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The following is an excerpt from The Art of Exceeding.
Discovering Your Game
CHAPTER 1: The Foundation of Talent
Recognizing that a combination of factors shapes the path to greatness is essential. While grit, patience, and great coaching play a significant role, it is equally important to acknowledge the role of genetics in developing your talent. Let’s explore the science involved in shaping your identity. The fascinating world of genetic predispositions lays the foundation of your inborn talents that you’ll apply in customizing your systems for success.
1.1 The Role of Genetics in Abilities
Genetics, the blueprint of life, holds information that dictates your physical, mental, and emotional attributes. Genetic factors significantly impact performance in the realm of any high performer. As we look at renowned athletes across various sports, it becomes evident that particular genetic traits contribute to their success.
1.2 Physical and Mental Attributes
From a physical standpoint, genetic factors like height, body composition, and muscle fiber type impact your style of play. For instance, a sport requiring explosive movements favors a person with a higher proportion of fast-twitch muscle fibers. Genetics also influence your hand-eye coordination, balance, and agility. From the mental side, genetics are linked to your cognitive abilities and decision-making skills. There’s also a connection between genetics and mental resilience during high-pressure situations. Genetics plays a role in your temperament and patience in your daily performance.
1.3 Identifying Genetic Traits
Recognizing your traits can provide valuable insights into your development. Athletes within the same peer group all possess different physical, mental, and emotional attributes. For example, Josh is extremely patient. Rebecca’s natural quickness aids in her coverage. Peter is impatient, so his tolerance is low. Discovering your inborn talents is key to organizing your development and athletic identity.
1.4 Inheriting Traits
Physical, mental, and emotional genetic characteristics often pass on from generation to generation. Heredity plays a role in your “make-up.” Understanding your genetic predisposition increases the likelihood of developing strengths and improving weaknesses. For example, If Kelly’s father has ADHD, she may also possess inherited focus concerns.
1.5 Nature’s Impact on Athleticism
Certain genetic predispositions shape your talents. Genetics play a role in your height, coordination, and movement capabilities. It drives your unique metabolism and recovery speed and is responsible for your predisposition to injuries. There’s a fascinating relationship between your genetic traits and the synchronization of your brain-body connection.
1.6 Leveraging Your Genetic Advantage
Customization of your physical, mental, and emotional training is critical. Research shows that matching one’s style of performance with their genetic predisposition produces three times better results than those with mismatched training plans. It’s obvious that the old-school, one-size-fits-all approach to training is obsolete.
While genetics lays the groundwork for your potential, remember that genetic factors do not solely determine success. Hard work, determination, and the correct nurturing environment provided by coaches and family play an equally critical role. Recognize and leverage your genetic advantages and train within your genetic blueprint. By combining nature and nurture, you’ll set the path to maximizing your potential.
YOUR TAKEAWAY CHALLENGE
Individuals possess very different strengths and weaknesses, whether physical, mental, or emotional skill sets—plan on customizing your developmental plan based on your genetics. Every athlete has a genetic blueprint that significantly influences their style, approach, and decision-making under pressure. Consider looking into your brain type and body type. It will surely make a difference in maximizing your potential.
