Fast Five: What's Your Improvement Process?

We won't become our 'better version' accidentally. As teachers (coaches) we share the opportunity to grow ourselves and others. How? 

Don't reinvent the wheel. Use tools others have developed.

1. Have a process. 

Brad Stevens has a sensible (and brief) process...emphasizing personal growth, preparation and execution to produce results. 

Day to day, how can we help others find their "secret sauce"? I encourage players to work on their attitude (positivity), choices, and effort. 

2. Attitude comes first. 

We can't change the world until we change ourselves. Attitude provides direction. In pulmonary training, we talked about the "Bruce Jenner" protocol, five components to optimization. Bruce Jenner was a gold medal Olympic decathlete. The process included exercise, nutrition, rest, 'supplements' (medication/motivation), and special people in our lives. 

Jon Gordon and John Maxwell are two authors who develop leadership and attitude themes. 

3. Use time better.  

We choose whether and how to invest or to spend our time. Personal growth takes time, meaning commitment, discipline, and sacrifice (among other possibilities). 

4. Learn every day. I believe that "the difference between the persons we are today and who we become in five years are the people we meet and the books we read." I authentically recommend at least thirty minutes daily reading. At any given time, I'm reading a few books, currently How to Win in the Game of Life (Christian Klemash), Leading Minds (Howard Gardner), and Man-to-Man Defense and Attack (Clair Bee). Reading can help us to refine our process by gaining insight from other achievers. 

Other educational inputs (podcasts, videos) facilitate growth. As I write, I'm listening to the Tim Ferriss Podcast, as he interviews Senator Cory Booker, discussing his education, nutrition, comparative religion, behavioral experiments (e.g. the Stanford Prison Experiment), and more. "Before you tell me about your religion, show me how you treat other people." 

5. Share something great. Everyone has skills and can add value to others. What knowledge or skills can you share? Tell someone about a great book, a great recipe, or an important lesson. 

Challenge players to create a process and the discipline to follow it. 

Bonus:

Celtics' Backscreen Slip (from 4 out, 1 in set)