I wanted to write you something a bit different. Not a lecture, not a list of rules, but a proper shout-out and a bit of a game plan for the next level. I hope, not one step forward and two steps backwards- But a deliberate attempt to level up and to get better every day. Permit me to refer you to Kobi again. Your joked recently about the ESTEBAN MENTALITY, because you were first up at the Saturday games- and your mate met you jogging. I suspect you were drawing parallels with Kobi’s mamba mentality. Be reminded that it is a mind-set- Not a one off act for recognition and dopamine. The bigger picture is your focus on leveling up. Mind the gap
First off, massive props. The start of this school year has been seriously impressive. We’ve seen a real change.
- The Morning Game: You’re smashing the alarm clock. Waking yourself up at 5am? That’s elite-level discipline right there. That’s the foundation of a champion’s mindset but I repeat- Mind the gap
- The Behaviour League: Remember our talk in Africa? Remember the promise you made? You’re keeping it. The fact that we’re not hearing about “low levels” is a huge win. You’re controlling what you can control, and it shows. Mum and I are seriously proud of that. Yes, but Mind the gap
- The Football Pitch: This weekend proved it. Playing against a rough, aggressive team and keeping your cool, even after a very rough tackle? That’s mental strength. And then scoring to make it 3-0? Lets not forget the bicycle kick too. Haha!! Brilliant.
Even when your mate wins Man of the Match and reminds you of the goal-scoring bet, you handled it. That’s growth.
You are, without a doubt, moving up the table.
But here’s the thing about levelling up: the challenges get tougher. You’ve built a great foundation, but now we need to build on it. We’ve got to “Mind the Gap.”
You know what I mean? Like on the Tube, that gap between the platform and the train. It’s a small space, but if you don’t pay attention to it, you can trip up.
Right now, the gap is Time Management and Distractions.
You’re up at 5am, which is awesome, but by 6:55am, there’s still a rush to get out the door. That 5am wake-up is a powerful tool—imagine using just 20 minutes of that time to sit and practice your guitar, Monday to Friday. That’s the difference between having time and making time for the things that matter.
This is the main area for your next upgrade. This is the “blind spot” we need to work on.
So, here’s the new quest for this week:
1. The Sunday Plan: Every Sunday evening, we sit for 20 minutes. You plan your week. What assignments are due? This includes your Kumon work sheets and your Deacon Wale Assignment. Not just your assignment from STR!!! What guitar practice are you fitting in? When are you doing your runs? Lets not forget Spanish Duo lingo. We recently had to sacrifice your place at STR due to your football practice. You need to make it worth it. Writing it down makes it real.
2. Use Your New Tool: You chose the new iMac over a new phone. That was a mature, forward-thinking decision that showed me you’re serious about your work. Now, use it. Get on top of those assignments before they’re due. Don’t let them chase you; you chase them.
3. Lead the Team: Your sister is prepping for her 11+. You can lead by example. Show her what a focused routine looks like. Your morning energy sets the tone for the whole house.
The instructions from teachers and coaches? They’re your playbook. Listen to them. The privileges you have—like the new Imac, the trips, the football—aren’t just given; they’re earned by the responsibility you show.
You are making fantastic progress. Never doubt that. This isn’t about criticism; it’s about optimisation. You’ve got the hardware (the 5am wake-up). Now let’s install the software (the plan) to make it run perfectly. Work with your mum, work with me and your support network, lets keep the momentum, learn to manage your distractions and make a success of the next seven days and beyond
Mind the gap,
