Change Something

Over the past week, I’ve had time to reflect on this past indoor season and look ahead to the outdoor season. I haven’t been able to compete outdoors yet because of a knee injury I suffered two Mondays ago. Between slow recovery and inconsistent treatment, staying motivated has been a real challenge.

Last week, I had a deep conversation with my coach where I opened up about everything I’ve been feeling. The frustration, the lack of progress, and why I think I haven’t been performing at the level I want to. After really listening, he suggested something unexpected: maybe what needs to change isn’t my training.

As athletes, when we don’t see the results we want, our first instinct is often to train harder or switch up our workouts. But the truth is, performance is influenced by everything we do—not just what happens during practice or in the weight room. From the moment we wake up to the time we go to bed, every decision we make affects our energy, recovery, and performance.

It might sound strange, but being a great athlete isn’t just about lifting heavier or running faster. And I’m not just talking about eating clean or getting enough sleep, we’ve all heard that before. I’m talking about the little things we overlook. The things that don’t seem like they matter but just might.

After that talk with my coach, I started journaling. Each day, I picked out small habits I could tweak. Things that might be impacting my performance in subtle ways. One example: I realized I always take super hot showers, the kind that fog up the whole bathroom. But after doing a little research and reflecting, I learned that hot showers were irritating my skin and making it super dry. It seems like a small thing, but if your body isn’t healthy, how can you expect it to perform well?

Other things I’ve looked at: eating too late at night, slouching throughout the day, not wearing the right shoes. These may seem unrelated to athletic performance, but everything adds up. This past week, I focused on adjusting these tiny habits. Honestly, I’ve felt more energized in the mornings, less fatigued, and way more refreshed overall.

Now, I’m not saying what worked for me will work for everyone. Maybe you’re fine with hot showers or eating dinner late. But maybe, for you, it’s your hydration or how much sunlight you get. That one small, overlooked detail could be holding you back.

It’s something worth exploring. Because once you accept that everyone’s body needs something different, you stop comparing yourself to others. You stop wondering why someone else is thriving while you’re struggling. What works for one person might not work for you, and that’s okay.

Everybody needs something different.