Dear past Nick,
Do you remember that cold, crisp
fall night of senior year? It was around late September/early October. It
involved soccer. Still don’t know what I’m talking about? I’m talking about the
night of the Shield game, the most important soccer game of your life. When
Walled Lake Central Soccer versed Walled Lake Northern for The Shield. I know
for a fact that you still remember how that night went. The way you felt before
the game. The way you felt during the game. And especially the way you felt
after the game. After losing to your arch rival school in Penalty Kicks, there
is no worse feeling. Do you ever wish you knew how to correct your mistake?
Well this is your future self-explaining how you could have prepared better.
First, it all
started with the lack of sleep you got. You needed way more than the usually
five to six hours of sleep you usually get. You needed to drink a heck of a lot
more fluids than you did. Preferably, you needed to drink water instead of
Arizona or Gatorade. Even though Gatorade is a good drink, water is preferred. You
also did not have to focus so much on your school work throughout the week of
your game. You would have been fine not worrying about the work load. Everything worked out in the end school-wise.
This next rule could arguably be the most important. You need to limit all
technology components in your life. The less technology around you, the better
you be prepared for the game. Now, we have arrived to the day of the game. You
need to sleep in and miss your first two classes. The extra sleep is
beneficial. You don’t need to show up for teen health. It is not important. You
should carry around multiple drinks around with you at all times. This will
keep you hydrated and keep you from getting a headache. For lunch, you go to
Coach Sharpe’s room to eat. Do not go to the cafeteria. You will just have to
deal with all the annoyances of walking through the long line, finding a place
to sit, the loud noise, the throwing of food, etc…. It is better to be in a
calm and quiet environment. As soon as school lets out, go straight home and
take a two hour nap. This will help restore some energy that you put out in
school. When it comes to preparation for the game, do what you do best. Do not
change anything from how you normally prepare. Be your superstitious self. At
the game, before it starts, just be calm. You should take headphones and your iPod
so you can listen to music. Listen to pump up music. Music that will get you
psyched up for a soccer game. You need to warm up the same way you always do.
Again, be superstitious. When the game starts, all you need to be is yourself.
Play how you normally do. Own the box. Now for the most important part of the
night, the Penalty Kicks. You must talk to no one. While you are waiting for
them to start, go off and be alone. Collect your thoughts. You must make sure
you are in the best state of mind possible. You are now prepared to face the most important
moment of your soccer career. If you follow all these steps, you are now able
to prevent what had happened to me, your future self.
Best of luck,
Future Nick.
