Dear Parent, I want your child to fail...

Seek first to understand, then to be understood... 

I feel like I heard that somewhere special (insert sarcasm)...

An everyday concern that any coach runs into, teacher too, but as a parent now I get to see both sides.

Parents... allow your kids to fail, fail now when they are small and the mistakes are minute... allow them to learn how to persevere and cherish their effort.

I know this is difficult because you only get a few chances to "do it" right.

Better small mistakes, then big ones when they get older.

Winning Hoops- Dear Parents, I want your kids to fail.

Food for thought...

Being Mentally Tough is not difficult, but it does take discipline and desire.

PGC wrote this great blog post about mentally tough athletes...

PGC- Are you mentally tough?

and in it they give 5 characteristics of mentally tough players.  For those desiring to becoming mentally tough, you will, like your jump shot, not be perfect right away.  This too is a process that takes time and repetition.

Jay Bilas also wrote a great book on the subject called Toughness where he gives tips on how to be your best, toughest self on and off the court.  

This doesn't necessarily mean you are the strongest.  Give both a look and see what your think!

Lion Mode...

This is my weekly #TGIM fix (although being on a Tuesday).  You have to be in lion mode to get what you want... what do you want... you have to want something so much that you give 120%

I considered myself blessed everyday that I found ET... he puts things in perspective.  This combined with my Faith have me moving in the right direction.

Change of Pace, Change of Direction... Be a Rabbit, Not a Cheetah

Growing up as a young basketball player seeking out better competition, I was always wondering how the "old" guys at the park were always so successful, despite lacking in physical tools.  The answer... change of speed, change of direction, and being deceptive.  This is PGC's breakdown of how Mr. Booker got after it and the keys to success.  Identify this core philosophy and try to add it to your game.

Are you "that dude"?

I saw this quote the other day from Jeff Van Gundy who is a great basketball mind but also has great insight into people's beliefs, actions, motivations, etc.  Some will disagree I am sure, but on this take I am in agreement.

Why can't we have guys that want to get out and compete.  You don't have to be a jerk about it, but you should want to win every time you step on the floor.  Be the first one to practice, be the last to leave, make the most free throws/shots, win every sprint.  Putting yourself out there against others and striving for greatness should be celebrated... not ridiculed or mocked or shamed.  I believe it is possible to get out there and compete to win and when the competition is over be the guy that gathers the team for pizza, or buys the team drinks, if you are like one of my friends.  This probably builds your leadership credibility as well.  People are willing to follow if they know you are willing to do the work and at the same time are a good person. 

Read below and see what you think... feel free to comment as well... good dialogue is always healthy!

“I watch guys pregame, it’s evolving. Ten years ago, they would come out and get warm and shoot some shots and get their mind ready, but they didn’t want to overdo it. It was purely to get warm and ready.  Now, I see this evolution of, because of skill coaches and skill development, they’re out there longer, and they seem to love the workout. But I’m not so sure they love to compete against the opponent as much as they should."

“If I was a college player, besides having the skills, I would ask myself every day: Am I an ass-kicking type of competitor, or am I soft? The thing that can separate you now in the NBA is the love of competition, not the love of the lifestyle. Putting yourself out there where you’re not running for most-liked NBA player, but most-respected, because of how hard you’re willing to compete. That’s an evolution that’s slowly changing in the NBA.”

~Jeff Van Gundy

Dream Big...

In order to be great I think you need to really have an imagination that will push you out of your comfort zone.

But dreaming is not enough.  There are no magic beans, no special sauce, or secret weapon.

It is about taking initiative and doing more than expected.  It is about doing for others and putting good energy out there.

When these things happen, positive results will find their way back to you.

TGIM

In this episode ET talks about your dreams vs. your lifestyle.

I love the passion that he has about the fact that some people are more concerned with their appearance of having, instead of actually having.

What a great life we could have, if we put more energy into what we wanted and less energy into what everyone else thinks we should have.

If your priorities are right and you act on principle, your passion will take you wherever your want to go.