"عندما كنت طفلاً في نمو، لم أتخطى المراحل أبداً. كنت دائماً أعمل على الأساسيات لأنني أعلم أن اللياقة البدنية زائلة."

This quote emphasizes the importance of focusing on basic principles and skills, rather than relying solely on physical abilities, which can diminish over time. The core idea here is that mastering fundamentals provides a solid foundation that sustains you, even when your physical prowess might wane.

To put this in context, imagine a young athlete. They might be tempted to rely on their natural speed or strength to excel in sports. However, these physical traits can be temporary. Injuries happen, age catches up, and suddenly that edge they had might start to fade. This is where fundamentals come in — the basic skills and techniques that don’t rely on sheer athleticism but rather on understanding and mastering the game.

One great example is Michael Jordan. Widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, Jordan didn’t just rely on his incredible athleticism. He was known for his relentless work ethic, constantly honing his skills, perfecting his jump shot, and mastering footwork. Even as he aged and his physical abilities weren't what they once were, his strong foundation in the basics allowed him to continue playing at an elite level.

So, how can you apply this wisdom in your life? Whether you’re into sports, academics, or even your job, focus on the fundamentals. Let’s say you’re learning to play the guitar. Instead of jumping straight into complex solos, spend time mastering basic chords and strumming patterns. This solid foundation will make tackling tougher pieces much easier down the road.

Think about it in terms of your career. Imagine you’re an aspiring chef. You might dream of creating elaborate gourmet dishes, but if you don’t first master the basics — knife skills, understanding flavors, perfecting cooking techniques — your fancy dishes will likely fall flat. By solidifying your grasp on the fundamentals, you build a reliable skill set that you can depend on as you grow and face new challenges.

Here’s a personal story that might resonate. I have a friend named Jake who loved playing soccer. He was fast, agile, and could outrun pretty much anyone on the field. But he realized that just being quick wasn’t enough to make him a great player. So, Jake started focusing on his ball control, passing accuracy, and understanding game strategies. He spent hours practicing dribbling drills and studying game footage. His hard work paid off — even when he slowed down a bit with age, he became one of the most dependable players on the team, known for his skill and smart play rather than just his speed.

To sum it up, the big takeaway is this: don’t skip steps. Pay attention to the basics, because they’re what will support you when other strengths might falter. Whether it’s in sports, hobbies, or your job, a strong foundation in the fundamentals will help you go far and adapt as things change. Imagine sitting in a coffee shop, chatting with a friend about your goals — think about what steps you might be tempted to skip and make a plan to focus on those key, foundational skills. In the long run, you’ll be glad you did.