Creating struggle, taking responsibility and minimising distractions

I recently listened to the High Performance Podcast with guest Dylan Hartley.

During the interview Dylan explains that as a young player in the England squad he had 2 options.

Go and train over there with Jonny Wilkinson or go that way with the rest of the squad.

We know the path Dylan took and through a successful career achieving 97 caps he was not without a few bumps in the road to say the least.

Dylan goes on to explain that he wonders what his career would have been like if he had followed Jonny and conducted his career in the manner that Jonny did.

How can we prepare our future generations to follow the right path and become the best they can be? Keep them away from distractions and the wrong influences?

The High Performance Podcast is hosted by Jake Humphrey and Damian Hughes. Last week I had the privilege of interviewing both.

During my interview with Damian on the Edinburgh Rugby Podcast I asked him about young players and the paths they take. Damian goes into great depth in replying even explaining that there have been great players taking young talented players down the wrong path so that their talent gets distracted and does not become a threat to the older player.

I urge any parents or coaches to check out the Podcast and make sure we are giving our young athletes the best possible chance to excel during the early stages of their careers.

Dylan also explains that kids need to go through struggle. They need environments that push and challenge them. No child benefits from having everything done for them and struggle removed.

We live in a society of participation medals and mediocrity. Every now and then we hear the story of a successful person and there is often a mentor or someone that stepped in and guided the way. Are you that parent, coach or mentor?

I cover these topics with Jake Humphrey on my Podcast – GET AFTER IT. Jake believes that we must all take responsibility for our own life’s if we are to progress and become successful. As parents we must take the responsibility of guiding our children while letting them make mistakes and learning.

I am not trying to say that young athletes shouldn’t go out for beers and have a laugh with their team mates but are we doing enough to make sure the new blood coming through is at least given the opportunities to rise to the top.

Food for thought.

Please check out the Podcasts and I would love to get some feedback below.

Nashy