Being an athlete is more than winning or losing. It is so much more than breaking records or winning the championship. We dedicate our lives and put in our sweat and blood - all for what?
Athletes constantly have to make adjustments. When things get really hard, and we don't win the battle or we make tons of mistakes, we have to forget it. There is no possible way we can change the past, so why dwell on it? As easy as it is said, to be able to just forget about your mistakes and not get mad at yourself for not rising to the occasion is really hard.
When you want to throw your bat for striking out or walk off the field or court in anger, think about who is watching you. Somewhere, there is a little kid who wants to be just like you. A kid who loves the game just as you did at their age, and they are wanting to be just like you. They are watching your every move, and you are setting the example for them. Your success isn't defined by your mistakes. You cannot let your mistakes define who you are as an athlete, nor can you let your success go to your head.
You are making an impact on those who are watching you. Create in yourself the mental toughness it takes to forget about past mistakes and to not dwell on them. But instead, be an example and a leader to those little kids out there who want to be just like you. Show them that it is okay to fail, because you nor anyone on this earth is perfect - only Jesus Christ is. Help them to see that when you fail, hustle off that field or court and show determination to get it next time. Show them how to have confidence in themselves and their teammates because without them, you will never succeed. Give them the mindset to always be respectful to their coaches and always trust them. Show them how to be humble and help them to see that without God, none of this would be possible.
Everything you do, there are eyes watching you. Therefore, think about every action you make and how it will not only affect you, but also those who are watching you.
