As the semester winds down here with the coming of the season, we reach a point of reflection, particularly on goals. Have we achieved as much as we set out to? If not, are we close to reaching our goals? What goals do we have for the semester and seasons ahead? How do we better ourselves in order to attain what we set out to do?

To truly better yourself takes courage. Courage to face the fact that you have flaws and imperfections that could vastly be improved. It sucks to think that you are awesome and perfect and wonderful, and here comes along someone better than you, doing things completely different and getting more impressive results. Take it a step further, and they tell you specifically the things you’re doing wrong. And why? To be a jerk and an ass? Or would it be worse for them not to tell you, and let you keep living like you are - not quite up to your full potential.

The only reason for someone to give you suggestions of improvement and how things you’re doing could be better, is so that you can actually work towards it. Take criticism positively, and really think about it. Is there truth in their words? If you were to video record yourself and play back the tape, would you notice the same things as an observer?

To make it in this ever changing world, we have to be able to quickly adapt with it. It’s hard enough to hear it from someone else, but can you accept it from yourself? Can you make the change that needs to be made, and be the best you can possibly be? I promise - you have a long way to go before you’ve filled your box of expended potential. Don’t let it squander. Spend some extra time in that practice room. Get to the gym another night this week. Do some reading on something that interests you. And most importantly, keep an open mind – everyone has something to bring to the table. Yourself included, and the more tricks in your back, the more you have to offer others.