Paul Butler

Most freshmen don’t struggle because they’re untalented. They struggle because everything is new. New environment. New system. Away from family. And the talent level? Just as good, if not better. Many expect to start right away. Most don’t. So when the struggle comes, and it will, take a lesson from Tom Brady. Early in his career, Brady got 2 practice reps. The starter got 20. He asked his coach, “How can I get better with only two?” The answer: “Make those two perfect.” So he treated them like the Super Bowl. Full speed. Full focus. No wasted motion. Two reps became four. Four became ten. Ten became a starting job. What separated him wasn’t talent. It was how he treated limited opportunities. Most backups focus on the reps they didn’t get. Brady treated his 2 reps like an audition. That lesson goes beyond sports. Not leading the project? Own your role like it runs the company. Not in the big meeting? Make your five minutes count. Not starting? Practice like it’s game day. Development isn’t about where you start. It’s about how you respond. Opportunity doesn’t expand because you deserve it. It expands because you make it impossible to ignore. Question: What are your “2 reps” right now? And are you treating them like they matter?

Being coachable is a competitive edge. - Take feedback without flinching. - Apply it without excuse. - Grow from it without needing praise. The best don’t avoid coaching; they crave it. Feedback isn’t an attack. It’s a gift. Use it.