Setting a Higher Standard
Okay, I guess the cat’s outta the bag now…
As I sit at the gate at the Denver International Airport, awaiting my flight to Texas for the first Hunter qualifier of 2007, I reflect on my recent preparation for this tournament. I just began working with an amazing new coach who, in the very short time that we’ve been working together, has instilled in me one important statement: I’m setting a higher standard for myself.
Okay. So, I’m still a work in progress, but the more I can repeat it, the more I will believe it. Along with that mindset, he also states, “success and failure are determined by your performance at each individual shot – victory is not always an indication of success and losing is not always an indication of failure.” Therefore, reinforcing how I’ve always wanted to feel, it’s okay to be proud of my performance even though I may not win. It’s also okay to feel a bit disappointed when I know I just played barely well enough to win a match.
I am setting a higher standard for myself. It’s a new way of thinking. It’s not necessarily a huge change from the current discipline principles of my training, but in respect to exactly what it is he’s demanding from me and what I am now demanding from myself, this is very different. Quite simply put, merely pocketing the ball is just not enough. Furthermore, just being on the correct side of the ball is not enough either.
I am setting a higher standard for myself. The player that comes out ahead is the one who “fights for the angle.” This is another way of thinking that he’s enforcing. Fighting for the angle, as I’ve discovered, is a very sophisticated way of looking at this game. The player that just plays to a general area or to get near their next ball so they can see it will eventually get into trouble. The one who has the plan and doesn’t just save their problems until it’s too late is the one who will prevail.
“No Lazy Shots – EVER!” he also tells me. Not setting higher standards for yourself and for where you want that cue ball to be is often due to laziness and carelessness. I am often guilty of this. I think we can all agree we have been at one point or another. From now on, good enough is just not good enough for me. From this day forward, I’m setting a higher standard for myself.
Let’s start a movement! Declare it with me: “I am setting a higher standard for myself.” Repeat it… Believe it… Live it…
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