Hard times make tough people…but what happens when the hard times won't let up? 

This was my experience not too long alone. During one of my high school club volleyball seasons, we had 4 out of 10 girls quit in the middle of the season, leaving us with just enough players to fill the court. I felt like finishing out the season was impossible. I went to my coach to tell her about my feelings and ended up getting advice that has stuck with me for years. 

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She told me to treat every practice, workout and game like a private lesson and to focus only on what I could control, my abilities and improving on my skills. Athletes of all sports can apply this lesson to their game: give the little things your all and control the controllables. When it seems like a lot is out of your reach, focusing on what you can do, rather than what you can't, can help get you through tough times.

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* Originally published on August 15, 2022, by 2aDays Staff