#6. Sports, Clubs and Summer jobs

It has been said that the most important things learned in school were not learned in the classroom.  That doesn't mean that classes aren't important, but rather that there is much beyond reading, writing and arithmetic to learn.  Here are a few of the lessons I learned from my school years OUTSIDE of the school day:

  1. If you are afraid to jump in, just because you can't guarantee comfort, jump anyway!  In life there are many opportunities that are there for only a moment, a year, a space, and then gone.  Fear of the unknown can keep us from experiencing these opportunities.  It can keep us from experiencing life.  When we take a risk and jump, we not only learn and grow, but we inevitably find more of ourselves.  
  2. Be careful not to injure your teammates.  If you do, everyone will be mad at you. 
  3. You are stronger than you look.  Except for professional body builders, this is probably true for everyone.  We can handle much more than we ever thought we could.    
  4. You may not be noticed when you do well.  So, before acting, ask yourself "WHY do I want to do well?"  Do it for God.  Do it for the experience.  Do it for the sheer joy of doing well.   (What were you planning on doing with those trophies anyway!)
  5. Some people are mean, and you still have to work with them.  Telling them you don't want them on your team isn't going to help.
  6. Bosses and coaches make mistakes.  Leaders, have no one to tell them what to do.  That means they must magically know what's needed, make all the decisions, and lead!  It's exhausting.  Have a bit of grace on those coaches, bosses, and parents :)
  7. Drive will take you further than talent.  At some point in time in all activities, determination outperforms natural talent.  Whether you are or aren't naturally gifted, you will only get to the top if you are willing to work hard and push yourself to your max...or a little further!  
  8. Do more, not less.  Don't be the person that does the bare minimum.  Be the person who stands out because they were kinder, ran further, tried harder, and smiled more.  
  9. Stay strong.  Staying at the top may be hard, but it is much easier than trying to catch-up once you fall behind.  
  10. No one can do it all.  If you sign-up for every club, sport, job, and event you will eventually burn-out.  There is a balance.  Learn how to choose what you want.  
  11. If the situation is hurting you, it's okay to step away.  It will not ruin the track team if they lose a runner.  It will not ruin your life.  You may lose a team, you may lose some pride, but you don't lose value by quitting.  

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