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The best athlete doesn’t always win…The athlete who plays the best on that given day does.

I competed in a sport where the best of the best compete alongside newbies. There’re no categories or levels, rodeo is all for one and one for all, so to speak. Each sport has its own way of grouping competitors: age groups, green, novice, intermediate, expert, elite, etc. Depending on the sport, you might only compete with people at your same level and age, or it might be like rodeo, where the rookies compete alongside the veterans of the sport.

What I know to be true is the world champion can be beat on any given day.

He or she may be the best, but it doesn’t mean today is their day. I could be yours. Here’s the thing, you must be just as diligant in your preparation as the best of the best if you want to compete. And then, when you’ve physically done all you can, you need to work on your mental game. It’s the mental game that give you more winning days.

Think of the quarterback who stood on the sideline for several seasons behind the phenomonal starter, but that QB showed up every single day, like he was the starter. He worked hard, and trained as he he’d be leading the team on Saturday (college) or Sunday (pros). Then one day he’s asked to step up, and he’s not only ready physically, he’s ready mentally, because he’s been on that sideling running those plays in his head as if he were on the field.

When you go in to play in whatever sport, or business endeavor, go in to win.

Don’t be intimidated by those with more experience. Learn from watching them, emulating them, and then be better. But treat every day like this is your chance to step up, and be ready.

To make sure it’s your day to win, be prepared.

Come with your A game, even if you don’t feel 100%. Give 100% of what you do have, and be in the moment. If you’re taking the time to show up, show up to win, not to just be an “also ran.” For those who don’t follow horseracing, “also ran” are the horses that didn’t make it onto the winner’s board which is first, second, third or fourth place.

So if the best ahtlete doesn’t always win, the best athlete that day does, shouldn’t you be training mentally and physically to the the best on any given day?