Taking Zero Talent

Happy New Year everyone, hope all have had a decent start to 2026. With it being only days old, hopefully at the least it’s not gone too far sideways for you.
 
Some of you may recall some writing of mine a few months ago about how to become more athletic in the gym. I have something that’s up that alley, yet a slightly different flavor for today. I’ve coached athletes in the gym for 10+ years (14) and on the field for the better part of 10 years at this point in time. In those 10-14 years of experience, here are 3 things (not the only 3 things mind you) that can make an athlete better which take zero talent.
 
1) Show up consistently- You can have all the talent in the world and still be very good at your sport while doing the bare minimum. To truly be over the top, you need to show up to training and practice consistently. A little in and out over a few months will do you next to nothing. Even if you’re hurt, going to practice for the mental reps helps, and any strength coach worth a lick will be able to tailor a workout around an injury, bar a few such injuries. Those with less talent absolutely need to double down on this. As the saying goes, hard work can beat talent when talent doesn’t want to work hard.

2) Show up on time- It’s a life skill that carries over so it’s worth learning for every athlete (person). It’s a simple point, show up on time means you have more time to workout and/or more time to learn. Not only that, coaches note it either mentally or literally and when push comes to shove, you’ll get the benefit over someone else that was constantly late (or worse).

3) Watch and listen twice as much as you talk- As my first rugby coach said, you have two ears, two eyes and one mouth, do you know why…? (Answer is obvious) Especially as a coach of a team sport, nothing will make me mark a demerit mentally faster than when a player is constantly the one talking while I’m trying to teach something. I can tell you first hand when I had a 50/50 choice between such a player and another that was always listening, I picked the player that was clearly paying attention (or at least was smart enough to keep his yapper shut).
 
As I stated before, this is not a comprehensive list and I’m sure I’m not the person to write these exact three things down. Still, comes from my perspective and that’s what I have for you. Thanks for reading all and have yourself a 2026!