletic departments.
Athletes and non-athletes are similar. Did you know that tidbit?
It is true that athletes spend more time fine tuning their skills. But, both populations undergo levels of mental, physical, and emotional stress that build character. Personally, I am a big advocate for adopting the athlete mentality. The way they perform under pressure and scrutiny, at times, is uncanny. Can you imagine having thousands or millions of people cheering against you? Besides political figures, who else experiences that scenario in their daily job?
Overcome. For a month in which the term "overcome" is echoed, especially as it was so eloquently laid out by Martin Luther King, Jr., we can and shall overcome obstacles. Physical obstacles are one issue. Mental obstacles are another major issue. Obstacles of success supersede both physical and mental obstacles because you are always in position to move on to the next successful level. The aforementioned sports teams in their respected cities and the universities understand this meaning.
Purpose and Development,
Derek
Derek Arledge, CSCS TEEM Performance Training www.teempt.com
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