By David Tepera, January 25, 2024

I’m sure each of us is good at some particular skill — could be artistic, athletic or you fill in the blank. But, if you want to be great, then extra practice will separate you. Otherwise, someone will always be better than you.

For those fighting for starting positions on a team, how much extra work are you doing on your own time? Do you get to the gym early to practice skills, hit the weight room to get stronger or sprint in drills to be faster? Bottom line, do you really want to be great and win the position or be lazy and rely on natural skills?

To become great takes discipline and a desire that can’t be taught or coached. It comes within from a passion for something that totally consumes you.

The late Kobe Bryant was known to show up at the gym around 3 a.m. He practiced shooting and dribbling skills, then finished off in the weight room. He did all this before his teammates started their practice.

Usain Bolt is widely considered to be the greatest sprinter of all time. He holds more world records than I have room for in my column. He once said, “I trained four years to run less than 10 seconds.” Just know, he was referring to the Berlin games of 2009, where he set the 100-meter sprint record of 9.58 seconds.

Of course, I’ve only been referencing elite athletes, but what is your passion? Do you want to be great at something? Are you the best at your job position, owner, employee, manager, parent, spouse or whatever skill?

Do you get to work early, volunteer for extra projects, study the competition and work to be the expert at your current position?

Are you in competition with another player, employee or business? If you think about it, the only competition is with yourself. You know your strengths and weaknesses, so get to work.

Here’s another thought: none of us like to expose our weaknesses, but that’s what you must practice on the most.

When my wife Tina was competing to get her figure pro card in bodybuilding, her weakness was the posing routine. We used to laugh because my poor white girl had no rhythm. We hired a Jamaican lady to put some swing in those moves. Anyway, after six months of hard practice, Tina won several pro cards. Just know, her competition was 20 years younger, and it wasn’t even close.

What are you practicing on today? If you’re not happy with your current status or position, then what are you doing to change it?

Remember, if you want to be great, then start practicing.