[004] control what you can.
In the pursuit of our goals, we often paint a vivid picture of what our journey should resemble.
MANAGE YOUR EXPECTATIONS. CONTROL WHAT YOU CAN, LET GO OF THE REST.
To the person:
In the pursuit of our goals, we often paint a vivid picture of what our journey should resemble. Expectations, a necessary fuel for success, serve as both guiding lights and potential disruptors to our mental well-being. The art lies in discerning between expectations within our control and those beyond our influence, a practice crucial for maintaining a resilient headspace.
Expectations, when channeled effectively, propel us forward, providing motivation and clarity. They set a standard, urging us to reach for excellence. However, when these expectations become rigid blueprints is when problems arise. Obsessing over outcomes or circumstances beyond our control can be a recipe for disappointment and frustration. External factors, unforeseen events, and the actions of others are often unpredictable variables in our journey. YOU ARE ONLY IN CONTROL OF WHAT YOU ARE IN CONTROL OF.
To the player:
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve personally been or seen an athlete lose their mind about things they have absolutely no control over. Trust me, I understand that relinquishing control can be the hardest thing in the world to do, especially when you are chasing a dream.
BUT,
THINK ABOUT THIS.
Setting expectations for disciplined workout habits and a positive attitude is within our control. Setting an expectation for showing up with a consistent level of intensity is also in our control. Fixating on external factors like other whether of not someone else has a proper attitude of if the shot actually went in or not, may lead to undue stress. The wisdom lies in acknowledging the distinction, channeling energy towards actionable expectations, and gracefully navigating the uncertainties beyond control. It’s the subtle art of working with a purpose and allowing yourself to fall in love with the process not the destination. If you put in the work to make the shot, you can live with the result. Good or bad.
[003] loss is a great teacher.
I’ve come to appreciate the wisdom in the saying easy come, easy go. It serves as a reminder that the journey toward a goal is often just as significant as the destination itself.
they say it tastes better when you make it from scratch.
To the person:
I’ve come to appreciate the wisdom in the saying easy come, easy go. It serves as a reminder that the journey toward a goal is often just as significant as the destination itself. Enduring turmoil and persisting in the face of challenges contribute to a unique level of ownership over our accomplishments. The things acquired through consistent effort and resilience carry a different sense of appreciation.
THINK ABOUT THIS. When you pay for something expensive with your own money you will treat that item with extra care knowing that there was a time sacrifice you had to go through to get it. On the contrary, when you receive something for free or for a low cost, it is human nature to treat it with less care because you can just go grab another one. Let’s try to take this outlook when thinking about the difficulties we face in different aspects of our lives. The thing that is the hardest to do will typically garner the greatest reward.
To the player:
Consider the feelings we have as we strive for a scholarship to play D1, a chance to play at the professional level, or a bigger contract in the Pro’s. The individual who faces setbacks and navigates through uncertainties, is likely to develop a profound connection with their accomplishments. The struggle becomes a part of the narrative, making the achievement not just a destination but a testament to our resilience and determination. The ability to overcome is in us, not on us. IT’S NOT WHAT WE DO, IT’S WHO WE ARE.
On the other hand, things that come easily, while initially gratifying, may lack the sense of ownership. We have all been around the person who is just naturally gifted but does not respect the opportunities they were given. That is because they don’t resonate with the story of someone who had to push through blood, sweat, and real tears to get there. I’m a firm believer that people who win the largest in life, and in the game, had to sacrifice the most in order to get it. Embrace the losses, they teach you how to win.
[002] why? is the question.
Remembering why we started can be a guiding light to help us navigate through life's twists and turns, urging us to reconnect with the essence of our beginnings.
ASK YOURSELF THIS...WHY DID I START IN THE FIRST PLACE?
To the person:
Remembering why we started can be a guiding light to help us navigate through life's twists and turns, urging us to reconnect with the essence of our beginnings. While we are engulfed in the journey, it's easy to lose sight of our original aspirations. However, in moments of doubt or despair, retracing our footsteps to that initial spark of inspiration can revitalize our spirits. It's a gentle reminder that our lives are narratives are woven with threads of intentionality and meaning, and in remembering why we started, we find the strength to persevere and the courage to embrace the unfolding chapters yet to come.
ASK YOURSELF, Why did I set out on this journey in the first place? What did I set out to prove? Was it to acquire fame? Was it to acquire money? Was it to help people? What was “IT”? These are questions we should be asking ourselves daily to keep us on track after with our purpose.
To the player:
In the game of basketball, remembering why you started is the cornerstone of resilience and triumph. THE STORM IS COMING. That is a promise. In this game, there will be moments that make us question everything. Maybe, you sacrificed freedom, friends, and fun, only to get injured and have the game taken from you. Maybe, you beat out the person they had in front of you fair and square, only to have a Coach decide to play the same person you dominated for months. Maybe, you dedication 20 years of your life to make it to the doorstep of playing at the highest level only to be turned around upon entry. Maybe, throughout your journey you endure all of those scenarios at different times. It’s in each of those moments that we have to ask ourselves. WHY DID I DECIDE TO TAKE THIS JOURNEY IN THE FIRST PLACE?
If you reason for starting isn’t meaningful enough, you will inevitably quit when the storm hits. The storm isn’t here to stay. It is here to pass. But, not before it shows us who we truly are, what we are truly made of, and if we really have what it takes to reach the destination that we seek.
[001] speak victory.
The concept of "self-talk as the foundation of mental health" emphasizes the significance of the internal dialogue we have with ourselves on a daily basis.
THE VOICE YOU HEAR MOST IS YOUR OWN. SELF TALK IS THE FOUNDATION.
To the person:
The concept of "self-talk as the foundation of mental health" emphasizes the significance of the internal dialogue we have with ourselves on a daily basis. This internal conversation, the voice inside our head, plays a crucial role in shaping our thoughts, feelings, and ultimately, our actions. The frequency and tone of this self-talk can greatly influence our mental well-being and, consequently, our overall quality of life.
THINK ABOUT IT. The concept of controlling our voice is all about taking back control over the programming of our minds. We are constantly taking in information, it comes a point where it’s hard to even know if the things we are thinking are actually our own ideas anymore. Our voice works like a guide to tell the brain what information to resonate with and what information to reject. The words you speak will become the life you live. Let’s try to be a little more mindful of the verbiage we chose in our everyday lives.
To the player:
A good basketball player often faces challenges, those challenges may include tough opponents, performance anxiety, and societal pressures. Our internal dialogue plays a crucial role in maintaining confidence and self-belief. Positive affirmations such as "I’m a problem," or "I love pressure" can contribute to a mindset that supports optimal performance. The vision that you have for yourself has to be carefully crafted with your words. The verbiage that you choose will shape your ability to overcome obstacles, maintain your confidence, and stay motivated.
There was a study done on the types of self talk that athletes perform where half of the control group spoke about the tactics and strategic things they needed to do well in a game. The other group simply spoke to build up their own abilities and reaffirm their prowess. 10 times out of 10 the group that spoke themselves up performed better than the group that spoke tactics. Moral of the story, SPEAK VICTORY. The ball-player who thinks they can and the ball-player who thinks they can’t are both typically right.