"Good artists borrow; great artists steal." - Picasso
Known or not, we train the technical, tactical, physical, and psychological life dimensions.
Openness to ideas helps us in the classroom, the office, or on the court. Apply these to raise our psychology game.
"Thanks is the cheapest form of compensation." - Robert Townsend, Up the Organization
Spread gratitude freely. As David Cottrell says, "People don't quit jobs, they quit people." Don't be the person who took the "five-minute course at Charm School" and left early. Coworkers, role players, and support staff deserve and appreciate thanks.
Starve the flora and they die. "Water the flowers."
"When you are positive, you not only make yourself better, you make everyone around you better." - Jon Gordon, The Positive Dog
Forging a positive life from a negative attitude is a tall task. Positive people boost energy and action. People yearn for positivity, explaining the popularity of Ted Lasso (caution, video contains harsh language).
"Humans are storytelling animals."
Develop a portfolio of aspirational stories.
Almost every day, I encounter the "make the bad man stop" scenario. Few deserve that moniker, bad character not bad choices. Many struggle with weight, alcohol, substance abuse, and other lifestyle choices.
Forty plus years ago the Chief Petty Officer came in for a visit with a past history of diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol. But that guy didn't walk through that door. He had lost 120 pounds to resolve those diagnoses. "How did you do that, Chief?" "Dr. Eisold ordered me to lose weight...and chiefs follow orders."
Fifty plus years ago a rising soph, John Pacillo, approached Coach Lane, asking what he could do to improve. "Play basketball, a lot." He listened and steadily rose from the freshman 'B' team to become an All-League player, a 6'7" senior outplaying a future Celtics' draft choice in Boston Garden. His work ethic translated to an executive position in a major corporation.
She always was the first one at middle school workouts and the last to leave. Tell her something once and it stuck. She became a three-sport captain at a private school, earning a coveted spot at Annapolis. Now she's a naval officer.
"Champions do extra." - James Kerr, Legacy
Unrequired work differentiates elite from average players. Making the team isn't enough. As a senior medical student, I thought like an intern. As an intern, I saw problems as a resident. And as a resident, I viewed complex problems as a staff physician.
See yourself in a bigger role. As a reserve, make the starters better. Be ready for your opportunity when it comes.
Follow Dan Pink's advice, "Do five more."
"Always do your best." - Don Miguel Ruiz, in The Four Agreements
Our best won't always be great. Sometimes it demands extra and others it asks only silence. Coach Wooden would say, "Don't whine, don't complain, don't make excuses."
"I don't need an opinion on everything."
We may lack knowledge, correct information, or interest in many topics. An issue may be so contentious that we choose not to wade into the debate. If we must, "let me get back to you after I've looked into both sides."
"I believe in you."
Confidence balances arrogance and doubt. If anyone you admired ever told you, "I believe in you," then you remember. Don't mislead people who haven't earned that.
Lagniappe. I'm committed to sharing excellent content. My brand is sharing. Maybe a piece inspires some teenager to promise herself that basketball and commitment can make a difference.
Lagniappe 2. From Kevin Eastman's "Why the Best Are the Best"
Willing: Everyone who aspires to greatness has to be willing to be teachable and coachable. Winners are open-minded. The biggest “willings” for improvement and accomplishing our goals are:
- Willing to listen
- Willing to work
- Willing to learn
- Willing to be a great teammate
- Willing to change
Lagniappe 3. Zipper Clear Iso (Horns like set)
