I admire the athletes of my generation. Particularly athletes who are also advocates for social change– from their devotion and philanthropy to how they show love to their fans– Colin Kaepernick, Lebron James, Malcolm Jenkins, and Aesha Ash who was featured in Dance Magazine this month for her sheer amazingness.

One athletic concept I believe to be underrated is the period of training professional athletes go through to recover fitness levels, build camaraderie, and practice teamwork. The training is followed by exhibition games, a period known as pre-season. These exhibition game results don’t count toward the “true season”, so not all fans tune in. In fact, most people believe pre-season to be boring. After all, this is when the star players typically sit down.

We all have seasons of greatness– meeting goal after goal, reaching milestones, and doing awesome, badass things. We also have periods that precede that “true season”, the period when we are being primed and pruned. This is our pre-season.

In life, our pre-season may often feel dull and time consuming. However, larger, more exclusive accomplishments are a result of professional development, incubation, resilience-building, patience, and trial and error. The pre-season, whether we promote it or not, is necessary. It makes the “true season” make sense. It’s when the soil is prepped for the harvest. So, keep producing and developing. Keep growing your knowledge and acquiring new skills. Keep researching and networking.

Get hype about your pre-season! It may seem like a dull period, but the seeds you are sowing are absolutely necessary for what is to come. Not a lot of fans will be present in your pre-season. Not a lot of fans will understand your pre-season because these periods can also be the time for personal growth and reflective living. But today, I just want to acknowledge those of you who feel off the radar or undiscovered; who may often wonder, “Is it my time yet? When is it going to happen for me?”

The good news is IT IS HAPPENING.

Cheers!