Developing Young Leaders: Brilliance in the Basics
Mike Collette • September 16, 2024
Developing Young Leaders: Brilliance in the Basics

Week 6: How to Build a Strong Foundation of habits as we take on more
The students have been working diligently on these movements for some time. They started with the basics, progressively advanced their technique, and recently tested their One-Rep Max. The big takeaway for them was that all the effort spent perfecting these foundational movements led to personal records and significant progress.
However, the lesson extended beyond strength training. We emphasized that the principles of building a strong foundation apply to every area of life. Whether it’s in academics, sports, or other challenges, investing time in mastering basic skills creates a solid base for tackling more complex tasks. The dedication to perfecting these fundamentals equips them to handle greater challenges with confidence and success.
Consistency:
An important aspect of this lesson was understanding that consistency is key. You can't afford to let up or allow the basics to slip, as doing so can undermine your progress. If you start neglecting the fundamentals, the whole structure can crumble beneath you. Maintaining focus and continually practicing these basic skills is essential to sustaining growth and achieving long-term success.
To illustrate this, one student shared how practicing the violin consistently is crucial for mastering more complex pieces. Another mentioned how, in soccer, footwork and ball control are fundamental. Without attention to these basics, he struggles with executing advanced moves and making precise passes.
These examples show that whether in music, sports, or other areas, a strong foundation is vital for taking on more challenging tasks.
We also shared a compelling video with the kids featuring Nick Saban and Georgia's head football coach. In the video, both coaches emphasize to their teams how critical the basics are for achieving team success. This powerful message reinforced our lesson on the importance of focusing on the fundamentals in all areas of life.
Link to video:
It was a fun week, with the kids hitting a bunch of personal records. It was really cool to see their progress come together, with lots of smiles, high fives, and fist bumps all around.
Previous Blogs

Mark has been an amazing member, friend, and a huge part of our community for over 10 years. With his family now training at Prototype as well, he continues to share his journey and inspire others. Thank you for being you, Mark—you truly deserve to be our October POM! 1.) Share your experience at Prototype My experience at Prototype is now, and always has been over the last decade plus, incredibly positive! What’s made it even more special over the recent years is my family now being part of the community, and being positively impacted by the environment that Prototype creates. 2.) What is your favorite part about being at Prototype? The community, the relationships, and the positive impact Prototype has had on me and my family over the years. Some of my best friends are now at Prototype. Relationships that have been developed over years of doing tough workouts together, competitions and events inside & outside the gym, golf trips and get togethers. The youth programs and remote coaching programs have also allowed my family to be members of the community which is incredibly important to my wife and I. 3.) What are your hobbies and activities? Pretty much anything outside. But lots of golf, hiking, and sports with my kids. 4.) How has Prototype helped you or solved a problem for you? This would be a long list! One example would be dealing with setbacks. I’ve learned fitness is a long journey, not just a one size fits all fix. There's lots of turns and detours on that journey. Being here for so long my body and my abilities have adapted over time. With all the different things Prototype has to offer, and coaches that are so committed to the members, I’ve continued to be able to find a path forward regardless of the set back of change in my abilities. Another example would be resiliency. Stay on path isn’t easy, especially when that path seems like it never ends. Through Prototype, and side programs I’m part through Prototype, I’ve been building the resiliency muscles which has had a huge impact on my personal health & life as well as my professional life. 5.) What are you continuing fitness goals to this point? -Continue to do hard things. Put something in the calendar each year that kinda scares me and I have to work toward. I want this to be a physical and mental challenge. -Rebuild the strength in my legs, and work towards squatting again. This may require a setback, but something I really want. -Build more muscle! 6.) Favorite Quote You want to go fast, go alone. You want to go far, go together!

Ella has shown incredible progress during her time at PTS and we are so lucky to have her as part of our community! Here, she shares her journey with Prototype. Thank you for being you — you truly deserve to be our September POM! 1.) Share your experience at Prototype I first found out about Prototype through my high school soccer team and was super interested in it. I subsequently joined with a few of my teammates and have continued to train with them. 2.) What is your favorite part about being at Prototype? I love having a community that is always there to help me out, answer any questions I have, and offer support. 3.) What are your hobbies and activities? I play soccer for Westborough High School and Bayside FC, I also train Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and am a black belt in Krav Maga. 4.) How has Prototype helped you or solved a problem for you? Through Prototype I have learned so much about the relationship between training and recovery, which has helped me to perform my best consistently! 5.) What are you continuing fitness goals to this point? Through Prototype I am pairing soccer with conditioning training and recovery to try and improve physical fitness and performance in the game. 6.) Favorite Quote “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take” Wayne Gretzky - Michael Scott (the Office)
Climb to New Heights
Prototype Training Systems is more than a gym - it is a lifestyle. Join us today!