James Palumbo

We need to welcome the ball with our first touch as a first time guest to our house.

The stiffer we are as the ball or guest arrives the more distance we will create.  Our calmness and confidence will show by the first impression.

Since no one enjoys a hard cushion our endless practice off the wall is to make our touch as soft and welcoming as possible for the ball.

Keep going!

Yours in soccer,

James Palumbo

Normally, there is something that is left to do last minute.

We have a mental list of priorities that is demonstrated by our actions.

If we are in full control of our schedule, the most desirable things get done first while our least appealing tasks are pushed back to be done when “we have time”.

The attempt to individually accomplish large projects in a short amount of time is often times a failure.  Students sometimes use cramming in the last final days prior to an exam to memorize information that is relative to the subject.

If this memorization is helpful in passing an exam it could be helpful for the grade however it is impossible to cram understanding.

For a soccer player, cramming does not exist.

When soccer is embraced as a way of life the preparation is constant.  It can be everything from scheduled training sessions to pickup with friends to juggling off the wall that is groundwork for the next challenge.

If we need to hear of the challenge before picking up the ball we are too late…

Yours in soccer,

James Palumbo

Every day there is something that could have been done better!

The benefit of reflection is that we have more information about our most recent actions and we are able to better process what could have been the better option in the moments we were wrong.

Reflection can only be used positively if we are forgiving with ourselves on the information that was lacking in the present moment.  Newly acquired information must be seen as a guide/reminder for the next time and not dwelling that we “should” have known.

Now for reflection to be useful, we must understand when we might be in a similar position and how we will do things differently.  To know something went wrong is useless if we do not understand why and how we should do better.

If we don’t quite understand our errors, then having the strength and humility to ask trusted others will be the only way, otherwise a repeat mistake is near.

Yours in soccer,

James Palumbo

You might not love it and that’s fine.

When something is forced upon us we feel an obligation rather than enjoyment.

Especially at an early age, children should explore while parents are watching and studying the interests and desires of their sons or daughters.

The desire to do the things of interest to us met with ambition and concentration to improve is the beginning recipe for future success.

As mentioned to the players at the camp today, no matter how good we are at something, we will hit a roadblock at some point.  Whether we keep going through the challenge or move onto the next thing is the defining moment of just how interested we actually were from the beginning.

Since there will be adversity and struggle in everything we do that is meaningful, the supportive people we have around us that recognize our talents and encourage us to keep going is extremely important.

Instead of us being the saviors for those who are going through a hard time, we should attempt to be the ones pushing them to give more.

If an individual makes the final decision to walk away from a specific hobby or occupation, it is respectable and worth admitting that there were specific skills lacking or an outside factor that was preventing a change much earlier.

A love or passion for something belongs to people independently and if we happen to be naturally good at it then even better.  Although we prefer/strive to be at the top of our field, we must grasp the idea that we might not have the qualities to be at the top.

Regardless, we can be connected to our passion in many ways we just have to be willing to make adjustments based on levels to remain in the line of work we love.

Yours in soccer,

James Palumbo

How is it best for him or her to receive this pass from me?

The space, time, location, positioning and overall mental preparedness needs to be considered before just giving the same pass to everyone.

Leadership can be tiresome, lonely and even questioned by those reaping the benefits of following.

A clear and precise delivery that is catered to the individual based on their qualities and immediate surroundings gives the best chance for valuing what is delivered.

Finding the best way of delivery is a challenge and a great reward when recognizing it was sent correctly.

Yours in soccer,

James Palumbo

It is difficult to describe the feeling of reuniting with an old teammate.

The joy and instant memories that begin to run through your mind causes a smile a hug and a best wishes remark.

The wins and losses are not the first thing that comes to mind but the way our teammate treated us and vice versa will be the first thoughts.

Some of our teammates will create a stronger bond than others and can have a deeper conversation when catching up however the hope is that all teammates are remembered in a respectful way.

Being a good teammate (person) is the most important above the hard skills of the game.

Years will go by and when we see a top teammate of ours the greeting will be wonderful.

Yours in soccer,

James Palumbo

Productivity is the right amount of energy given to a particular need of development.

Whatever area is decided to improve on, there must be an allocation of concentrated time that each person knows the best output will be given.

With a poor output or willingness to contribute for whatever the reason may be, the time will be wasted rather than well spent.

With better awareness that our time is constantly moving we will understand to importance of giving our best effort presently.

Yours in soccer,

James Palumbo

Too many options can encourage a mentality of there is always next time.

What if the first choice is the last and only opportunity?…The only way for us to make the most of it is to absorb the pressure and remain mindful that there is no other option.

With a variety of ways to go there is a high probability of giving the bare minimum as well as quitting once the path becomes difficult.

Understanding this abundance of options can be detrimental to our long-term development, there must be something that we are always committed to 100% to fulfill our greatest potential.

Minimize the choices and the overall effort from an individual will increase as long as they appreciate that this may be the last chance to progress forward.

Yours in soccer,

James Palumbo

Enthusiasm…

Doing the simplest task with enthusiasm can create a greater appreciation.

There are daily things to do and depending on our approach to the routine it can become boring or super.

Whether our duties must be done alone or with others we should grasp the purpose behind them and embrace the reality that we are capable of completion.

When a practice session is looked at as just another part of being on the team, we are missing the enthusiasm to improve as well as influence others.

We do not have to be the loudest in the room to be enthusiastic however our lack of excitement may cause our routine to be mundane.

Enthusiasm is a mental discipline to be executed just as much as the consistency of actually doing the task.

Yours in soccer,

James Palumbo

We have all witnessed how a round of applause begins.  One person who takes the initiative to respect a special moment starts the best ones and this creates a following act of others.

When we all might be feeling a similar energy it only takes a leader to start the first clap.

The courage to express the energy we felt will spur a chain reaction.

Since nothing great is accomplished alone our courageous first steps should be inspiring for others to join in.

Yours in soccer,

James Palumbo