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The Difference Between Being Ready and Being Prepared
By Todd M. Kays, Ph.D.
Sport Psychologist
Every athlete is ready to play and compete. They look forward to competition and have a desire to be out on the field or court playing. For most, this is the best part, the most exciting, why they do what they do! At the collegiate and professional levels, the 2nd and 3rd-string athletes are ready to play as well, meaning they have a strong desire to be competing. But are they prepared, not just ready?
The difference between being "ready" and being "prepared" is critical. Most athletes are ready to play, but not prepared. Every competitive athlete is ready - desires, wants - to compete, but that does not mean they are prepared. Being prepared is the responsibility of the athlete and coach. Athletes must commit to working at the details and crafting their skill many hours a day for optimal preparation. It takes tremendous effort and commitment, most of the time when no one is looking and applauding. Coaches too have a responsibility in preparing athletes, knowing how to teach, manage, motivate, listen, and understand. Unfortunately athletes and coaches sometimes avoid personal responsibility and blame someone or something else for less than ideal performance when in actuality it was due to inadequate preparation.
You must know and understand the difference between being ready and being prepared:
Being ready is an emotion; being prepared is an action.
Being ready is easy; being prepared is challenging
Being ready = inconsistent performance; being prepared = consistent performance
Being ready is common; being prepared is uncommon
Are you ready or prepared?
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