Wednesday, September 25, 2024

Basketball: "The Cheapest form of Compensation"

"Thanks is the cheapest form of compensation," wrote Robert Townsend in Up the Organization (1970).

Be generous with thanks. Thank your parents, if you still have the chance. Thank your significant other. Thank your former coaches, your former players, your children for all they do.  

Thanks rejects the fallacy of the self-made individual. We stand on the shoulders of those who came before us. We benefit from a society that provides education and infrastructure that benefits all of us indirectly. Thanks organizes the difference between give and take, between taking credit and sharing it. 

Consider this, WII - FM... "what's in it for me?"

And there's more! AI informs about physiologic and psychologic benefits from gratitude. 

Physiological Benefits:

  1. Improved heart health: Expressing gratitude can reduce blood pressure and heart rate, contributing to cardiovascular health.
  2. Stronger immune system: Regular feelings of gratitude are linked to a more robust immune response, helping the body fight off illness.
  3. Better sleep: Studies show that people who practice gratitude, especially before bed, tend to sleep better and longer.
  4. Lower stress levels: Gratitude activates areas in the brain associated with dopamine, promoting relaxation and reducing cortisol levels.
  5. Pain reduction: Some research suggests that grateful individuals experience lower levels of physical pain, possibly due to decreased stress and improved mood.

Psychological Benefits:

  1. Enhanced mood: Gratitude boosts feelings of happiness and life satisfaction by promoting positive thinking and reducing negative emotions like envy or resentment.
  2. Resilience: Grateful people often have better coping mechanisms for handling life's difficulties, enhancing emotional resilience.
  3. Stronger relationships: Expressing gratitude fosters empathy and builds trust in personal and professional relationships.
  4. Reduced symptoms of depression: Regularly practicing gratitude is associated with lower levels of depression and anxiety.
  5. Increased self-esteem: Gratitude helps people focus on what they have rather than what they lack, promoting a more positive self-image.

Gratitude works both mentally and physically, enhancing overall well-being and helping build a resilient mindset—something you’re focused on with your young athletes.

Coaches benefit from self-education during the process and from teaching the sport skills and lifeskills of our charges. As we educate ourself about coaching, benefit from learning skill development, game knowledge, strength and conditioning, and psychology. Whenever possible, fill a young player's metaphorical 'cup' of knowledge and self-esteem. 

Lagniappe. Finishing includes managing onrushing defense. 

Lagniappe 2. Commit to work toward greatness daily. Some people are 'crazy enough' to do that...healthy crazy. 

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