What Being An Athlete Has Taught Me About Being A Person
Start writing a post
Sports

What Being An Athlete Has Taught Me About Being A Person

You're not just a dumb jock.. you've got something they'll never have.

172
What Being An Athlete Has Taught Me About Being A Person
Anna Connly

When you're athletic to some extent, it comes naturally to you.. to some extent. When you're playing a sport and you're athletic all you have to do is get yourself in the right mindset and leave everything out there. When you're an athlete, a real athlete, you have a special sense of drive. You have a desire to be the best, do the best. If you're not there yet? Its time you work a little harder. It's time you work a little longer, a little faster, a little later into the night, a little earlier in the morning. When you're an athlete, you believe in yourself enough to know that working hard will play off because there is nothing else you can do.

Being an athlete has taught me that I can accomplish anything I set my mind to if I'm willing to work harder than every other person. That if I tell myself that I'm going to do something and I don't, I have to do it for twice as long or work twice as hard. That there is a punishment for laziness, that there is backlash for not working as hard as the person next to you. There is a passion in athletes that tells them that if they don't work hard now, they will have nothing to work hard for later. They feed off of success, and the more they taste victory the more they crave it.

When your parents sign you up for t-ball they don't expect you to become a professional baseball player, but they sign you up thinking you'll meet some friends and maybe find something you enjoy doing. Little do they know that probably six out of all those kids on the field will end up playing in high school, because something in them said that this is where they wanted to be, and this is the place that will shape them as people. This is the place where they felt at home with people they viewed as family.

One day, we walk off that field and into the real world. We think that all that handwork we put into becoming the best athlete possible went to waste. All those hours and sprained ankles, the money your parents spent was all for nothing. But that's not true. If you take away anything from your safe haven of your field, track or court, ect. it's that you will meet people that are better than you. So you must let that inspire you, let that be the push to get you working harder than you ever thought you would. Athletes find their drive when they choose to be the best. That drive will carry you through places you have never imaged.

But I'd have to say the best part about being an athlete is the family you gain. Some of the kids you meet will make you glad that your only interaction with them is at sports. Others make you wonder how you made it this far in life without them. Your teammates will teach you not only to be a better player but to be a better person. They will be there for you when you've never felt more alone. They will support you and love you through all the madness like may bring. You will never laugh harder or feel more loved than when you're with these people.

So when someone looks at you and thinks you're just some jock that throws stuff in the air against another team wearing tight pants and matching shirts. Remember that they have no idea what they're talking about. That just because it seems stupid to other people, does not mean that it can't be something that means the world to you. Believe that. Never let anyone belittle your dreams or who you are. Keep motivated and moving forward, all that yelling you hear? It doesn't matter if they're taunting you or cheering you on.. it's all just noise.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

55754
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

35944
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

957937
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

186811
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments