Through the past 6 years of my life, and more importantly my academic life, I have spent that time sharing with lacrosse. Being a student as well as an athlete is one of the more challenging things a person can strive to do. I have compiled the most important tips that helped me become the best me, and more importantly the best athlete and student at the same time.
Writing down your goals, a good example is losing weight or getting a faster run time. and tracking them is by far the most important thing you can do. Keeping track of your assignments, like using alarms, notes, or apps to schedule things, as well as your practice schedules is necessary. Having a notebook specifically for your sport data as well as assignments such as projects, homework, and whatnot, is essential. Sticky notes are also a very good item to have to keep track of everything and remind yourself what is needed, keeping them on your desks, computer, in notebooks.
Having an off day at practice is never uncommon in the sports world, and letting it seep into your day and even effect school happens just as much. Allowing a bad day at practice can negatively affect your performance in school by leading to you not being able to pay attention mainly because all you can think about is being better. Mental health impacts sports in the worst ways possible, reaching out to coaches, family, or friends if you need help. Having a slump happens to every athlete, but it is important to not let it affect school.
Time management is the most important skill that anyone can have, especially student athletes. Balancing your life, work, school, and sports is a lot for anyone. Setting priorities and making sure they are completed above all else is essential, such as homework or the weightroom. Being organized is a huge part of time management, the last time you spend looking in your google drive for projects or scrambling for your keys to run to the gym, the better.
Applying all these skills has done nothing but good for me, helping me lose 100 pounds and helping me commit to a college for my sport. For me the academic side has always been a challenge but the best thing for me is speaking up and getting help when I need it. I am surrounded by great friends, family, coaches and teachers who want me to succeed in life, and doing all these things will help me greatly.
