“A CHAMPION is simply someone who did NOT give up when they wanted to.”Tom Landry

Champion athletes can do some amazing things. Many of them will tell you that being successful in the game of football requires more than talent and proper training; it also takes discipline and mental toughness.
What you may not know is that they also have another secret weapon: their habits.

They are More Focused and Consistent

Mental focus is thought to be an essential factor in performing optimally. A team of football psychology researchers compares the mental focus of an elite athlete with that of high-level, but slightly lesser-level competitors, to see what specific differences there might be.

They found that elite athletes were more consistent overall than the sub-elite athletes. And more importantly, their competition throws were even more consistent than their training throws.

You must be consistent in all aspects of your training efforts. When you train, whether in the gym or on the field or wherever you perform your sport, you need to exert maximum and consistent effort. You must be in your best physical condition including football mental toughness, agility, and stamina.

They Overcome Pain and Stress

“When you get hit right in the face, and when you get knocked flat on your back, that’s when you find the champions.” USA Football Coach, Williams is a firm believer that champions show up when things get tough, and that can relate to anything in life, not just football. On a football team, champions don’t point fingers at anyone; they just keep on pounding through the tough times.

They Master the Fundamentals

Champions have a strong and solid foundation. In football, being able to master the fundamentals will give you that foundation. Focusing on the basics has been a hallmark of many successful players.

They Prioritize

Elite athletes always prioritize their goals and routines. Prioritizing your goals and routines before competitions help you do three things. First, you didn’t feel pressed for time. Second, it makes you less nervous. And third, you gain greater football confidence.

It is always essential for you to do first things first and prioritizing will help you do that.

Forming the habits and attitudes of a champion takes a real investment in time, energy and determination. Becoming a champion doesn’t happen overnight and developing the right habits and attitude will get you there.

*Download the free mental game assessment and get started on Improving your Mental Game in Football.