Rakesh bhaiyya,’ said Rahul. ‘My studies, cricket, everything has stopped for now. I’m worried I may slip backwards after this long break.’
‘Sanjay sir, our athletics coach, was saying something interesting yesterday,’ said Rakesh. Let’s talk to him.’ He added Sanjay sir to the call and asked him about it.
‘These times are similar to times when a sportsperson is dropped, gets injured or is out of action for some reason,’ said Coach Sanjay. ‘They’re great opportunities.’
‘How’s it a great opportunity if they are dropped or injured, sir?’ asked a bewildered Rahul.
‘Because they can reflect on how they failed, what’s stopping their progress and prepare,’ said Coach Sanjay.
‘Prepare?’ asked Rinku. ‘For what, sir? Nothing’s happening.’
‘Well, Rinku,’ said Sanjay. ‘Your results reflect your preparation. If your results are not good, and that includes being dropped or injured, you need to look at where you haven’t prepared enough — whether it’s a skill, physical or the mental side of preparations.’
‘Sir, if we’re injured, it’s just bad luck and if we’re dropped, it’s because of external reasons like politics,’ said Rahul. ‘We can work hard and prepare, but these factors are beyond us.’
‘Ah,’ smiled Sanjay. ‘Let’s say you’re in the army. You have to be prepared for all eventualities at all times, right? You cannot give excuses like external factors and lose the battle. If things aren’t working even after you’ve prepared skills and physical aspects, then your mental preparation is lacking. In fact, when you start talking about ‘bad luck’, it’s time to look at your mental side.’
‘What’s mental preparation, sir?’ asked Rinku.
‘A major part, almost 80 per cent, of the result is based on your mental preparation, your way of thinking,’ said Sanjay. ‘Your approach, beliefs, values — they have a bearing on the result. You may be the world’s greatest talent, work hard, but if you believe that you cannot succeed, you’ll never be successful. A less talented person with better mental preparation will achieve more.’
‘Wow,’ said Rinku. ‘You mean we stop ourselves.’
‘Yes,’ said Sanjay. ‘But it can be addressed. By taking complete responsibility, becoming aware and working on your mental preparation, you can get the right results.’
‘What if no opportunities come after all this preparation, sir?’ asked Rahul.
‘Rahul,’ smiled Sanjay sir. ‘The better prepared you are, the more opportunities you attract. So be ready, as a soldier, practising drills, staying fit and being mentally prepared. When you’re ready, opportunities will appear.’
‘Like you appeared today,’ said Rinku. ‘Thanks, sir. I’m adding herbal tea to my routine to prepare better.’