Winning Big

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?
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