As parents and wouldn’t you like to know how far your child would go in their sports career? Wouldn’t that save a lot of time, effort and money? We know where they’ve been and where they are now, but do we know where they are going? Are there predictors? Is their sports past any predictor of their sports future?
I’ve analyzed the sports histories of kids, teens and adults. All those sports histories say a lot, but don’t say much—if you know what I mean. Let’s take someone famous: Lance Armstrong. As a teen, he was an outstanding swimmer. But his autobiography is not called “It’s Not About The Pool.”
Having your child write down his/her sports history and his/her sports future is an activity worth the time and effort, and costs no money!
When you have your child write their sports history, make it 250 words exactly. Have them count the words. Not 248, not 255—it’s 250. Why? Focus, discipline, and the fact that a lot has happened so there needs to be a limit.
His/her sports future obviously hasn’t happened yet, so they are projecting. Tell them to let the ideas flow, without a word count. They’ll know exactly when it’s done.
I’ve read determination and doubt, vision, confusion, trepidation, hedging, promises, guarantees and deal making. Wow. . .
Have them try it. Instruct them to use the words “I will. . .” instead of “If.” And have them use “When I. . .” not “Probably” or “hopefully.” Careful not to suggest anything to them. Clip the history and the future together; they are equal parts of that young athlete. There is great power there.
