What follows is what Percy Cerutty calls his 'measure-rod' for success. I believe I will listen to what Percy has to say because as Gary Walton writes in his book Beyond Winning, in his 23 years of active coaching, Cerutty coached 30 world champions, not 20, as I mistakenly wrote the other day.
The measure-rod for success, the athlete needs:
1.To be born with above average ability but not necessarily outstanding ability.
2. They need an intelligence suitable for the tasks ahead of him. This needs to be of a high order. But I make a distinction between intelligence(wisdom) and cleverness which may be only cunning and memory. It is far more important that you have a good I.Q. than you can merely pass exams. If you 'feel' you have above average ability, both physically and mentally, that is enough.
3.They need a persistence factor that does not easily give in--give up when not successful; that you can train on, struggle on, when things look hopeless, black.
4.They need to be one of those whose spirits rise and feel good when things are tough in adversity; one who is a 'tiger for punishment'; does not talk about 'sacrifices'; and sees, mostly,the goals to be attained to.
5.They need to be one who finds working hard for what they want normal; is surprised when they find others expect short cuts, ease of accomplishment.
6.Who believe that they could do 'it'--or something, and feel confirmed and pleased when they find their 'beliefs' can come true; that someone else may, surprisingly as it seems, believe so, too.
7.They are one who will:
(a,) Change your job, environment, country even, if it seems right to do so, to achieve your ends(not only athletic ends).
(b.)Have a natural, inherent attitude to be attracted, seek or find the 'best', whether it be in coaches, music, places or persons.
The above is a great check list, for yourself, for others; whether in sport or out of sport.
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