🌀 CHOOSE YOUR HARD

"Every Path is Hard—Which One Leads to Greatness?"

Even if you REALLY want something—whether it’s a goal, a big dream, or a next-level season 🥍 —it can still be HARD to do what you know needs to be done to make it happen.😮‍💨

🌀 Intense workouts. Long practices. Sore muscles. A tired body. It's HARD.

And when you’re also juggling school, family, friends, and everything else? It adds up.🕒

So sometimes, we all need the reminder 👇

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Either way—putting in the work, or NOT—is hard.

 ➡️ Here's Why:

Think about what the cost is of NOT putting in the work. The obvious answer is that, well… you don’t get what you want. Or at least give yourself the chance to get what you want.

But have you also thought about what that feels like? 😔

 It’s not just about missing the win or falling short of the goal—it’s about the lingering what ifs. The regret. The wondering. The looking back and realizing you chose comfort over effort, and that the version of you who could’ve made it never even got the shot.

That’s the hard no one talks about enough.

Sure, putting in the work is exhausting. Showing up when you’re tired, sticking to your routine when your friends are out having fun, choosing film study or wall ball over scrolling TikTok—it’s hard.

➡️ But NOT putting in the work? That’s hard too.
It’s hard to sit on the bench knowing you didn’t give it your all.
It’s hard to watch others improve while you stay stuck.
It’s hard to feel like you let yourself down.

So when it gets tough—and it will—remember this:

🔥🔥 CHOOSE. YOUR. HARD. .🔥🔥

Only one version of hard leads to growth. Only one leads to pride, confidence, and the shot at doing something great.

And the beautiful part? That choice is always yours. 

So if you’ve been feeling unmotivated lately—burnt out, overwhelmed, or just off—you’re not alone. Every athlete hits those moments where the grind feels heavier than usual.

But those are the moments that separate the good from the great. Not because great players always feel motivated, but because they’ve learned to show up anyway.

 They don’t choose what’s easy. They choose what’s worth it. 💯

🛑 So the next time you’re tempted to skip, to half-ass it, to zone out—pause. Ask yourself:

“Which hard am I choosing right now?”

 ➡️ Because it’s in those little choices—the ones no one sees—that the game is actually won. On and off the field. 🥇

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Actionable Tips to Embrace the Challenge:

To help you commit to the hard work required to excel in lacrosse, here are some strategies:

1. Set Clear Goals: Define what you want to achieve—whether it’s improving your shooting accuracy, increasing your speed, or earning a leadership role on the team. Clear goals provide motivation and direction.

2. Develop a Consistent Routine: Schedule your practices, workouts, and recovery sessions. Consistency is key, and a well-planned routine will help you build momentum.

3. Seek Mentorship: Learn from experienced coaches and senior players. Their insights can guide you through challenging times and offer practical advice on training and game strategies.

4. Monitor Your Progress: Keep a training journal or use apps that track your performance. Reflecting on your progress will help you stay motivated and adjust your strategies as needed.

5. Embrace the Struggle: Recognize that every moment of difficulty is a step toward improvement. When you face a setback, view it as a learning opportunity rather than a failure.

So, lace up your cleats, hit the field, and make a conscious decision of which hard you are choosing. Because while both paths are challenging, only one leads to greatness. Now is the time to commit to your training, invest in your future, and inspire those around you with your determination.

Are you ready to take your game to the next level? Reply back with your journey and challenges—your story might just be the motivation someone else needs. We’ll highlight your stories on our Instagram page throughout the week!

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Individual or Team Activity:

🔄 “Choose Your Hard” Team Circle

Objective: Help players reflect on their choices, understand the impact of their habits, and commit to growth—individually and as a team.

Overview: Players will privately answer reflection prompts, optionally share with teammates, and (if desired) contribute to a team visual that reinforces a shared commitment to growth. It’s a powerful way to build accountability, self-awareness, and team culture.

📝 Materials:

• Paper + Pen

• Optional for team aspect: Poster board or whiteboard

🗣️ Instructions:

Step 1: Solo Reflection (5-7 minutes)

Ask each player to answer these prompts privately on their card:

1. What is one “easy” habit or choice I make that might be holding me back?
   (Examples: skipping extra reps, staying up too late, negative self-talk, avoiding tough conversations)

2. What is the “hard” I want to start choosing instead?
   (Examples: extra shooting reps, going to bed by 10pm, being a better communicator, eating to fuel performance)

3. What could happen if I don’t change this? What’s the cost?

4. How will it feel if I do stay consistent with the harder choice?

Encourage honesty and remind them they won’t have to share anything they’re not comfortable sharing.

Step 2: Small Group or Team Sharing (Optional)

Have players partner up or break into small groups to share one insight they feel okay talking about.
Coaches can float around to listen, encourage, and affirm.

If the team vibe is strong, you can also do a full team circle and invite volunteers to share what “hard” they’re choosing and why.

Step 3: Team Commitment Wall (Optional Visual Anchor)

Create a poster or whiteboard with the phrase “We Choose Our Hard” at the top. Invite players to anonymously post one sentence from their reflection on a sticky note or card (if they feel comfortable).

Leave it up in the locker room or bring it back out before big games or practices as a visual reminder of their commitment to growth.

 💬 Debrief Talking Points (Coach-led):

• “What came up for you during that?”

• “Was it hard to admit what you’ve been avoiding?”

• “What would it look like if this whole team started consistently choosing the right hard?”

• “How would our practices, our mindset, and our results change?”

🙌 Why This Works:

• Combines mindset + action

• Creates team accountability and vulnerability

• Shows them they’re not alone—everyone has a hard to choose

• Empowers players to take ownership of their growth

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Bonus Content: Examples from real-life situations:

1. Lacrosse / Your Sport

• Choose your hard: Showing up and giving it your all—even when you’re tired. Doing extra reps on your own. Going to bed early instead of staying up late. Fueling your body with what it needs, not just what sounds good.

• Easy way out: Just going through the motions. Scrolling too long. Staying up late every night. Skipping recovery or ignoring your body.

• The cost: Low energy. Feeling off. Losing confidence in your game. Staying stuck while others keep improving.
  💬 What feels easy now will cost you later.

2. School and Studying

• Choose your hard: Carving out time to actually study. Staying focused when you'd rather be on your phone. Asking questions when you’re confused—even if it feels awkward.

• Easy way out: Waiting until the last second. Cramming. Copying off someone else and hoping for the best.

• The cost: More stress. Lower grades. Missed opportunities—like college options, scholarships, or feeling proud of what you earned.
  💬 School doesn’t have to be your life, but it does shape your future.

3. Relationships

• Choose your hard: Having real conversations (conflict can often lead to connection if approached the right way). Setting boundaries. Walking away from drama. Being a good friend, even when it’s not the popular move.

• Easy way out: Avoiding conflict altogether or engaging in toxic conflict (name calling, gossiping to fit in, bullying). Saying nothing even when something bothers you.

• The cost: Hurt feelings. Losing trust. Staying in toxic circles. Wasting time on people who don’t lift you up.
  💬 Protect your peace. Real friendships are worth the work, and trying to do good will also FEEL a lot better in the long run.

4. Money & Spending

• Choose your hard: Saving up. Making smart choices with your money. Saying no to too many impulse buys.

• Easy way out: Spending it all the second you get it. Buying stuff just to keep up with everyone else.

• The cost: Being stressed later when something you actually want or need comes up—and you don’t have it.
  💬 A little patience now = way more freedom later. And a healthy relationship with money as you get older.

5. Pursuing a Dream

• Choose your hard: Doing the work even when no one is watching. Staying consistent even when it’s slow. Being brave enough to start.

• Easy way out: Waiting for motivation. Overthinking. Quitting before you’ve even tried.

• The cost: Regret. That feeling of “what if?” Watching someone else do what you could’ve done—if you believed in yourself.
  💬 If it’s on your heart, it’s worth going after.

The easy way might feel good in the moment, but the hard way builds the life you actually want and can feel good about.