"Whatever it takes." We've all heard that. What is the the hard road?
Live an honorable life. Seven-time Super Bowl Champion Tom Brady follows principles in don Miguel Ruiz's book The Four Agreements. They include:
- Be impeccable with your word
- Don’t take anything personally
- Don’t make assumptions
- Always do your best.
When frustration strikes, remind ourselves about #4 above.
"Hit the books." Few disciplines allow advancement without study and learning. Precious few young players have the size, athleticism, and skill to inform a professional sports career. Learn how to learn. Study more effectively. Have a fallback plan.
Find mentors. I saw a young patient recently embarking on a career as an electrician, now an apprentice. He works with a dozen journeymen and more senior electricians and understands adding value. I gave him a piece of paper with the words, "Mentoring is the only shortcut to excellence." If not today, someday you will be a mentor.
Build your body. Improve strength and conditioning to become "bigger, faster, stronger." Part of basketball is finding ways to wear down opponents, to play harder for longer than opponents. Like Pete Carril, I believe in conditioning within drills and scrimmaging, not in breaking out conditioning separately.
Innovate. Freddie Roach's coaching career dwarfed his fighting career. He encouraged fluidity and innovation in young fighters, turning a lightweight into a world champion (Manny Pacquiao). Box. Dance.
Become a cleaner. Devote part of your workout to 'game winners' your 'go to' and 'counter' moves for crunch time. Work with live defense whenever possible to prove their effectiveness.
Track your workouts. Pick (activities). Stick (with them). Check (record). Great habits are made not born. "Don't miss twice."
Watch video and watch some more. Study exceptional players and coaches. Examine the fine details. How did they get separation to create edges?
Discover the exceptional footwork and quickness of a Hall of Famer.
Train your brain. Mindfulness lowers stress hormones. It improves sleep. It adds brain density in the learning and memory centers. It attenuates brain density in the amygdala, the stress center of the brain. Champions like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and Shaq did it. LeBron James does.
Lead. You ARE a role model. Everyone from veterans to young players can model excellence.
Summary:
- Live honorably
- Study
- Find mentors
- Build your body
- Innovate
- Become a cleaner
- Track your workouts
- Watch the details on video
- Train your brain
- Lead
Lagniappe. In your organization, how do performance and trust relate?
Be the leader everyone wants on the team.
