Training Camp: What the Best Do Better Than Everyone Else

Chapter 7. Questions

"Come on in," a quiet voice said from inside.

Martin hobbled in and saw Coach sitting behind his desk, eating.

"Those look good," Martin said.

"Fish tacos," Coach Ken answered.

"For breakfast?"

"I eat them anytime and all the time," Coach Ken said. "Can't get enough of them ever since ... ever since The Day."

"What's The Day?" Martin asked curiously.

"That's a story for another time," Coach Ken said as he got up from his desk and directed Martin to sit down in a chair, walked over, sat down next to him, and faced him. He looked at him with the stare of a focused prize fighter and said, "Martin, I'm not a man who minces words, so let me get right to the point. I asked you here for a reason, and it's because I have a few important questions to ask you. First I want to know how bad you want to make this team."

There was a pause. "Real bad. Really bad. It means everything to me ... and my family," he said as he nodded his head.

"Okay, that's good. Now I have an even more important question to ask you. How bad do you want to be great?"

Martin thought for a moment, but before he could answer, Coach Ken continued, "Because let me tell you something. Making the team is a goal. But striving for greatness is a life mission. There's a difference, and you have to be honest with yourself and you have to be honest with me. Don't rush the answer. I want you to really think about it." ...