That's what Jesse Hogan is doing as he begins his time at Melbourne after being selected in the 2012 AFL mini-draft.
Not able to start his AFL career until 2014, he understands what lies ahead for him this season and could not be happier with the situation he finds himself in.
"I just look at what I would be doing if I did not have this opportunity," Hogan said. "I'd be studying or playing another year of colts footy. I have just got to be really positive and make the most of the opportunity that has been given to me I suppose."
There is no pressure on Hogan from the club. They have emphasised that patience will be shown in his development. They are also confident that having the experienced bodies of Mitch Clark and Chris Dawes on the list will, with any luck, stop the key forward prospect from being exposed too early and help with his football education.
Getting comfortable off the field is the number one priority now. He has been living with Clark before Christmas and is appreciative of the big forward's support and guidance as he finds his feet. Melbourne have also made it clear that many people are available if he needs help and there are always options when it comes to seeing family.
But Hogan is not resting on his laurels.
"They (Melbourne) are obviously very patient and understanding of my situation," Hogan said. "I think I just have to step up a bit and become more independent."
His desire to become independent meant that when he first arrived he deliberately tried to avoid contacting family too much in order to help him make the leap. But on the day we spoke his mind was firmly on family, as he had become an uncle once again. A grin emerged as he joked that he was no longer the centre of attention in the Hogan household after the arrival of his niece.
"It's not about me anymore," he said.
Hogan appears to have a quiet demeanour but he knows what he is about: [It] just depends on the situation," Hogan said. "[You] speak when you need to I guess."
At the moment he is taking it all in, observing and listening. He admits some of the long days at training have taken a while to get used to but he is enjoying every moment spent around his teammates.
"It's great. Everyone is trying to do the same thing. [They're] a great bunch of boys really," Hogan said.
His first job as a player will be slotting in alongside some of those boys at the Casey Scorpions when he plays VFL in 2013: "It will be interesting playing VFL next year. I have never played against senior boys and I hear the weather out at Casey is a bit up and down so I have to get used to that. I'm looking forward to the challenge."
There is no big time talk from Hogan. It's not his way. He is looking to take advantage of being at an AFL club a year earlier than most of his counterparts, and hoping to go about his business quietly in the meantime.
