As an athlete, staying focused can be tough with so much going on—school, friends, social media, and of course, sports. But I’ve learned that keeping my head in the game and taking care of my mental health is just as important as training hard. One thing that’s made a huge difference for me is mentorship. Having people to guide me and keep me on track has been a game-changer. Here’s how I balance it all, and why I think mentorship is key to success.
1. Remember Why You Started
Whenever I start to lose focus, I remind myself of why I began playing my sport. I love competing, pushing myself, and seeing my improvement. I have big dreams, like playing college or even professional lacrosse one day, but the core reason is simple: I love the game. Keeping that passion in mind helps me stay motivated, even when distractions come up or things get tough.
2. Find a Mentor Who Believes in You
One of the most important things I’ve realized is the value of mentorship. Having a coach, older athlete, or even a teammate who’s been through what I’m going through has helped me stay focused. A good mentor not only gives you advice but also holds you accountable and encourages you when you feel like giving up.
For me, my mentors have taught me a lot about mental toughness, dealing with pressure, and how to stay focused on my goals. They remind me that the journey is just as important as the destination and that it’s okay to make mistakes as long as I keep learning from them. Their guidance has been huge for my confidence and keeping me grounded.
3. Stick to a Routine that Works for You
Having a solid routine has been super helpful for me, but it’s important to create one that fits your needs. It’s not just about training; I make sure to include time for rest and mental breaks too. I’ve also learned from my mentors how important it is to mix in mindfulness and relaxation to avoid burnout. They’ve shown me that success isn’t about going all-out 24/7—it’s about finding balance and keeping the mind and body healthy.
Balancing other parts of my life—like school, family, and social stuff—also keeps me more focused when it’s time to train or compete.
4. Control What You Can
With social media, friends, and other distractions, it’s easy to get pulled in a million directions. My mentors have helped me realize that I can control a lot more than I think. I’ve learned to manage my environment by turning off notifications during study or practice and limiting screen time when I need to stay focused. It’s also important to surround yourself with people who support your goals. Having mentors who understand my journey keeps me on track.
5. Focus on the Present
Mentors have helped me stay grounded in the present. It’s easy to stress out about the future—wondering how this season will go or if I’m improving fast enough. But focusing on what I can control today, whether it’s this practice or this workout, has helped me stay calm and less overwhelmed. Taking things one step at a time, rather than thinking too far ahead, makes a huge difference in staying focused.
6. Take Care of Your Mental Health
One thing I’ve learned from my mentors is that mental health is just as important as physical health. If I’m feeling stressed or burned out, they remind me that it’s okay to take a step back and recharge. Sometimes all it takes is talking to someone who understands what you’re going through to get back on track. Being mentally strong doesn’t mean you have to do everything alone—sometimes it’s about asking for help when you need it.
7. Enjoy the Journey
One of the best lessons I’ve learned from my mentors is to enjoy the process. It’s easy to focus only on the big goals, like making a team or winning a championship, but they’ve taught me that every step along the way is just as important. Every practice, every game, every challenge—it all adds up to who you’re becoming as a player and a person. Celebrate the little wins and appreciate how far you’ve come, not just how far you want to go.
Navigating distractions as a young athlete is challenging, but with the right balance, focus on mental health, and guidance from mentors, it’s possible to stay on track. Having a mentor who believes in you, offers advice, and helps you see the bigger picture makes all the difference. By staying focused on the present, taking care of yourself, and enjoying the journey, you’ll find success both on and off the field. Keep working hard, listen to those who have been where you want to go, and believe in your ability to achieve your dreams!
Step by step, game by game—D1 is in sight.
MG