The greatest opportunity in the world is found here today… We already know what yesterday has got for us. It’s already gone. Tomorrow, too far away. What about right now!”
“I prepare so no one can take what is mine, no one can replace my mind, my heart.”
Former Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis
The 2013 Super bowl XLVIII culminated a spectacular career of Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis, and marked the closing of a chapter with his retirement following the victory. Known for his tenacious hits on the field, and rigorous training all year, Lewis is commonly sought for his motivational speeches building confidence and pushing for excellence.
The thirteen time Pro-Bowler exudes mental toughness both on and off the field, and his football confidence intimidated many opponents. He was not only was considered one of the best linebackers in the league, more importantly, Lewis was the leader motivating teammates to play at their peak potential.
One thing Lewis is constantly preaching about when it comes to building confidence is that there are no shortcuts. Developing a football mind and mental game requires work. Lots of it. The athlete who takes shortcuts is the athlete who lacks confidence because they KNOW someone else worked harder. It’s a positive mindset and lifestyle for Lewis, not just a drill, or set of reps in the weight room.
Lewis says, “Every day you can’t take no breaks!” He tells young players that in his 27 years of playing football, he’s taken two breaks which were the result of surgery. His work ethic strengthens his confidence and mental toughness; because he believes he works the hardest.
There will always be negative people, or distractors that weaken a player’s ability to focus. The mentally tough athlete chooses to think thoughts only related to improvement, not worrying about past mistakes.
Lewis recalled how many offered negative comments about his ability as he aged, “That’s once again the same people who told me I was too small, the same people who said I couldn’t win a Super Bowl with our offense, the same people who said I couldn’t play in a 3-4…Are they with me when I get up every morning at 6:30 to go to work?”
Do not give any amount of time to negative distractors or people who do not strengthen your positive focus. You cannot change the opinions of others, but you can change your mental outlook.
Players possess different talent and athletic abilities, but what a player chooses to do with these abilities makes all the difference. True champions work diligently when the coach isn’t watching or the reporters have gone home. The attitude that stems from within a player truly defines greatness.
The confident player works the same whether they are alone in the weight room, or surrounded by a coaching staff. Giving your best effort, day in and day out, creates a mental strength in conjunction with physical ability.
Lewis offered his view of sports psychology in football when he motivated a group of young athletes recently. “Wins and losses come a dime a dozen. But effort? Nobody can judge that. Because effort is between you and you.” Any athlete should ask the question, “Did I work my hardest?” after every single workout, and honestly reflect on how their answer impacts their success.
Confidence is a key component to the mentally tough athlete. Improving focus and developing a plan for maintaining a positive outlook improves confidence and performance as well. The athlete that strengthens their mental game gains football confidence resulting in more success on the football field.
