Developing Young Leaders: Self-Drive: The Root to Accomplishing Anything

November 8, 2024

Self-Drive: The Root to Accomplishing Anything

Self-Drive is a Trainable Skill
The first time I heard that self-drive is a trainable skill, I had to pause for a second. I had never really thought about it that way. I always assumed I had self-drive for the things I enjoyed or was naturally good at—it didn't seem like a skill, it just felt natural. 

But the more I thought about the areas in my life where I exhibit self-drive, the more I started to see the habits and rituals I built around improving at those things. Once I understood that, the next step was figuring out how to apply those same principles to areas in my life where I wanted to develop self-drive.

This is what we’re working on with the LTAD group this week. The first step for them was to identify where they already have self-drive. Here are some of the areas the kids shared:

Where I have Self-Drive
  • "Going to the field to practice soccer on my own."
  • "Working in the basement with the soccer ball."
  • "Taking shots at home to improve my accuracy."
  • "Practicing baseball, golf, and basketball."
  • "Reading."
These answers didn't come out immediately. Before we started the workout, I asked them to think about things they felt driven to do. At first, they listed tasks they felt they had to do, like homework or cleaning their room. 

This highlighted an important aspect of self-drive: it has to come from within. Self-drive isn’t about doing something just to please your parents or avoid getting in trouble—it’s about something you’re motivated to do for yourself. This doesn't mean they shouldn’t do tasks like homework, but understanding the root of their self-drive is key to replicating it across different areas of their lives.

After we discussed this and went through the workout, the kids were able to identify the areas where they truly felt self-driven, and those are the examples they shared above.

Before we started breaking down their habits and rituals around their self-driven skills, I asked them another question: "What is something you would like to have self-drive in?" 

Where I want to build Self-Drive
  • “Study more to get better grades”
  • “Doing more homework in study hall”
  • “Reading more to improve E.L.A (A+)”
  • “Being able to improve my time in the cold plunge and do it more often”
  • “Pratice my volin”
My belief is that by helping them see the gap between the areas where they have self-drive and where they don’t, it will become easier for them to identify the habits that drive them and apply those same habits to other skills they want to improve.

Next week, we'll work on identifying the fears and frustrations that can prevent them from developing these skills.

Previous Blogs

March 23, 2025
“Can pre-teen and teen athletes really make improvements as the season goes on?” That’s a question I get all the time. And the answer is simple: Absolutely. But… they may not if all they’re doing is playing their sport. Wait, Isn’t Playing Enough? It’s not that playing their sport isn’t valuable—it’s hugely important! That’s where kids compete, have fun, and apply what they’ve learned. But here’s the kicker: it’s not where kids build new skills. It’s not where they improve movement mechanics, body control, or physical literacy. That happens in training. Playing their sport is the test. Training is the homework. So What Kind of Training Are We Talking About? I’m not saying your 10-year-old needs a lifting program or 5 a.m. workouts. I’m talking about focused, age-appropriate athletic development. Here’s what to look for: • Balance • Coordination • Strength through movement • Core control • Focus and body awareness • Drills that challenge the athlete as a whole, not just as a soccer or baseball player. But Isn’t That What Practice Is For? In theory, yes! But let’s be honest—most practices during the season are all about preparing for the next game. Coaches focus on tactics, plays, and who’s starting Saturday. That’s not a knock on coaches—they’re doing their job! But this focus often means your child’s individual development takes a back seat. Won’t Kids Burn Out If We Add More? Only if it’s the wrong type of more. The right kind of training isn’t exhausting—it’s energizing! It builds confidence and helps kids feel stronger, more in control, and less likely to get hurt. We’re not adding stress. We’re adding support. I have had a few parents share with me that when their athlete goes to practices after LTAD they play their best. Thats because there is a difference between a "workout" and a training session. LTAD isn't designed to put the athletes through a tough workout. Its a training session just like one of their practices for their sport it the goal is just a little different, its to make them a better athlete. So What Should I Do As a Parent? Look for a training environment that focuses on movement quality, fun challenges, and coaching that understands how kids learn. Keep it consistent, even during the season. We offer a few at Prototype thought our Youth Fundamentals classes and LTAD (Long Term Athletic Development) classes. And most importantly: Don’t assume playing their sport is enough. Because your athlete has more potential than what shows up on game day—and training is what unlocks it. Engaging your pre-teen / Teen in focused training can make a world of difference! It’s all about balancing play with the right kind of development. So get out there, find that perfect training environment, and watch your young athlete thrive! You can reach me with any questions @ steve@prototypetraining.com Steve Cimino Director of Youth Development Prototype Training Systems
By Mike Collette March 19, 2025
1.) Share your experience at Prototype Walking into Prototype for the first time, I was pretty nervous, but I quickly realized how supportive and welcoming everyone was. The 7am crew deserves a huge shout-out for making me feel at ease from the moment I stepped in. It has been such a positive and inclusive environment that I’ve never looked back! 2.) What is your favorite part about being at Prototype? The best part of being at Prototype is the amazing community and the fantastic coaches. The camaraderie between everyone creates such an encouraging atmosphere, and the coaches are so knowledgeable and genuinely invested in helping you reach your goals. 3.) What are your hobbies and activities? I enjoy spending time with my family, hiking in the ADK and cheering on my Boston sports teams. 4.) How has Prototype helped you or solved a problem for you? Prototype has helped me manage stress and find a sense of purpose after becoming an empty nester. It’s been a great way to stay active and connect with others while filling a void in my life. 5.) What are you continuing fitness goals to this point? I’m focused on continuing to build strength and enhance my agility. I’m always looking for ways to push my limits and improve my overall fitness. 6.) Favorite Quote “Take nothing but memories, leave nothing but footprints” Chief Seattle
By Mike Collette March 19, 2025
The end of the 2025 Prototype Open is here, and this year’s competition has been a testament to the power of consistency. The effort from everyone—whether seasoned veterans or newcomers—made this Open truly special. This event has highlighted the strength of community, the importance of persistence, and how much we can achieve when we keep showing up and supporting one another. A huge thank you to everyone who participated! Keep reading for details about the last week and highlights.
More Posts

Climb to New Heights

Prototype Training Systems is more than a gym - it is a lifestyle. Join us today!

Book Free No-Sweat Intro
Share by:
Wodify Iframe