Have you ever heard the phrase, “Time is of the essence?” If you are unfamiliar with this, you certainly will understand how valuable time is by the end of this blog.

Our coach at Michigan State University always said this to incoming freshman: “You are a speck of dust trying to make your mark onto the world.” Initially, this quote did not resonate with me, because I believed that four to five years would be a long time to spend in one place.

Little did I know that time would move faster and faster each day until I realized that my time at Michigan State was very limited. Four years seemed like a blur, and that’s precious time I will never be able to get back.

In high school, it seemed time was not a factor, because we have the autonomy to dictate our own schedules. If you have aspirations of playing collegiate athletics at any level, I have news for you. Time management is the most essential element you will need in order to succeed. If you don’t balance all of your responsibilities in college, I guarantee you will be overwhelmed. While you are being recruited, most coaches discuss the rigors of your new schedule, but it’s nothing like experiencing it first-hand.

When you arrive on campus, you are immediately thrown into the fire with classes, tutoring, mentoring, meeting with a learning specialist and, of course, practice. Your days will start at 5 a.m., and when study hall ends at 10 p.m. you will be exhausted. More times than not, you will have individuals who help you stay organized and make sure you are maximizing your time effectively.

Most individuals who buy into this advice will have a smooth transition. However, someone who procrastinates and does not embody a strong work ethic will endure a long road of failures in his college experience. There is limited time for a social life, but if you prioritize you will be able to experience some fun evenings as result of being proactive and completing your responsibilities.

Some guys were able to succeed on the field despite procrastinating when it came to academics, but I can assure you they were struggling in many areas in their lives.  So ask yourself: What are you doing with your idle time? Remember, every day is an opportunity to get better or worse at your craft. Time is something that is not promised to us, so we have to live every day to the fullest to make sure we leave our mark on the world.

Taking pride in being organized will equip you with the skill set to be a productive citizen and help you become a better football player. There is certainly a direct correlation between academics and athletics, so be sure to listen to authority figures and be productive. If you want to reach your goals in life you have to sacrifice your idle time to hone your craft. That means hanging around people who have the same drive and determination as you. Time management is a transferrable skill that will help you when your days on the gridiron are over.

Work hard. Be great.

Travis B. Key is a four-time Academic All-Big Ten safety for Michigan State University and co-author with former teammate Ashton Henderson of “Beyond the Gridiron: How to successfully transition into collegiate football,” a detailed account of  what it takes to be a Division I college football player and successful in life. To learn more about their mission and purchase your copy today, visit www.beyondthegridironllc.com