Inner city students providing inspiration

I have recently created a program called the FASST 25.  This is something that I have been working on since I began my training program in the basement of my house about 9 years ago.  Actually, if I really think back, I have been working on this since I was a high school student with a dream.  Often, I would wonder why certain people were more successful than others.  When I was growing up, I thought success was something that only happened to the privelaged.  Something that was inherited and part of your DNA.  As I matured and experience the world, I found that success was much tougher to define and came in many different shapes, sizes, ethnicities, and looked different for everyone. 

After creatining FASST Performance, I was able to work with many elite athletes.  Fortunately, I have been exposed to a wide array of people who have experienced different levels of success ranging from working hard to earn a spot on a high school roster, becoming a D1 starter, and earning professional sports contracts.  During this time, I created a list of 25 traits that our highest achieving athletes possessed and created a program for students who need to learn how to set goals, create a plan, build esteem, and get in great physical shape doing it.  The program consists of teaching the students these traits and identifying areas in their lives that they currently exhibit these characteristics. 

Two weeks ago we began our program and it started with 8 students who would report to school at 6:45 am and learn about the FASST 25.  Since the first class, the class size has doubled and word on the street is that even more are waiting to get on our list.  This is very exciting to me because many people were a little skeptical about students reporting early in the morning to exercise.  I am inspired by the students and really excited about the future of the program.  It just shows that we should never underestimate people and place limits on others.  We are capable of great success when we put our minds to it and when we put our thoughts into action. 

Keep positive, stay focused, and aim big.  It's your life and your responsibility to push yourself.  If you want something bad enough take it.  If you aren't reaching for it, you can gaurantee that someone else is waiting in the wings ready to take the opportunity. 

Keep smashing and until next time. 

Coach J