Winning Mindset

Adapted from Winning Mindset

11 'Rules' Winners are Mindful Of

1. Never be outworked. Always put in your total effort and you won’t be outworked. Soccer legend Diego Maradona said, “When people succeed, it is because of hard work. Luck has nothing to do with success.” Be willing to give everything that you have while competing.

2. Don’t focus on your statistics. Sometimes an off-day can throw off your statistics. So just focus on making the next day a better day.

3. Remember that being the biggest or fastest player on the field doesn’t make you a better athlete; the smarter, more aggressive, better prepared player does! Try to be that better competitor!

4. Have a purpose in every thing you do, especially in practice. This will help you not go on “auto-pilot” during practices. Use your practices as a way to prepare you for competitions.

5. Stop comparing yourself to other people. Instead, compare yourself to yourself! Am I better than I was yesterday? Am I more aggressive than I was last season? This way you can track your progress in a healthy way.

6. Be thankful for the opportunity to compete in soccer.  Competing is something you GET to do, not something you HAVE to do. It’s a big commitment but it’s worth it if you really appreciate the sport.

7. Be patient. Just remember that big changes or noticeable progress takes time – just hold on for the long haul!

8. Compete for yourself. Don’t play for your friends or your parents. You should compete because you love it.

9. Never quit or give up. Even if you don’t win, make it really hard for other people to win. Always put up the best fight you can.

10. Plans are made with thoughtfulness and intention. Follow the plan. Whether it is a practice plan or a game plan, follow it! The best plan is the plan that is followed by all. 

11. Keep things in perspective. Your health, academics, and family come before soccer. Without your physical health and mental health in check, you will not be able to be an effective teammate. At the end of the day, academics might send you to college and/or towards a good career if sports can’t. And keeping your commitment to soccer without losing sight of the importance of your family is key. Balance priorities.