"It Takes What It Takes to Be Successful"
In the world of sports, one thing is certain: success doesn't happen by accident. It isn't the result of luck or chance, but of hard work, dedication, and relentless pursuit of excellence. “If you want to be good, you don’t have a lot of choices. It takes what it takes to be successful,” is a powerful truth that every athlete must come to understand at some point in their journey. It strips away the distractions, excuses, and shortcuts, leaving only the simple, unvarnished reality—success demands a specific kind of effort, and there’s no negotiating around it.
Commitment to the Process
When an athlete aspires to greatness, the path forward becomes clear: it takes what it takes. This means that to achieve success, you must embrace the process fully. There’s no shortcut to excellence. Whether it’s waking up early for training, sticking to a strict nutrition plan, or pushing through physical and mental fatigue, these are the non-negotiable steps along the way.
The most successful athletes don’t have a plethora of choices because they've already made the most important one: the decision to commit. This commitment narrows their focus and forces them to prioritize what truly matters. When you know what you want to achieve, you naturally eliminate distractions and time-wasters. You know it’s the late-night workouts, the extra sprints, the recovery routines that will move you closer to your goals.
The Price of Greatness
Every athlete faces moments of doubt and discomfort. The grind of training, the mental strain of competition, and the physical toll can make anyone question their path. However, those who rise above know that this is the price of greatness. The sacrifices they make—social outings missed, physical pain endured, mental battles fought—are not burdens, but necessary investments. When you understand that "it takes what it takes," the excuses fade, and what’s left is a clear understanding of what needs to be done.
There’s a discipline in knowing that success is formulaic. If you want to get faster, you have to train for speed. If you want to get stronger, you have to lift heavier. There’s no secret sauce. What stands between you and success is a willingness to do what’s required, day after day, no matter how difficult it becomes.
Mastering the Mental Game
One of the key implications of this mindset is mental fortitude. Every athlete will face moments when they question whether the effort is worth it. The ones who rise to the top are those who understand that mastering the mental game is just as important as physical performance. Success requires pushing through discomfort, doubt, and adversity. It takes resilience, perseverance, and the ability to stay focused on the goal when everything in you wants to quit.
Athletes who internalize the mindset that “it takes what it takes” are mentally stronger because they don’t leave success up to chance. They know it’s within their control, as long as they are willing to do what’s necessary. They understand that success doesn’t bend to their preferences; instead, they adapt to the requirements of success.
No Room for Excuses
Excuses and shortcuts simply don’t belong in this conversation. Athletes who understand what it takes know there is no room for complaints or justifications. You either put in the work, or you don’t. Success doesn’t care about how tired you are or what challenges you face. It responds to effort, discipline, and perseverance.
By embracing the mindset that “it takes what it takes,” athletes gain clarity, focus, and a deep sense of accountability. They realize that the only thing standing between them and their goals is their willingness to follow through.
Conclusion
In sports, as in life, success is about embracing what it takes and doing it without hesitation. You don't have endless choices if you want to be great—there is a clear path, but it requires hard work, commitment, and an unwavering focus on the goal. The statement “it takes what it takes” is a reminder that success doesn’t negotiate. It demands everything, and those who give everything are the ones who succeed.
