If you take a look at some of the most successful sporting programs in history, one thing seems to be a constant, if you surround yourself with the right combination of the right people, this will increase your chances of winning. Take for instance Lance Armstrong, 7 time Tour De France cycling winner. His coaches, trainers, team managers, sponsors, team members, and family all contributed to is success and winning ways, they even helped him beat cancer, so add doctors to that list as well.

 Now look at Ricky Carmichael, same thing, coaches, sponsors, trainers, his mechanics, team managers, and family all played a huge role in his success. Traditionally in motocross, there would be a team in place such as a factory team, and they would bring in a rider, and most of the time that rider would far surpass what he ever did as a privateer or on his own. There would be some exceptions if that rider couldn’t handle the pressure, chased women, partied or had to many injuries, but in most cases it was true that by being part of a strong team, his chances of winning were greatly increased.

 Ricky was really one of the first riders who built a team around him, and then you might say “sold” it to the factories. He truly controlled his destiny by having a support team that wanted to win as much as he did. No one around him would let him off the hook or let him be led astray.

 Now look at your program. Is this the type of people you are surrounding yourselves with? Does everyone around you, including your friends you hang out with want to see you successful? If not, it’s time to evaluate what is dragging you DOWN, holding you back, and ultimately keeping you from winning or moving your program FORWARD.

 Here are some of the things to consider. For the younger riders, the parents are a key. Are they positive, supportive and as serious as you are? Are they too serious? Do they keep you happy, enthusiastic and motivated? Do you bond and communicate well together? Do you have access to the tools that will help you become successful and reach your goals? Young riders need instruction, and lot’s of it. Learn bad habits at this young age, and it will be much harder to overcome trying to work out bad habits and form breaks with your riding techniques. Young riders need a mentor, one that takes him or her under their wing and nurture them.

 As these riders get older, they will need trainers, and people who will help them with their fitness, rest and recovery, diet and nutrition and make them strong. Soon a mechanic will come into the picture, and that person will take care of the bike and make sure they are the best they can be. Also, he will motivate and encourage you at the races and at the track.

 Later with winning will come agents, team managers and other people who will greatly influence continued success. Most parents will move back and let these people take over, while some choose to stay involved.

 And then there are your friends, this is a tough thing to talk about, it’s personal, and it is hard choices, but I would just encourage you to choose them wisely. Girlfriends and boyfriends, husbands and wives will have huge impacts. And your buddies or friends you hang with can and will destroy you if you don’t be careful. So fly with Eagles and don’t walk with Turkey’s. It only takes one person to implode a whole program, keep the negative pessimistic people away, and hold onto the people who can or will or did get you there at the top. Can you top Ricky?