Article By: Tim S. Grover “Author of the national bestseller RELENTLESS: From Good to Great to Unstoppable” Tim Grover is the CEO of ATTACK Athletics, Inc., founded in 1989. World-renowned for his legendary work with elite champions including Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade, and hundreds other NFL, MLB, NBA, and Olympic athletes, he is the preeminent authority on the science and art of mental and physical dominance and achieving excellence.

It’s only one game.

It’s only the preseason.

It’s only practice.

It’s only a mistake.

It’s only an idea.

That small word–‘only’–changes everything. Same for the word ‘just’: It was just one donut, just one missed workout, just one drink. It’s just a job. As a Coach to me it all translates into: This isn’t that important, and don’t hold me accountable if things don’t go right.

Now lets see how one work makes a difference…… Remove the “only” of the “just” out of the previous sentences’ / statements and say it again:

It’s one game. You’re not getting it back. It mattered.

It’s the preseason. The work you do now determines whether you’ll have a postseason.

It’s practice. If you can’t do it here, you won’t do it in a game.

It’s a mistake. Do the work to make sure you don’t repeat it.

It’s an idea. Everything starts with an idea. Don’t be afraid to develop and try new concepts.

I’ll give you a few more:

‘Good enough‘ rarely is.

‘It’s fine.’ Two meanings:

• When you hear this from your coach or boss, pay attention: It means “Thanks, I’ll get someone else to do it right.”
• When you hear it from a teammate, pay attention: It means he can’t or won’t do better.

And my favorite:

“Whatever.” I don’t really know what this means, but I hear it a lot from people who want to stop a conversation because they’re afraid to hear the truth.

Believe me, this isn’t a grammar lesson…..…it’s a mental toughness lesson. As soon as you minimize the importance of something, you minimize your chances of success.

How many things in your life would be different if you “only” studied harder or if they “just” gave you one more chance, if the effort you put in was great instead of “good enough,” or instead of saying “whatever” you went out and fixed whatever needed fixing.

Here’s where those words work: You have “just” one life, and “only” you can live it. It is “whatever” you make of it. Is that “good enough” for you? Are you “fine” with that?

Al Hogan

Owner / Founder at Team Randori Martial Arts | 4432499318 | Website | + posts

Professor Al Hogan is a recent inductee in the U.S. Martial Arts Hall of Fame (2024) and a two time IBJJF Masters World Champion and Pan American Champion. He is renowned for his expertise in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Defensive Tactics Instruction, catering to the Jiu Jitsu enthusiast, law enforcement, military and security personnel.

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