It's my favorite time of year, football season! The kids going back to school is pretty awesome, but I love football. Especially since this will probably be the last year I will be able to coach my son.
I coach the offensive and defensive line for a Pee Wee football team of 11 and 12 year olds. It is so awesome to see these kids progress from not knowing what to do, to understanding how the game works.
One thing we always preach as a coaching staff is maximizing the two things you have control of. Attitude and effort. You can't control the weather, what other people do, referees, etc... You can control how hard you play and your attitude towards the game and your teammates.
Those are also the two things you have control over on your fitness journey as well. You cannot control your genetics, your job schedule, what is going on with your family, etc... Place all of your focus on the things that you can control.
When you are exercising, are you going as hard as you safely can? Or do you need to push a little harder? Lift heavier, run further or faster. Never be afraid to push yourself and see what your body is truly capable. You are in full control of your effort.
How about the effort you put into your nutrition? You have absolute control of everything that goes into your mouth. Make the extra effort to plan and prep meals that will support your goals.
Your attitude will determine your long term success. Keep a positive attitude about your body and what it is capable of. Keep a positive attitude about our chances for success, constantly feeding yourself encouraging words and not talking down to yourself.
This is not about being unrealistic and living in an alternative reality. This is about not letting a slip become a fall. When you mess up, that doesn't mean it is time to give up. Just acknowledge the mistake, learn from it, and move on full speed ahead.
Keep the focus on what you can control and you will be a much happier, healthier person.