Is hard work overrated? I share my thoughts on this in today’s episode, which I was inspired to record after watching a TikTok video a friend sent me about the importance of working hard, never missing a day, and why cranking out 100 shots a day is the “simple formula” to help you get a full scholarship.

As you will hear, I strongly disagree with the premise, which has been firmly disproven with emerging science. If you are someone who struggles with balance or taking a day off, this is a great episode to listen to: you will learn how never taking a day off affects your physical and mental health, the science behind the importance of taking breaks and giving your brain the time it needs to rest, and the truth behind the effectiveness of the 10,000 theory Malcolm Gladwell adopted and described in his book Outliers.

I also talk about why rest is such a necessity for young athletes and reveal that even people like Kobe Bryant and Tiger Woods have been guilty of embellishing facts and going to extremes for the sake of “hard work.”

TIMESTAMPS:

After playing an excerpt from a LaCrosse player about the importance of working hard on your chosen sport, Brad discusses the ramifications of overdoing it. [00:38]

Yes, practicing hard at your sport should get you away from having your face and body stuck in inactivity and video games. [02:24]

The notion of never taking a day off can easily harbor an unhealthy, obsessive mindset, physical exhaustion and overuse injuries, which are so predominant in competitive youth sports today. [04:27]

MRI studies show different areas of the brain light up depending on the activity like practice versus a tense competitive situation. [07:29]

Balance, rest and a strategic approach are going to be the main variables that will allow the young athlete to thrive and develop during their four years of high school career. {09:28]

What is your child’s natural destiny? The best will rise to the top, not necessarily because they shot 500 shots each day. [12:10]

Brad talks about two high jump competitors whose total experiences in the sport are so different. There’s talent and genetics that come into play. [22:15]

LINKS:

• Brad Kearns.com
• Brad’s Shopping page
• B.rad Whey Protein Isolate Superfuel - The Best Protein on The Planet! Available in Two Delicious Flavors: Vanilla Bean and Cocoa Bean
• NEW: B.rad Superfruits - Organic Freeze-Dried Exotic Fruit Powder! Natural Electrolyte Hydration & Energy Powder
• The Sports Gene
• The Talent Code
• Own Your Past
• Building a Non-Anxious Life
• The Big Miss
• Top Dog

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