With ten cross country seasons under my belt and only one to go, the lessons I’ve learned in my sport are becoming increasingly relevant to everyday life.

1. Hard work doesn’t always pay off. A lot of the time it does. But there will be instances in life where you will work hard for something and not get it. Life will be much easier if you accept this now. Disclaimer- the hard work is always worth it, whether or not it pays off. A strong work ethic will serve you well.

2. Comparing yourself to anyone but yourself is unfair. Theodore Roosevelt once said “Comparison is the thief of joy.” There will always be someone faster (or, in the real world—more talented, smarter, etc.) But that person will never be another you! You are the best at being you. Comparing yourself to others will make you miserable. Just don’t do it.

3. Competition can get the best of you, but only if you let it. Being competitive is natural. It can be a good thing in a lot of ways—it naturally pushes you and makes you strive to work toward the best of your abilities. Enjoy competition, but don’t take it too far. It’s a slippery slope: You can start off by being a little competitive and working to better yourself, but that can quickly turn in to doing anything to get ahead, regardless of consequence. Be competitive, but realize that winning isn’t everything.

4. It’s important to be a humble winner. I’m all for being proud of your accomplishments, just don’t let them go to your head.

5. It’s equally important to be a good loser. Be happy for friends and teammates that won or performed well. It’s okay to be upset and to feel discouraged. The last thing you want to do is start blaming external forces for your loss. Take it in stride, learn from it, and know that there will be more opportunities to be successful.

6. Be coachable. Throughout your life you will have different coaches (or bosses, managers, etc.) You are only hurting yourself if you allow yourself to be coached by only one type of person. A coach or employer will think highly of you if you are flexible and can adapt to their style.

7. Keep a positive attitude. This is the easiest one, but also one that is highly underrated. Every single experience will be better if you do it optimistically. Even on bad days—forcing a positive attitude can help turn your day around.

8. Trust yourself. This is an ode to Coach Payne, my first collegiate coach. He taught our team to trust ourselves not only in races but in life. Trust your work, trust your capabilities, and trust your mind. Staying confident will allow you to capitalize on your success. Trust yourself in all you do.