It’s all about the heart baby!

 

I love basketball.  Really, I LOVE basketball.  I love the intensity.  I love the fact that it is easy to pick up on as a spectator (handy for a mom that came to the game later in life).  But, I really love the mental game.  I find that most games are won in the first 2 minutes, if not before the clock ever starts to run.

 

 

This can also be a burden for any basketball mom. I think we’re a different breed.  I can tell you we are colorful in a variety of ways.  We don’t get in catfights with other moms (although I witnessed one mom and one dad from opposing teams almost go to blows).  We may have a few words for the ref occasionally, but I think we’re pretty civil.  Perhaps we coach from the bleachers too often (I am guilty as charged).  I experience basketball as a game of heart, so maybe we approach the game a little differently.  This game’s all about the heart baby!  

 

 

If basketball is a metal game won within the first 2 minutes of that first quarter, how is it ‘all about the heart’?  I’ll be interested to get some feedback on this from someone actually qualified to spout off on the topic of basketball and youth sports.  I believe most games are determined by attitude more that skill and by team work more than superstars. To package that statement, one player with the right attitude can change the momentum of the game, unifying his teammates. In my book, he becomes a superstar. There is a lot in that, and we probably can’t unpack it all today, but let’s get started.

 

How do we become superstars?  Here’s what I notice at the AAU games I attend weekends with my superstar son Wyatt.  I notice that games are decided by who creates momentum in the first two minutes.  Typically, that determines the game.  However, sometimes a key player comes out later in the game and by forcing a turn over, stealing a ball or denying a rebound suddenly re-energizes their team. 

 

 

You see when we pass that two-minute mark; we tend to give up if we’re behind.  We’re still on the floor but we’re doing about thirty percent of what we can.  We don’t want to look like quitters, but we don’t believe that victory is possible.  The worst part of it is that our team is watching us.  They are taking cues from us, from our attitude and behavior.  So if one member of the team quits, that gives everyone else permission to quit, and often they do.  Why?  They quit because you quit on them. So what are the key character traits that we want to possess to create momentum or become game changers instead of quitters?

 

 

Your heart determines your mindset.  Your passions and beliefs steer your mindset and your mindset determines your actions!

 

Nothing builds confidence like winning!

 

It occurred to me last Sunday driving home from one of Wyatt’s victory games that nothing builds confidence like winning.  Simple enough, but to win you have to get out on the court and play.  So how do we get on the court and how do we create a victorious mindset? 

 

Keys I tell my son:

 

 

You’ve already won because you prepared.  What is your game?  Assess what is missing in your game.  Always be willing to take personal inventory.  Strengthen your natural talents.  Be disciplined, teachable and humble.  There is always someone who can help you to the next level if you have these qualities.  We have never ‘arrived’.  Honestly identify & develop your weaknesses.  Be willing to ask ‘teammates and coaches’ for areas to improve.    Challenge yourself & have fun, switch up the routine.  We never play the same game twice. Our training should have structure but always be developing.  Be in your game 5-6 days a week. 

 

 

 

 

The ball is yours – own it!  Where are you sabotaging yourself?  Get out of your comfort zone and go for the ball, not sometimes, always.  It is yours.  Whose ball is it?  YOURS!!  Don’t ever watch someone else take your ball.  Fight for it, someone is trying to take your ball!  Ethically and with good sportsmanship, when you need to be a monster on the court, don’t be gremlin.  Go Godzilla and take the game back.  Your performance isn’t just about you; it is for your team and everyone watching you.  It’s your ball!

 

 

Have fun in the game! Winning is fun!  Winning not only builds confidence, it’s fun!  Have fun.  Celebrate with your team; give props to your team.  Acknowledge those around you.  Let’s hug more & give more high five.  Set goals for yourself and reward yourself.  Have fun in your game and training. Be a positive thinker. Step into your victory circle, do your victory dance, include others in the celebration.

 

 

Bring it on.  Again, we never arrive.  Run tape, review.  Don’t critique, but look for more opportunity to carry your team to victory.  To grow and improve is to inspire others to do the same.  Your team is watching.  Are they watching you quit or are they watching you dance?

 

 

Stop comparing yourself to others!  Be a masterpiece, not a carbon copy.  Copies get fuzzy.  Masterpieces are unique and full of character and value.  Don’t over or under estimate your competition (just worry about you).  Maybe that team is undefeated.  Maybe they won’t be after this game!  Maybe that seventh grader can dunk.  That is great, good for them.  Respect it, do not fear it.  Maybe they’re huge ‘cause they handpicked all the guys off the football team and decided to teach them basketball.  I promise you you are faster than they are.  We all have a nitch, a perfect client, a specialty.  Maybe you can’t jump, then run faster, hustle, perfect your footwork.  Don’t worry about what ‘they can do’.  Wherever you think you lack skill, be willing to work harder.

 

Ready to get to work? 

 

Are you ready to be a Superstar of the Heart? Are you prepared for the game?  Get a coach!  Take your game to the next level! 

Dive into a Compass Life Makeover.  After creating your profile, check out the Compass MAP Live From The Heart.

What is your 2-minute mark (when do you feel like quitting)?  Be honest.  Who is watching you as an example?  Take a look at the Compass MAP  Find Your Confidence in the Relationship section of the MAP Library. 

Who’s on your team?  Whether you are running a company, a team, a church or a family, WHO IS ON YOUR TEAM?  We all need support and relationship.  Start building your team while you work through the Create Fabulous Friendships MAP.

 

 

Are you ready to be a Superstar of the Heart?