“If you have no confidence in self, you’re twice defeated in the race of life.”-Marcus Garvey
Every athlete goes through some sort of hardship or trial at some point in their career. Some crumble under the pressure and quit. Others decide to find it within themselves to overcome anything in their way. Anthony Trucks’ inspiring story of success and achievement was forged during times of hardship and adversity.
As a young boy, Anthony was cast into foster care and his childhood was devoid of many of the usual joys and opportunities that most children had around them. Because of this, his desire to play football didn’t happen until later than most of his friends. But finally, at 14 years old, he got the chance he had long yearned for, and was unprepared to seize it.
Reflecting on the experience, Anthony recalled, “I was horrendous. I was trash.” He was finally given the opportunity to play the sport that he had wanted to play for so long, but he didn’t have the skills and the abilities that other kids on the team had.
At this point he was confronted with a choice. He could pack it up, feel bad and say that it wasn’t for him. Or he could lean in and do things that were incredibly uncomfortable that could make him better.
He chose the latter. He opted for the path of relentless self-improvement. He chose the more difficult path that was filled with discomfort and challenges, but the one he felt could create the results he desired.
Anthony said he realized that he faced a pivotal choice, “I could deal with the short pain, or the long pain. The short pain would be to do whatever was necessary to improve and get better now. To do the things that others were not doing and were not willing to do. The long pain would be the pain of regret. The pain of knowing that I had a choice to give it everything I had, to see how good I could become, but not doing it.”
He chose the short pain. It was hard and it was a lot of work, but he dug in. And by the following season, he came back as a different person. He was not just physically stronger; he also had an unshakable resolve and powerful claim on his own destiny.
He said, “It wasn’t that I just got better physically and mentally from driving, lifting weights, and running routes. But I had this internal fire that came from doing the work… It was a mentality… I’d done too much work in the dark for you to take what was mine in the light.”
His transformation was profound. Anthony earned his way. From starting out as the worst player on the team, he ascended to play college football at Oregon and astonishingly, on to the NFL!
Anthony Trucks’ story shows us the power of perseverance, self-belief, and crafting one’s own destiny. His tireless dedication to self-improvement didn’t end with his football triumphs, it has become the cornerstone of his life’s astounding achievements. Beyond the gridiron, he has many success stories – he was an American Ninja Warrior on NBC, has emerged as a sought-after international speaker, and is a remarkable husband and father. His journey doesn’t end with victories but serves as an enduring testament to the boundless possibilities born from unyielding dedication and an unshakable belief in himself.
Summary
- Anthony’s journey exemplifies the hardships athletes often face. Despite feeling unprepared and lacking the necessary skills, he chose to confront discomfort and relentless self-improvement rather than quit.
- His decision to face short-term pain over long-term regret transformed him into a different person, not just physically, but mentally as well.
- Anthony’s evolution from being labeled the worst player on the team and then ascending to not only playing football in college, but even to the NFL shows the power of perseverance and self-belief.
Reflection
- Are you doing the “work in the dark” when nobody else is watching?
- Are you willing to sacrifice the short-term pain?
- Confidence is built when you know that you’ve put in the work necessary to be successful. Do you believe in yourself enough that you know if you put in the work, you’ll find success?
Moving Forward
| Consider: Challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone in training. Engage in exercises or drills that push your limits and make you uncomfortable. Growth often happens beyond what feels easy or familiar. | Implement: Share this story with someone that has a lot of potential if they’ll believe in themselves and put in the work necessary to reach their goals. | Expand: Get a copy of the “Mindset Journal” and go through the Mindset Questions daily. |
“The dictionary is the only place where success comes before work.” -Mark Twain