Basketball: Playing for Doris, Becoming Your Best

Soft skills matter...like commitment, connection, discipline. When Hans Zimmer composes, he keeps a mental image of Doris. Doris is a fictional character, an unmarried mother of two in Bamford, England. On her day off, she chooses to go to cinema, plunking down her hard-earned money. Zimmer feels obligated to perform his best work for Doris. Who's our muse? 

As an assistant working with Coach Ralph Labella, I heard him say many times, "Entertain me. Entertain your family. Entertain the fans." 

DJ Armin van Buuren looks into the crowd, the first and the last row, seeking connection. 

Cultivate connection. 

• Create a great first impression with full engagement. 
• Eye contact matters. 
• Have a firm handshake. 
• Maintain good posture. 
• Be positive and share empathy. 

Bring it. Daughter Paula said to go out on the floor head up, chest out, as though you believe you're the best player on the floor. Keep that attitude. 

Extend the analogy when running stadiums, lifting weights, working on your game, studying film. Do your best because you're preparing to entertain your Doris. 

The same applies when you're in class, at home, at practice. It's the fourth agreement from Don Miguel Ruiz's The Four Agreements. 

Coaches say it differently. Gregg Popovich says, "pound the rock." Urban Meyer said, "when you cross the red line (around the field) you are committed." In Legacy, James Kerr noted that the All-Blacks commit to "leave the jersey in a better place." 

Be positive. 

How do we grow unwavering focus, relentless attention? Be specific. 

• Recommit to a standard of excellence daily.
• Build winning habits (e.g. our morning routine)
• Read 
• Study great leaders 
• Find mentors willing to share honest feedback
• Practice mindfulness

Who is our Doris? 

Lagniappe. Analyze your form. What's your footwork, sync, and release? 

Running middle school tryouts today, first time on the court in awhile. "We'll see how it goes."