I’m back from another amazing camp. Some of you know that I am the Mental Skills Director for Diabetes Training Camp. I just got back from a week in Lancaster, Pennsylvania where we have held our last 2 camps at Franklin & Marshall College.

Home of “The Hub” for 2013 Diabetes Training Camp at F & M College

While in the midst of being challenged to practice what I preach and being slapped in the face with a very big dose of what is in my control and what is out of my control (I am dealing with lost files and emails which is affecting what I was going to work on today) – I decided to shift gears to something that is in my control and write this post!

Every year we tell the campers that we learn just as much from them as we humbly hope they have learned from us – and every year that is true. Here are the top 3 lessons I am taking away from camp this year:

Surround yourself with inspiring people

From the campers to the staff – I am surrounded by amazing people at each camp that I go to. To be around people that are motivated and willing to work hard and struggle, but are open to learn and ready to challenge themselves is truly amazing. To be able to work with a staff that is not only incredibly competent, but passionate about the work is phenomenal. The lesson here is to surround yourself with people that inspire you. Surround yourself with people that make you feel good and share your passion for what you love to do. People that will both push you, encourage you, and inspire you to be a better person and a better athlete.

Have patience when dealing with change

I’m in the midst of my own “fundamental” changes (shifting everything from Outlook to using Gmail and Google Calendar) and let’s just say there have been some significant hiccups along the way. When you are making fundamental changes to your game (or your life) that will be beneficial in the long run, know that you may experience some frustration in the short run. The lesson here is to be patient. Not only do you need to be patient, but when you do feel that frustration, you need to reach out for the support you need so you can trust your plan and persevere.

You’re doing better than you think

When there is so much you want to do and improve upon, it can be hard to recognize the good you are already doing and be able to see how far you’ve come. Give yourself credit and give yourself a break. You are often your own biggest critic. The lesson here is to acknowledge your efforts and challenge your definition of “success”. Don’t withhold praise for yourself until you have reached some point of achievement in the future – a date you keep pushing further and further away as you up the ante. Be proud of the journey and the milestones along the way.

And the biggest lesson is: if you ever have the opportunity to go to a camp – go for it!