What 'covers' represent your brand?
Leave an impression.
Success leaves footprints. Every team member should understand and trust our process.
Inspire.
Run as though your life depends on it. For the cheetah, it does.
Maya Angelou reminds us, "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."
Ideas are the currency of the future. Intellectually challenge conventional wisdom. But lightbulbs also represent shared energy. Pete Carril said of some players, "I call them light bulbs. They walk on the floor, the light goes on."
We can't control whether teams out-execute us, outshoot us, or have superior size and athleticism. We control our preparation, our work ethic, and our competitive will. Be steak not catnip, substance not flash.
Keep pounding. Distinguish "this is who we are" from "that is who we are not." Don't settle. Don't skip steps.
Lagniappe: In high school soccer, at the end of practice, we ran two laps around the field (no cutting corners), more than 600 yards, in less than 1:50, to "prove" our conditioning. Success exempted you from subsequent timed laps. The exercise was about will not speed. (Basketball players were required to play soccer or run cross-country.)
Good article on teaching persistence via physical activity. Highlights:
Emphasise the psychological process. It is necessary for children to be aware that they are predominantly learning psychological, not physical, skills in these sessions.
Establish why determination would be desirable. "Would you like to be more determined? "What would be the benefits to you?"
Be clear that persistence is not dependent on physical ability.
Seeing value in the result. Linking determination to results that they will value more highly, such as health benefits, or implications for academic success, can enhance motivation.
Leverage peer support. Encourage pupils to work in pairs or small groups and discuss how this supports determination.