Professionalism

I often wondered what it is that sets me apart from Olympic athletes.
A few years ago it occurred to me that here I am training with dual Olympian Carlo and I asked myself what does it take to get there? What is the difference between an Olympian and the rest of us? I have the best coach at a great center with all the necessary facilities to reach my full potential so why do I feel im not progressing as an athlete.
After asking these questions it began to dawn on me that for some time I had been going to training and treating it as just another session. An opportunity to get that little bit fitter which I'm always striving to be but other than that there was little thought on what I was their for.
So what is missing. Professionalism. Not just training harder but training smarter. Having clear goals, short term and long term.
My long term goal was to win a gold medal. Now successful I've reassessed this goal to include winning a gold at the Vics and winning a medal at the Nationals, both realistic and attainable.
Short term goals are probably more critical because they are constantly changing and need to be consciously thought of and adjusted as required.
They are the goals I've been setting myself each week for training. For example for the past three weeks I have been spending time outside of class developing my back kick. Im working on slide out counter, cut to axe kick and running kick low to high.
Practicing these techniques has been easy but I'm struggling to execute them and score while sparring.
I'm lucky enough to now be involved with the "High Performance" training group. Last night was the second session were elite athletes from Team Victoria have been meeting on a Friday night (once a fortnight) to fight. A couple of years ago I don't think I would have willing given up my Friday night to spa but now with this professional attitude I'm really looking forward to each session. And the great thing is the forty odd guys who were their last night have the exact same thoughts as me.
We are all their to get better, to help each other develop and I learned a great deal about were I'm currently at as a fighter. Plenty to work on!

Cheers, Steve