3 Things You Need To Know About "Seasons"

To start out today’s conversation, I have one question for you: What season are you in?

One thing that is guaranteed to happen in life is CHANGE… And often times, change happens in seasons.

As an athlete, we prepare in seasons, as coaches, we plan our short and long-term programs based on seasons (preseason, in-season, off-season, etc.). We even plan our clothing wardrobe (based on where we live) on seasons. Restaurants, grocery stores, and other companies base their menus and their purchase orders on seasons… You get the point.

There are 3 concepts that I want you to keep in mind as an athlete going forward in your journey:

#1…Each season is a reflection of the prior one:

What you have done in your off-season and preseason has a direct impact on the level of performance that you will experience during your regular season.

In the world of biology and kinesiology, there are two laws that have stood the test of time: Wolff’s Law and Davis‘s Law. These two laws state that tissues and bone will model themselves along lines of stress… It basically means that if you train a certain way, your body will adapt accordingly. I have heard it said that “the body you have is the body that you have earned by the way that you move.” - Dr. Eric Cobb

This is important because the current season that you are in now is a reflection of the decisions that you have made (or have failed to make) during the last season that you were in.

#2…Each season dictates the next one:

I believe it was Brian Tracy, who stated that, “The price of success must be paid in full, in advance.” This is true. Whatever seeds that we decide to plant now will show up in the next season of life.

One concept that I have taught for years to my Athletes, and that I will share here is this:

“You cannot plant and reap in the same season”

It is scientifically impossible to plant a seed today, and expect a full grown tree to sprout up the next day.… So whatever you want to have in the future, it is imperative that you put those seeds in the ground now!

#3…Seasons are not static:

If you ever want a crash-course in seasons, go read Ecclesiastes Chapter 3. This is a detailed and powerful account of how seasons work. Every season changes… And every storm comes to an end.

Even animals and insects understand this concept, that is why ants work extremely hard in the summertime… Because they know that winter is coming.

If you are having a difficult time, take heart because it is not going to last forever. If you are enjoying a time of prosperity, health, and productivity, give God thanks… And fortify yourself for tough times, which may be ahead.

So how do you guarantee success regardless of what season you find yourself in?

The two factors that will guarantee success:

• Drawing near to God

• Working while you wait

God has the blueprint of our lives in His hands. The further away we are from Him, the blurrier and more fuzzy the blueprint gets. The closer we are to Him, the more clear His plan for our life becomes.… Stay close to God!

The last area which guarantees our success during whichever season is to stay disciplined in the work that we have been given. Continually sharpen your axe. When it’s time to work…work. When it’s time to rest...rest. Your discipline will see you through.

In conclusion, understand what season you’re in….Because what you do in this season will prepare you for the next one…and guess what? This season will come to an end.

Understanding this concept is a “cheat code” in life, so let’s take advantage of it and do great things!

Your Friend,

Josiah Igono