Some coaches goad their players by telling them “they want 110% effort.” This is ridiculous. We can only give 100%. Better coaches would encourage us to “leave everything on the field.” In other words, give it everything you have.

In order to be at your optimum, you must do the prep work. Eat right, rest, stimulate your mind and throw in some exercise on a regular basis. By doing these things consistently, you put yourself in position to succeed. This applies in sports as well as daily life. You won’t be your best if you are running on an empty tank.

Of course, sometimes things don’t go our way. When we are mentally right we adapt, we adjust. We realize today wasn’t our day, but we live to fight on.

Each day will present its own set of new challenges. Look forward to them. You must push yourself harder on some days than others. If you are operating at peak strength, you put the odds in your favor…