Plan your course. When plotting a course from Los Angeles to Boston, a one degree navigational error results in about a 45 mile miss. Which is why "course corrections" matter.
As student-athletes, acquire tools that allow course plotting, flight, navigation, and landing. Applying analogy is worth learning.
Develop a Philosophy
Be open to multiple inputs in crafting your philosophy. Families often have the biggest influence, followed by teachers, coaches, and reading. In Sapiens, Yuval Harari argues that economics, politics, and religion are major inputs into policy. Be conscious about contributions to your philosophy.
Build Better Habits
Habits have a profound impact on development. Be intentional in developing "productive" ones. Legendary coach Nick Saban asks, "Are you investing your time or spending it?" The habit "bible" is James Clear's Atomic Habits. Clear says that habits are votes for the type of person you want to be.
Learn How to Learn
Time will tell how individuals can use AI to inform learning. The Coursera free course, "Learn How to Learn," has value. Three keys:
- Pomodoro technique - 25 minutes on, five minute break
- Spaced repetition - learn over time instead of cramming
- Self-testing - after reading a chapter or an article, ask what were the author's primary messages and review what you learned.
Find Mentors
"Mentoring is the only shortcut to excellence." Many teachers and coaches welcome chances to help motivated student-athletes reach their potential. They may be demanding. One of my Navy mentors, CAPT Tom Walsh said, "I am your mentor and your tormentor."
"Make Friends with the Dead"
Only about seven percent of people ever born are alive. Learn from great teachers, leaders, philosophers, and authors both living and dead. They may help you learn how to think more than what to think.
Consider Keeping a "Rethinking" Journal
Professor Adam Grant is the most popular professor at Penn and also the youngest to earn tenure. Read or review concepts from his Think Again. The Greek word "dogma" (A formally stated and authoritatively settled doctrine; a definite, established, and authoritative tenet) comes from the root "dok" - to seem good. Only through curiosity and openness can we explore ideas that oppose held beliefs. Consider keeping a journal about how you change opinions.
For example, what's the best serve? Karch Kiraly shares. "Flean" to the right area.
Do well what you do a lot.
Lagniappe. Effort is within your control.
Luke Kuechly shares must-listen advice for young athletes and the coaches who develop them.
— Coach AJ 🎯 Mental Fitness (@coachajkings) May 18, 2026
"Your effort is a decision that you make."
"You might get beat - that's cool. We just teach effort and consistency."
You can't control everything, but you can always control your… https://t.co/4oi3wHMWMI pic.twitter.com/mI9gzCG0pQ
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