My time as an athlete has been an interesting experience. I know what it is like to fail and succeed, and what I have learned in my four years of being a student-athlete will stay with me for the rest of my life. To succeed at the college level, you don't need to follow a set rulebook. I mean, you have to follow your sports rules and your coaches, but other than that, you pave the path for your life. My advice: learn, grow, and do not be afraid to mess up and make mistakes. To help out along the way, here are a few other lessons that I have learned since becoming a collegiate athlete.
- Control the Controllables
As someone who overthinks, it's impossible to control what appears in your head 100% of the time. What you can control is how you react to it and everything that is going on around you. It took me up until my senior year to suppress the urge to stress about every little detail revolving around my life and my sport. I achieved this by journaling and getting out my negative thoughts when they entered my brain. If I am unable to write it out on paper, I always have my phone with me and type it in my notes. It sounds crazy, but the key to not overthinking is to just not overthink…or to just get it all out on paper. You have to relax your mind and think about the present moment, instead of worrying about what might happen in the future. Find an outlet that works for you.
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Controlling the controllable also includes being proactive–why overthink when you can use that energy wisely and prepare?. For example, if you are worried about getting up in time to make your meals before practice, start meal prepping and get your meals sorted out the night before. This will allow you to manage your time better before heading out and decrease the stress of not knowing what to eat. Another example is if you are worried about your shins, knee, hamstring, or any other body part hurting during your practice, go get treatment. Be proactive in how you are taking care of your body. The more you ice, see your trainers and do everything they tell you, the faster your injury goes away. The big takeaway here? When you're proactive, you're more in control of your life than you think.
- Create a Schedule
Juggling everything in your life, at school, and with your sport can sometimes be challenging, especially as a freshman who's just learning the ropes. For me, the solution to feeling overwhelmed was simple–the greatest thing I ever did was get a planner. This one can be digital like a Google Calendar or a physical one from Target. Jotting down meetings, classes, practices, and game days will help you manage your time. If planners are not your thing, you can always set a reminder on your phone when you have different things scheduled. This will help you stay up to date with everything going on in your life.
- Make Genuine Connections
The people you meet throughout your college experience will most likely go on to be your friends forever. The best thing about college is that you can meet a multitude of people that come from different backgrounds. To make the most of your four years as a college athlete, put yourself out there and refrain from judging someone from their outside appearance. Sit down, get to know them, and their story. Who knows? They might just be a part of your wedding or your future kid's godparent. Making genuine connections can sometimes be trial and error, but as long as you keep trying, you will find the right people that fit.
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- Have Fun With It
Yes, we are college athletes but we are also in college, and college is the time to create memories you can remember for a lifetime. We only get four years here and then we set out to tackle the real world, so we athletes may as well have a little fun! Stay serious about your sport, but spend time with friends and go on adventures you enjoy.
Sadly, I am in the last semester of my senior year before heading out into real adult life. I wish I had done more, experienced more, put myself out there more, and got to know people a little better. As an athlete, we focus so much on being perfect, when in reality, we should focus on becoming the best versions of ourselves. Be the best version of yourself by putting your authentic self forward for all to see. Live your life with no regrets, make the best of everything given to you, and do not take this growth period for granted.
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* Originally published on April 21, 2022, by Daesha Harper
