Needless to say, this time of year is my favorite for obvious reasons. It's the best time for college basketball. Ever since I fell in love with this game I have religiously watched every sports channel, read numerous magazine, newspaper and on-line articles as they relate to the tournament. Is it an obsession? Well, I wouldn't go that far, but I will say that I never grow tired of watching it, even if my favorite teams and coaches don't win.
It's a time of year when you get to see stellar powerhouses, cinderellas, resurrected and rising programs battle each other on the hallowed hardwood for an opportunity to be called the best. Players and coaches alike put their skill, will, and strategy to the ultimate test on the greatest stage in sports. Behind-the-scenes interviews, practices, shoot-arounds, old and new stats, pre-game and post-game interviews, buzzer beaters, hustle plays, controversial calls, unforgettable commentary and ultimately a team is crowned as the undisputed national champion.
Sports journalists have coined the term "bracketology" in an effort to stress that there is a science to filling out your tournament bracket. While there is a science to predicting who will advance to the Final Four and furthermore who will be crowned champion, there is a personal meaning that bracketology has for me. While Biology is the study of life and psychology is the study of human behavior, bracketology is the study of champions. Each coach, each player, each student, and each fan looks forward to the tournament with an unparalleled enthusiasm. This enthusiasm is fueled by the thoughts, hopes and dreams of their team/school possibly having the chance to stand in the winner's circle. However, if this goal is not achieved and they don't get that grand opportunity, the shear thrill of being recognized is just as much of an honor for some. Whether they are recognized by their school's name, their mascot's or their coach's name the "one shining moment" is the very essence of a champion. To have a chance to show everyone that you are a champion beyond the shadow of a doubt, whether you win or lose.
Let's take that same enthusiasm, pride, and tireless effort and apply it to our lives on a daily basis. Let's fill out our daily brackets and carefully strategize our course to life's championship game. Let's compete vigorously against those opponents with well-deserved reputations and those we've never seen or heard of. Let's commit to making the hustle plays, the fundamental passes, playing solid defense, and hitting the game-winners/buzzer beaters that confirm and validate our status as champions. Let's hoist our championship trophy everyday having the satisfaction and the confidence that we played the game the right way. The shining moment is here. Earn it with every possession.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Sunday, March 8, 2009
DO THE HOMEWORK BEFORE IT IS ASSIGNED
Are you serious, Coach?
I know, I know. Most of you may think that by making this statement it is simply to spark curiosity in the reader. You may also be thinking that I sound too much like a coach who's attempting to motivate his players. Ok, maybe you're right. But let's be honest for a second and think about one of the most dreaded words/concepts in the history of mankind; homework. Why is the word dreaded? Maybe it;s because most people are afraid of work. Then again maybe it's because most people associate their home as a place reserved strictly for rest. Whatever reason(s) people give for loathing homework, it is often directed at the lack of motivation to do the things that are absolutely instrumental in our growth and development.
Homework is one thing we all have dreaded at some point in our lives. The word alone still makes some people cringe long after their school days have passed. Even the most academically astute people find it hard to motivate themselves to complete homework consistently and accurately. No matter the case, homework is the very concept that is at the root of our work ethic. We often do it reactively because we have to or because we want to. Those who complete their homework do it and go through the motions just to get it done while others truly want to do their homework because they wish to truly learn and understand. This is clealy the difference between a student and an intellect.
No matter if we are in school or in the world of work there will always be homework to do. Doing the homework before it is assigned speaks to our willingness to develop a work ethic that is focused on proactively preparing for challenges in an uncertain future, yet wholeheartedly believing that a rewarding and positive outcome awaits. Dancers choreograph their routines prior to the recital, doctors consult with their patients before performing surgery, lawyers research cases, rehearse their statements, arguments, and rebuttles before stepping into the court room, and coaches watch film, write practice plans and go over both team's strategy before the actual game is played. Homework translates tedious work done in isolation into proficient skill sets that are displayed in public. We must be committed to completing the homework, understanding the homework and using the homework to rise above the class. So with that said, have you finished your homework?
I know, I know. Most of you may think that by making this statement it is simply to spark curiosity in the reader. You may also be thinking that I sound too much like a coach who's attempting to motivate his players. Ok, maybe you're right. But let's be honest for a second and think about one of the most dreaded words/concepts in the history of mankind; homework. Why is the word dreaded? Maybe it;s because most people are afraid of work. Then again maybe it's because most people associate their home as a place reserved strictly for rest. Whatever reason(s) people give for loathing homework, it is often directed at the lack of motivation to do the things that are absolutely instrumental in our growth and development.
Homework is one thing we all have dreaded at some point in our lives. The word alone still makes some people cringe long after their school days have passed. Even the most academically astute people find it hard to motivate themselves to complete homework consistently and accurately. No matter the case, homework is the very concept that is at the root of our work ethic. We often do it reactively because we have to or because we want to. Those who complete their homework do it and go through the motions just to get it done while others truly want to do their homework because they wish to truly learn and understand. This is clealy the difference between a student and an intellect.
No matter if we are in school or in the world of work there will always be homework to do. Doing the homework before it is assigned speaks to our willingness to develop a work ethic that is focused on proactively preparing for challenges in an uncertain future, yet wholeheartedly believing that a rewarding and positive outcome awaits. Dancers choreograph their routines prior to the recital, doctors consult with their patients before performing surgery, lawyers research cases, rehearse their statements, arguments, and rebuttles before stepping into the court room, and coaches watch film, write practice plans and go over both team's strategy before the actual game is played. Homework translates tedious work done in isolation into proficient skill sets that are displayed in public. We must be committed to completing the homework, understanding the homework and using the homework to rise above the class. So with that said, have you finished your homework?
Sunday, March 1, 2009
ARE YOU IN THE WAY, OR ON YOUR WAY?
On this path, this journey, we are provided with options as we attempt to live out our dreams. However, before we live out our dreams, and even before we identify, strategize and act on our dreams we have a decision to make. We must decide whether we are in the way or whether we are on our way. What do I mean by that?
The things, situations and people that we encounter all have a designed intent. For example, a normal interstate highway has at least 2 lanes. On most interstate highways, local parkways and bypasses the left lane is designated for passing while the right lane is intended for those who are not passing anyone. You choose a lane according to how fast you want to go and in turn it will determine how quickly you arrive. Those who properly utilize the passing lane are people who are focused, ready to take risks, and willing to learn as they go. They pass on the left and return to the right lane in order to faciliate the smooth flow of traffic yet still move rapidly in the direction of their goal. Often times we witness people who hop into the passing lane, stay even with the lead car in the right lane and remain there. Thus, while they are moving forward, they are creating a moving traffic jam in the process and no one gets ahead.
We see this type of behavior in leadership all too often. Believe or not, leadership is not just about the person who is in the front, it's about the person who is in the front yet allows other people to lead when they are ready. Effective leadership on the road to our destination is about empowering, encouraging and allowing others to lead in their own time, with their own style and at their own pace. To lead and impede other's progress is like taking an ill-advised shot , but to lead and allow others to grow is the consummate assist. Therefore I ask; Are you in the way, or are you on the way?
The things, situations and people that we encounter all have a designed intent. For example, a normal interstate highway has at least 2 lanes. On most interstate highways, local parkways and bypasses the left lane is designated for passing while the right lane is intended for those who are not passing anyone. You choose a lane according to how fast you want to go and in turn it will determine how quickly you arrive. Those who properly utilize the passing lane are people who are focused, ready to take risks, and willing to learn as they go. They pass on the left and return to the right lane in order to faciliate the smooth flow of traffic yet still move rapidly in the direction of their goal. Often times we witness people who hop into the passing lane, stay even with the lead car in the right lane and remain there. Thus, while they are moving forward, they are creating a moving traffic jam in the process and no one gets ahead.
We see this type of behavior in leadership all too often. Believe or not, leadership is not just about the person who is in the front, it's about the person who is in the front yet allows other people to lead when they are ready. Effective leadership on the road to our destination is about empowering, encouraging and allowing others to lead in their own time, with their own style and at their own pace. To lead and impede other's progress is like taking an ill-advised shot , but to lead and allow others to grow is the consummate assist. Therefore I ask; Are you in the way, or are you on the way?
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
G.R.O.W.
Last week I wrote about people and their new year's resolutions and how we should first commit to making new day resolutions instead. This week my challenge for you is to simply GROW.
G.R.O.W. = Gradually Renew Our Will
If you've ever cared for a plant, one thing you will realize is that like other living things it needs something beyond the basic necessities(food, water and sunlight) in order to grow. Growing up around my mother and grandmothers who love to plant flowers in the garden, I learned that there are two types of plants: annuals and perennials. Annuals you have to buy and replant every year while perennials are planted once and return each spring. From day to day we determine if we will be annual champions or perennial champions. We can choose to be annuals and let our hopes, dreams, drive and aspirations die everyday because someone challenged, angered, or discouraged us. We look healthy and strong on the outside, but on the inside we are weak and unsure of ourselves and allow the smallest thing to break us down consistently. The alternative is to be perennial champions in that we are resillient and remain strong externally and internally.
Plants have to be placed in an atmosphere where the air is fresh and there is a healthy exchange of energy. Some people actually talk to their plants. In fact some people even sing to their plants. Now, before you call them crazy, understand the philosophy behind people's actions toward plants and how they should mirror their actions toward other human beings. When was the last time you heard of someone cussin out a plant cuz it wasn't growing fast enough? If you answered this question in the affirmative, please refer that person to your family therapist ASAP.
The lesson that we can learn from plants is to gradually renew our will on the good and the bad days. It is the difference between being bruised or broken, hurt or injured, confused or convinced. Ultimately, we determine the temporary or permanent resillience of our character. It is our responsibility to take the energy from every accomplishment, experience, relationship, failure, challenge, conversation as one to grow on and grow with.
G.R.O.W. = Gradually Renew Our Will
If you've ever cared for a plant, one thing you will realize is that like other living things it needs something beyond the basic necessities(food, water and sunlight) in order to grow. Growing up around my mother and grandmothers who love to plant flowers in the garden, I learned that there are two types of plants: annuals and perennials. Annuals you have to buy and replant every year while perennials are planted once and return each spring. From day to day we determine if we will be annual champions or perennial champions. We can choose to be annuals and let our hopes, dreams, drive and aspirations die everyday because someone challenged, angered, or discouraged us. We look healthy and strong on the outside, but on the inside we are weak and unsure of ourselves and allow the smallest thing to break us down consistently. The alternative is to be perennial champions in that we are resillient and remain strong externally and internally.
Plants have to be placed in an atmosphere where the air is fresh and there is a healthy exchange of energy. Some people actually talk to their plants. In fact some people even sing to their plants. Now, before you call them crazy, understand the philosophy behind people's actions toward plants and how they should mirror their actions toward other human beings. When was the last time you heard of someone cussin out a plant cuz it wasn't growing fast enough? If you answered this question in the affirmative, please refer that person to your family therapist ASAP.
The lesson that we can learn from plants is to gradually renew our will on the good and the bad days. It is the difference between being bruised or broken, hurt or injured, confused or convinced. Ultimately, we determine the temporary or permanent resillience of our character. It is our responsibility to take the energy from every accomplishment, experience, relationship, failure, challenge, conversation as one to grow on and grow with.
Monday, January 5, 2009
NEW YEAR-NEW YOU?
Happy New Year !!
It's a great way to greet people as we come out of holiday season. What's funny is the fact that most of people get the 1st day of the new year off work. It's the right thing to do in theory, but the counterproductive thing to do in practice especially for those people who make new year's resolutions.
On the first day of the year we humbly submit and adamantly promise to start the new year off differently than we ended the immediate past year. Most vow to work harder, but on the new day we are resting. You can't rest and work hard at the same time. Don't get me wrong, I'm not a self-proclaimed workaholic or a killjoy by any stretch, but I am an analyst. Thus analyst ask questions.
At the beginning of every year, people make huge plans to work harder, work smarter, eat less, eat healthier, exercise more, attend church more, stop cursing, stop drinking, smoking, etc. The truth is 75% of people who make new year's resolutions don't make it past the first month. The reason? They bite off more than they can realistically chew. Regardless of what generation people grow up in the commonality amongst all people is that we want results right now. We get no support, we quit. We listen to criticism from family and friends, we quit. We get challenged, we quit. We see how much change actually has to take place in order to resolve the situation, we quit. The solution? Make a new day's resolution every single day. Be your own motivation. Challenge yourself to do something different every single day. Discipline yourself when you don't get things done. Commit to making yourself better by setting the bar realistically higher. Every day is never the same, so why allow yourself to be the same? The newness of the new year wears off after 15 days, but the newness of you never wears off. A happy new year is made by happy new days.
It's a great way to greet people as we come out of holiday season. What's funny is the fact that most of people get the 1st day of the new year off work. It's the right thing to do in theory, but the counterproductive thing to do in practice especially for those people who make new year's resolutions.
On the first day of the year we humbly submit and adamantly promise to start the new year off differently than we ended the immediate past year. Most vow to work harder, but on the new day we are resting. You can't rest and work hard at the same time. Don't get me wrong, I'm not a self-proclaimed workaholic or a killjoy by any stretch, but I am an analyst. Thus analyst ask questions.
At the beginning of every year, people make huge plans to work harder, work smarter, eat less, eat healthier, exercise more, attend church more, stop cursing, stop drinking, smoking, etc. The truth is 75% of people who make new year's resolutions don't make it past the first month. The reason? They bite off more than they can realistically chew. Regardless of what generation people grow up in the commonality amongst all people is that we want results right now. We get no support, we quit. We listen to criticism from family and friends, we quit. We get challenged, we quit. We see how much change actually has to take place in order to resolve the situation, we quit. The solution? Make a new day's resolution every single day. Be your own motivation. Challenge yourself to do something different every single day. Discipline yourself when you don't get things done. Commit to making yourself better by setting the bar realistically higher. Every day is never the same, so why allow yourself to be the same? The newness of the new year wears off after 15 days, but the newness of you never wears off. A happy new year is made by happy new days.
Friday, October 17, 2008
IF IT'S NOT PRACTICE TIME, IT'S GAME TIME
"I'm supposed to be a franchise player, and we talkin about practice....not a game, not a game. We talkin about practice."
-Allen Iverson
Life and the prosperity in it can be broken down into one simple Coach Rice proverb;
"If it's not practice time, then it's game time. If it's not game time, it's practice time."
Every phase in our lives that we've been through and/or are currently going through is training ground for the next level. From the time we started pre-school and matriculated through our respective grades, there has been one constant theme; practice, practice, practice. Now let's be honest. A lot of us hate practice. Often times we hate practice because we feel as if it is beneath us. We feel like we can't get any better. Thus, we only want to reap the benefits of game time. The reality is that the benefits of game time is winning, which is direct result of practice and game time adjustments.
Practice eventually breeds a spirit of confidence, develops a mastery of needed skills and ultimately it creates beneficial habits. Practice was designed for us to become our own best competition. It's why homework, prayer, meditation, weight-training, martial arts, were created. These things were meant to properly prepare us for war. Once we've been shown what to do in practice , it is incumbent on us to push ourselves during our private workouts. While we strive for perfection, that is not the goal of practice. The goal of practice is to make everything we do permanent; our thoughts, actions, leadership, and the impact that we make during our lifetime.
How good we become at certain things is determined not simply by how consistently and vigorously we practice, but how well we plan our practice. Once we create our practice plan, it must contain 3 things; 1) A list of relevant, challenging and effective exercises 2)A realistic time limit to complete the workout regimen 3) The exact time and place for the next game
In this life we do well what we do most. The more we commit to consistently, effectively and vigorously practicing the better we will perform during game time. In order to perform well during game time, we must apply what we do in practice once game time is here. Thus, whatever it is you wish to have or wish to do you must practice as if game time is now even if it's hours, days, weeks, months and years from now. No matter how many times you win or how many times you lose, you still gotta continue to practice. In this life you're either at practice or you're in the game. REAP THE BENEFITS OF PRACTICE IN EVERY POSSESSION OF EVERY QUARTER OF EVERY GAME. If it's not practice time, it's game time. Let's go!
-Allen Iverson
Life and the prosperity in it can be broken down into one simple Coach Rice proverb;
"If it's not practice time, then it's game time. If it's not game time, it's practice time."
Every phase in our lives that we've been through and/or are currently going through is training ground for the next level. From the time we started pre-school and matriculated through our respective grades, there has been one constant theme; practice, practice, practice. Now let's be honest. A lot of us hate practice. Often times we hate practice because we feel as if it is beneath us. We feel like we can't get any better. Thus, we only want to reap the benefits of game time. The reality is that the benefits of game time is winning, which is direct result of practice and game time adjustments.
Practice eventually breeds a spirit of confidence, develops a mastery of needed skills and ultimately it creates beneficial habits. Practice was designed for us to become our own best competition. It's why homework, prayer, meditation, weight-training, martial arts, were created. These things were meant to properly prepare us for war. Once we've been shown what to do in practice , it is incumbent on us to push ourselves during our private workouts. While we strive for perfection, that is not the goal of practice. The goal of practice is to make everything we do permanent; our thoughts, actions, leadership, and the impact that we make during our lifetime.
How good we become at certain things is determined not simply by how consistently and vigorously we practice, but how well we plan our practice. Once we create our practice plan, it must contain 3 things; 1) A list of relevant, challenging and effective exercises 2)A realistic time limit to complete the workout regimen 3) The exact time and place for the next game
In this life we do well what we do most. The more we commit to consistently, effectively and vigorously practicing the better we will perform during game time. In order to perform well during game time, we must apply what we do in practice once game time is here. Thus, whatever it is you wish to have or wish to do you must practice as if game time is now even if it's hours, days, weeks, months and years from now. No matter how many times you win or how many times you lose, you still gotta continue to practice. In this life you're either at practice or you're in the game. REAP THE BENEFITS OF PRACTICE IN EVERY POSSESSION OF EVERY QUARTER OF EVERY GAME. If it's not practice time, it's game time. Let's go!
Thursday, October 2, 2008
THE REALIZATION OF THE POWER WITHIN
Being defeated is temporary, but giving up makes it permanent.
This past Sunday my son and his self-esteem took off into the the next stratosphere. He rode his bike without the training wheels one week to the day he attempted it for the first time. At that moment he authored an irreplaceable memory and chapter in his childhood and a proud moment in my adulthood.
It was the worst of times, it was the best of times. From the wobbling, swerving, the soft crash landings in the grass, the frustration, the tears, the crying and yes the snotty nose and dirty looks at Dad to the moment when the light bulb came on and he surprised himself. As my son pushed off the pavement, he pedalled and turned the handlebars from side to side. In a split second the bike and my son became smaller and smaller as he rode further and further away from me. All of a sudden, it all begins to make sense. Dad's instructions were simple; "The moment you stop pedalling is the moment that you fall."What initially sounded like a foreign language to him turned into a fluent, prophetic proverb that is applicable to our lives.
After countless repetitive commands, words of encouragement, face-to-face stare downs, man to boy challenges, and reverse psychology fused with echoed positive affirmations, my son consolidated his confusion, determination, frustration, setbacks and turned them into the best day of his life, the best ride of his life, and the best coaching job of my life. He turned around and from about 300 feet away I could see his ear-to-ear smile, I could hear the excitement in his stomach where butterflies once did back flips, and I could taste the victory and hear the roar of the crowd as we laughed and popped imaginary champagne bottles in celebration of this milestone and a rite of passage of every boy's life. It was freedom in every sense of the word.
In that very lesson of riding his bike, my son taught me more than I could ever teach him. He taught me to utilize my periodic impatient nature to create a competitive fire within. I told him several times, "get mad at me, then prove me wrong and ride this bike. Prove me wrong, son. We are not going home until you get this thing right." As I said these very words to him, I then held myself to the very same standard. Get mad at the haters, listen to their criticism, internalize it, then do everything in your power to shut them up and never mention a word of your victory to them. Thus, when goals are achieved, it's not a notion of 'I told you so', it's a notion of I told myself so.
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