Heart, Grit, and the Long Game: Advice to My Younger Self

If I could sit down with my younger self—back when mornings started before the sun came up and my mom was driving me to workouts—I’d tell him this: keep going. Even when it’s hard. Especially when it’s hard.

This week’s video dives into the advice I’d give to that kid who was chasing a dream with nothing but heart and grit. I’d remind him that motivation comes and goes, but discipline is what carries you through. That the early mornings, the tough practices, and the moments when quitting feels easier...those are the ones that shape you.

I’ve learned to lean on my support team: my family, my coaches, my teammates. They’ve helped me stay grounded and focused, even when the path wasn’t clear. Their belief in me has fueled my own belief and that means everything.

So if you’re chasing something big, don’t wait for perfect conditions. Show up. Work hard. Listen to the people who care about you. And never lose sight of why you started.

Because every step, every rep, every sacrifice...it’s all part of the long game.