Did you know that around 5% of NCAA football players make it into the NFL each year?
A few months ago I got to catch up with former Carolina Panthers running back Nick Goings. Nick has a colorful past that included a devastating knee injury earlier in his college career and having to switch universities, despite this he not only made it into the NFL, he had a coveted eight-year career with one team! To be clear this is pretty much unheard of and to also finish with one team on your resume is a very rare case in the NFL, where nothing is ever guaranteed.
When The Goings Gets Tough
Goings journey brilliantly exemplifies the power of goal setting to achieve one’s dreams. According to him, his success came all down to hard work, dedication, and commitment to the team. That, and this simple five-step strategy, he says, led him to his resounding success:
“Talent gives you the opportunity to play in the NFL, your work ethic and what you’re willing to do is what keeps you in the league.”
-Herm Edwards
Set specific goals
Simple as it may sound, it all began for Nick when he set his mind on a target = making it into the NFL. Nick started doing this at the ripe age of 8 and kept up with it throughout his NFL career. While setting specific goals is the first step to fulfilling your dreams, you also have to set tangible and measurable goals with a very specific timeline so that you are accountable for them.
Ex:
- Football Training: Score 15 TD’s this season
- Weight Loss: Lose 5lbs in 5 weeks
- Sports Performance Training: sprint a 4.45 40 yard dash
- NYC Personal Training: Squat 315 x3 by December 2013
photo by CC Chapman
Write Your Goals Down
Even though writing your goals down may seem mundane, it is a very common practice amongst successful people in all walks of life. In fact this: Empirical Research Study – shows that setting and writing down specific, realistic and measurable goals has a far greater chance of success than “just winging it.”
Look at Your Goals Everyday
Take a step outside the University of Texas Football’s strength and conditioning center and you will see an amazing wall of success with plaques honoring alumni such as Colt McCoy, Ricky Williams, and Vince Young…maybe one day even Marquise Goodwin with his 4.27 40 speed at this years combine!
Look at the back of almost every weight-room, sports performance training, and personal training shirts and you will find slogans such as “Never Give Up” or “No Quarter” – (Go Pirates!). These are all visuals used to inspire, motivate and remind players of the team’s goals. Nick, too, would spend 5 to 10 minutes every day looking at his goals to keep him moving in the right direction.
If you want to follow in his footsteps, have both your short-term and long-term goals printed out on a sheet of paper and place it up where you will be sure to see it every day. Better yet, get a graphic reminder for self-motivation:
One day…
Your motivating visual can be something as simple as a poster of your favorite athlete or an inspiring image that leaves you stirred from within. Whatever it is, just make sure that you can see your goals frequently; you will be surprised how quickly this approach gets you into action!
photo by darkfoxprime
“All for one, one for all”
Nick’s success was certainly not the product of a one-man enterprise. Rather, there was a fleet of people ─ his family, teammates, and coaches ─ who were right behind him, supporting him every step of the way.
When it comes to finding success, building and integrating your goals into a strong support network is a big part of the puzzle. Not only will it increase your chances of winning, it will silence the naysayers as well.
BEE-lieve
Once you’re on this path, don’t be sidetracked by any negative thoughts or people. Remember: none of that matters anymore. Just believe in yourself and get going; make your goals a priority and commit wholly to working on them a little bit every day.
As a NYC personal trainer, I have my clients focus on small goals and habits that’ll eventually lead them to their end goal, whether it be strength, speed, weight loss, or muscular development, it’s all about consistency and small step. If we focus too far ahead, it can quickly become a daunting task.
Beyond Goals
Outside of Nick’s laser focus and drive, he also was a great teammate and role model for younger athletes. He was the all purpose athlete that did what the team needed him to do. So if you find yourself in a position you may not like, don’t focus on the negative, rather, focus on how best you can help your teammates by showcasing your talent and embracing your position. Doors will inevitably open up for you.
In the words of Paulo Coelho,
“When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”
While this may sound like hippie mumbo jumbo, the point is to develop a plan and start DOING it! Too many people sit on the sidelines wondering what if, so plan, prepare, and execute! No more excuses!
Stay strong,
Team Fusion Performance Training
About the Author
Speak Your Mind