Success Leaves Clues: What Separates The Best Players
Why some athletes are successful and others aren't.
By
November 1, 2024
When we think about successful athletes, we often picture a Rocky-esque montage where they break themselves in the gym or shoot pucks for hours. While that is part of being an elite athlete, it is only one piece. Over the past decade, we’ve had a front-row seat to some of the best in the world, and their commitment to the whole process is what impresses us the most.
The other 23 hours outside of the gym are just as important, and what you do with your time outside can make or break your success.
The clock starts the moment a training session or game ends. You can do a lot to help support, but sleep is the most significant factor. It always has been and always will be.
Stanford did a study on basketball players and sleep. The players were averaging about 6.5 to 7 hours of sleep per night. During the study, they aimed to increase their sleep to approximately 10 hours per night. The 11 male varsity basketball players saw a 9% improvement in free throw accuracy and a 9.2% enhancement in three-point shooting accuracy. Stanford Medicine
Additionally, the players exhibited faster sprint times and reported decreased fatigue levels. Imagine how many goals you would score if you increased your shooting percentage by 9%. Successful athletes get enough rest each night to perform at their best the next day.
Nutrition is another key factor outside of training hours. Our entire method is based on three principles – Fuel. Train. Recover. – there is a reason Fuel comes first. If you’re serious about your sport, you need to be eating enough good quality food. Hit your macros, limit highly inflammatory foods, and hydrate!
Players who find success get their minds right. They approach every training session with the EAF framework.
Effort – The work HARD.
Attitude – They’re grateful for the opportunity.
Focus – They keep the main thing the main thing.
By committing to mental preparation each and every day, they create the tools to push through tough moments and stay focused during important competitions. It might seem silly or boring even to work on your mental game, but all of the best athletes we know spend time developing it. Remember, the mind is a muscle and needs to be exercised just like everything else.
It might sound funny, but the athletes who excel pay attention to their lifestyle. They make decisions that support their goals. For instance, athletes who party late into the night or don’t manage their time well often struggle to stay on top of training and recovery. Those who build a lifestyle around their goals are more likely to succeed.
Lastly, successful athletes understand the importance of having a good support system. Friends, family, coaches, and teammates can all play a role in helping an athlete stay motivated and accountable. They have people around them who genuinely care and are excited to see their success. Positivity and negativity are contagious, and they protect their personal space.
