Starboy
Last week, I wrote you a note. I called it “Leveling Up.” I talked about the fantastic progress you’d made, waking at 5am, better behaviour, keeping your promises. I was so proud and ended by asking you to “Mind the Gap,” to focus on that space between good and great, specifically with your time management, focus and taking the initiative.
I have to be honest with you: this week, we didn’t level up. We fell through the gap. But it’s important to recognise the bright spots, even when they come with a push.
First, the wins: a 100% on your Middle East map quiz and over 80% in your French and Chemistry assessments. This is brilliant news, and you should feel proud. A merit in History and another in Drama. Last time I heard about Drama, You got a detention! Things have certainly improved. Lets not forget the completed assignments, but we must be honest: this success especially with your assignments stems from me recognising firstly that your assignments were due and I have to say, I do not feel reassured at this point. The true test is whether you can generate the drive from within.
This brings me to the news you saw this week. Ousmane Dembélé, a player you admire, just lifted the Ballon d’Or.
Lamine Yamal, won the Kopa Trophy for the best Under-21 player in the world. You had wanted his haircut 6 months ago and I refused because I want you to be you and I quite prefer you emulate his elite professional attitude. Let’s be clear about something: The heights reached by these two players and the previous winners of these trophies are not reached by being passive. They certainly are not won by missing extra training sessions or leaving assignments to the last minute as we have found in the week just gone. They are the direct result of the very things we talk about: proactive preparation, managing distractions, and taking absolute responsibility.
The hope was that this would be your week of ownership. A week where the Sunday plans was your roadmap. A week where you’d carve out that guitar lesson time slot yourself, be on top of your assignments and be organised for your commitments without a single reminder. A week where you see a job that needs doing – a messing uniform, a clutter room and you will get on top of it. Instead, you left not just your French assignment and your Food Technology assignment to the last minute, but the Philosophy and Theology work too. Ironically, I’m glad I sat with you, because I saw your improved receptiveness—and I learned about Epicurus, a subject I intend to explore further in my subsequent write up and
But the wins are being sabotaged. When I tried to set up the iMac- the tool you wisely choose to help you succeed- I found the drawer stuffed with distractions. We’ve talked about how those little things put you off course. On Friday last week, you missed the extra training session with your elite coach. I expected you to be there. Missing your elite training session without notice isn’t just a slip-up; it’s the exact opposite of the professional standard Dembele and Yamal live by. This is not just about a missed training session, it is about professionalism! I did not let the coach know you were not coming and that is not a good look. This week, despite repeated calls for you to arrive at training 15minutes early, it turned out you arrived just on time, and once again did not complete the 800m run.
How about arriving at the train station late on Saturday consequently resulting in missing your game at School. Your team lost the game and some will argue that your team would have won, had you played in the game. While your sister was up and ready, you were still in bed, ignoring the rigours of the day. The same boy who proudly woke at 5am days before needed to be pushed to take a shower. Unfortunately mum had to bring you home from the train station not because we are unfair but because actions have consequences. We cannot dream of a professional career while acting like the world owes it to us.
This is the heart of it. This is the pattern we must break: one step forward, two steps back. It’s a pattern that, from the outside, looks lazy and nonchalant. But I know that’s not who you are at your core. I’ve seen the focused player on the pitch, the determined kid who wants to do better. That’s why this is so frustrating. We need to fully embrace the Mamba Mentality.
It’s not just for sports. It’s for life. It’s the obsessive preparation to do your assignments the day you get them. It’s the responsibility to be ready before anyone tells you to. It is getting on top of your Kumon Sheets and indeed practicing your guitar and Spanish lessons. I am sorry I cannot do everything for you. But I also cannot want your success more than you do.
Mum is stressed. Dad is tired, but remains patient. We see your incredible potential—in your academic results and in your improved attitude when you choose to engage. But potential is not enough. Dembele and Yamal have potential, but they have something more: an unwavering, active commitment to their craft. You have got to realise that we are juggling so much—your sister’s 11+ prep, your baby brother, work. We need you to step up, not just for yourself, but also for this family. You are a key part of this team.
So, this week, the goal has not changed. It’s still about initiative, ownership, and ruthlessly eliminating the distractions that hold you back. The new computer is there to help you plan and get on top of your assignment. The alarm clock is there. Your ability is there. The goal is crystal clear! Let’s use those players not just as inspiration, but also as the standard. Initiative. Ownership. Zero self-sabotage. The world doesn’t give out Ballon d’Ors for what you could have done. It rewards what you do, consistently and with purpose.
Once again I remind you of the words from last week: manage your distractions and mind the gap.
