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Coach Joe

Habits and Self Image



[Excerpt from Psycho-Cybernetics by Maxwell Maltz]


Many of you know I am an avid reader. This was not always the case. I read my first book from cover to cover my sophomore year in college, The Rocky Bleier Story- an amazing story for all those 'have nots' out there (A story about this topic for another time.) Today is about my own self imposed image and understanding of myself as a young student.


That sophomore year in college was a time of transformation for me. I was once again failing English- yes basic reading and writing type of class. My professor was a baseball fan. One day he took me aside after class and asked me two questions. One: "How much time do you work at being a baseball player?" Together we charted out the week, noting everything I did to make myself the player I was. The result and the task tallied to over 40 hours a week on average.


Then the next question: "How much time a week do you put towards your English class?" Keep in mind, this was my college English Professor. He started giving me some topics like how much time are you spending on your papers or the test coming up? Long story short, my dedication to the class in hours was reflected in my performance.


Before that meeting, my identity as a student was one that I did not like. In fact, I was ashamed and dreaded school. While in the 6th grade, I was in a special reading class with kids who could barely speak English. And unlike them, English was the only language I knew and I still couldn't read it! During high school, it was my goal just to pass the class. With this mindset you can imagine, I did not learn as much as I could have from each class.


My Professor reminded me of what I already knew: habits form results. My practice formed who I was on and off the field. This is why I tell every athlete to work for the the 4.0 GPA. Apply yourself to get the A. When I started applying myself to my school work, my self image as a student changed. My confidence in the classroom changed. I started grinding for every grade like never before. I felt like the world's opportunities were endless.


I graduated college with a 3.7 GPA. In my final Strategic Management class, during my last semester of college, I was debating the answers to some questions on the final exam as I was not happy with my score. I had a 96 on written and only 68 or so on the multiple choice. After debating some of the answers, the professor asked me if I had ever been tested for dyslexia. I had no idea what he was talking about. After the class was done laughing, he invited me to stop by his office. and I did.


I'll save that story for another time. but in short--know that despite whatever barriers you face, be it height, speed, natural ability or injury, the body and mind become the function. Know that each of us become what we live our lives to be. Build the habits that create the best version of you.

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