How This Former NFL Player Stayed Mentally Motivated

(Photo: Getty Images)

I love football, I love talking football, I love playing football — so I had an instant connection when I met former NFL player David Anderson. We both played the most fun position in football (wide receiver), wore the jersey #4 at some point during our careers, and played professionally.

The big difference between us is that he played six years in the NFL while I played one season with a broken wrist in the AFL.

While he may not look like your typical amazing athlete, David played at the top level of one of the most competitive and elite leagues in the world. In our conversation, we discussed how he got there, what it was like playing at that level, and the mindset of some of the best quarterbacks in the world.

I am fascinated by top athletes and what mentally motivates them, so I asked David for his insight.

He told me a great story about beating his older brother in basketball when he was 8 years old (and his brother was 18) and knowing then that he was good. However, he knew he was going to have to fight his way up the ladder.

As David put it, “I just know the gifts I was provided with and used them the best I knew how.”

Once he was in college and realized he was better than an older teammate who was drafted, he was in it to win it. He did double of whatever his coaches assigned him in training. If they said run three miles in the morning, he ran six.

Then I asked him how he transitioned this mental motivation from college to the NFL. He explained that playing at the top level, there was only way to keep up: Slow the game down.

He said there are two ways to do this: either run faster or think faster.

David added that the best way to reach athletic success professionally is to put in the hours and prepare yourself for when the opportunity comes. Considering his incredible athletic record, I’d say he knows what he’s talking about.

To hear our full conversation, including his stories of playing with guys like Peyton Manning, listen below:

For more on David, click here.

ABOUT LEWIS HOWES: Lewis is a pro-athlete turned lifestyle entrepreneur who hosts the top-ranked podcast The School of Greatness. He interviews the best and brightest minds in health, entrepreneurship, relationships and lifestyle. Follow Lewis on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Read This Next: This Quick Trick Can Help When You’re Feeling Overwhelmed