Do you really want to be the best you can be? Do you want there to be more to your performance then "average"?

What is it that would make you more then you are? The Athletes Advisor has spoken to athletes from many sports who have reached great levels of performance. What’s the key? No one has the true answer, but the following observations should be interesting to you.

1. 24 hour commitment. Approach every hour of your day as if it influences your performance and you will improve. Think about how what you eat and drink will effect practice. The amount of sleep you get will become more important to you. Is your last thought before you sleep and your first thought upon waking about you performance? It should be. Every bite you eat, thought you have, word you say, and action you take should be done with the intent of maximizing your potential. Are you 7-11...open 24 hours? Or do you close at 5 and take weekends off?

2. A Strong Mental Game. There is nothing that separates athletes more then what is in their head. Can you prepare to handle stress? Can you quickly re-focus your concentration? Do you visualize yourself perfecting all your skills and doing them in a game situation? Do you have the ability to stop negative thinking and avert slumps? The best athletes do and you can if you work on it.

3. Do you practice and train as hard as you play? Jordan’s competitive nature and practice displays are legendary. Deon Sanders was considered the hardest working athlete in FSU Football history. The old Green Bay Packers considered Sunday as a day of rest after enduring the harsh Vince Lombardi practices. These champions understand that the only way to maximum capacity as an athlete is to put out max effort and intensity every time you suit up. Game or not. Simulate the speed, intensity and focus of a game and you will master it.

4. Confidence is King. Nothing can be accomplished without the deep seated belief that it can be done. Any morsel of doubt will eventually cause hesitation somewhere along the line and take you down. The real question is " Do you have confidence in your ability to do what is necessary?" In other words will you even be able to put in the time and work required for excellence?

5. Persistence. No matter how low you are, you never give up, you are never beat, you will not go away. The Grand Canyon was carved out by a trickle or water that would not stop. You must be able to set goals and figure out how to get past any obstacles that gets in your way. The great ones do. There is no other option. This is how they think.

DO YOU?