Why so many chess players do not reach their full potentials?
The blunt honest answer: Because they are not disciplined enough. Because they are not training hard enough. Because they are not focused enough on achieving their goals by fixing their weaknesses.
Here is a quote from an NBA great:
“There’s a choice that we have to make as people, as individuals. If you want to be great at something, there’s a choice you have to make. We all can be masters at our craft, but you have to make a choice. What I mean by that is, there are inherent sacrifices that come along with that. Family time, hanging out with friends, being a great friend, being a great son, nephew, whatever the case may be. There are sacrifices that come along with making that decision.” – Kobe Bryant
I believe that insanity is doing the same damn thing over and over again and expecting different (better) results.
When I was young, while others hung out together and had fun, I trained. When others went to the malls, I trained. When others went to the movies, I trained. When others watched TV, I trained. When others went on fun vacations, I trained. I did everything possible to improve every day.
So while others achieved mediocrity, I was the #1 female player in the world at 15, became the 1st woman to earn the grandmaster title over the board, won 10 Olympiad medals (5 gold, 4 silver, 1 bronze), won the 1st ever chess triple crown (classical, rapid, and blitz world championship), and have a 56 consecutive game scoring streak, all on board 1, at the Olympiad, without ever losing a game, etc.
Here is another quote from an NBA legend:
“I can’t relate to lazy people. We don’t speak the same language. I don’t understand you. I don’t want to understand you.” – Kobe Bryant
No, I was not the most talented player. But I was one of the hardest workers. Today, as a coach, I do the same. While many still focus on playing actively and achieving personal glory or enjoying the good life, I give 110% to my students.
And when players come to Webster University chess program, they will learn our system: “Work harder and be more disciplined than all others.”
This is why SPICE won an unprecedented 7 consecutive national division I championships and our students won more world titles, national championships, Olympiad gold, and major events than all other programs combine.
And here is the final quote from an NBA legend:
“Winning takes precedence over all. There’s no gray area. No almost!” – Kobe Bryant
So it is entirely up to you to. Do you want to win badly enough or will you accept mediocrity?
Those who keep on improving year after year are the ones who most likely train hard day after day.
The old teacher said that excellence is a habit. The other old teacher echoed that excellence is 99% perspiration (work) and 1% inspiration. As a child – be him a prodigy or not -, one needs a mentor, a coach or a teacher. One who is particularly good at something (chess) other than parenting. As an adult, one needs to acquire the knowledge of a fellow who is rated higher than him. Whatever the case, a mentor or a coach is vital and perhaps inseparable from achieving excellence, or success. And by the way, mentoring or coaching does not only mean having a personal guide or added brain. It also means having the habit of continuous self-study. Having both these two indivisible parts together will then occupy and drive the self-image of excellence or the will to win. Lastly, whether it be in academics, in other sports like tennis, gold or basketball or in business as in life, we all need one at some point, don’t we? So, get a mentor or a coach, if one must.