Have Someone to Guide You-Fundamental Priniciple #2

Over the years I have had lots of coaches and I am really grateful for the opportunity I had to work with them. It seems like each of them has had a part in who I have become as a chess player and coach, and it has influenced me greatly in seeing the importance of having that person that could be that guide. 

The question I would ask anyone who is looking to improve-who is hoping to reach a certain level in chess-is what is going to make the difference? We too often wish for things without a real plan of getting there. That is why I think this is so important. For a huge part of my life, the idea of becoming a Grandmaster existed but seemed like a far off goal. Until all of a sudden like waking from a dream, I was almost there. A major part of that was I started working with GM Alex Chernin. I was privileged to work with him as a part of the Young Stars program sponsored by the St Louis Chess Club and the Kasparov Chess Foundation, and he was able to really help me understand what I needed to reach those next levels that I was hoping for. Yes, the thought of Grandmaster was still on my mind a lot, but some of that focus could now shift to work I knew needed to happen. That is why I felt like this principle needed to come after work hard and smart. Because you need to be someone that will work hard, but having a good coach/guide will really help you channel that hard work to reach the best result. 

I hope you all enjoy the video, please leave any comments below or even feel free to give your own story of a coach that really helped you!

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Principle #1: Work Hard and Smart

Principle #2: Have Someone to Guide You