Marcus Aurelius on Doing the Work

The most powerful passage from Meditations by Marcus Aurelius: pic.twitter.com/IEigLmHrDz

— Reads with Ravi (@readswithravi) July 19, 2026

Stoicism is simple but not easy. The top principles of Stoicism center on mastering your mind, virtue, and responding to life with clarity rather than impulse.

• Control what you can control.
• Align our behavior with our best human capacities - reason, virtue, cooperation, and clarity. 
• Practice virtue - wisdom, courage, justice, temperance
• Perception shapes reality. Events cause pain to the degree we allow them to cause pain. Don't feel "the second arrow." 
• "Memento mori" - remember that life is finite. 

Do the work of life. 

Lagniappe. MVB 2011 went to the State Finals. 

MVB 26 Schedule

The regular season schedule is published on Maxpreps.com. 

MVB has a highly competitive schedule including three tough matches to start. 

Body Language (some AI Assist)

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Emotional self-regulation is a powerful skill for student-athletes. Celebrate small victories while staying under control. 

Athletes show positive body language:

• Strong posture - Stand tall with shoulders back and head held high, signaling confidence and readiness. Servers show positive posture.

• Eye contact - Athletes lock eyes with teammates or coaches to show focus, trust, and engagement, especially during huddles or timeouts.

• Encouraging gestures - Positive touches help. High‑fives, fist bumps, pats on the back, or a thumbs‑up reinforce team unity.

• Composed breathing - Slow, controlled breaths signal calm under pressure and assist your reset after mistakes.

• Active listening stance - Leaning in slightly, nodding, and maintaining open posture during coaching moments shows respect and focus.

The Symmetry of Volleyball Practice

Many sports show symmetry. For example, in basketball, teams want to get more and betters shots than the opponent. Offense works to setup opportunities without turnovers and defense wants to force "one bad shot" and force turnovers.

In it's simplest iteration scoring arrives via: 

• Serves - put opponents at a disadvantage
• Attacks - get high probability attacks
• Block-kills - make blocking a high priority for scoring

Serves

The symmetry arises from better serve-receive. Better strategy, better communication, better execution. Working on serving simultaneously improves serve-receive. 

Attacks

Each season with graduation, offenses must "replace" kills not available from established players. Some increases occur via "redistribution" to ascending players and others occur from "player development" to players who earn a larger role and more opportunities. 

The best "drills" have offense, defense, communication, decision-making, and competition. Other drills have value (e.g. small-sided games) because they allow more touches. 

Practicing attacks includes competition against blockers, which also builds their skill. 

Block-kills

Last season Melrose had a lot of blocks but also left "chips on the table" with opportunities to block the outsides as teams limited middle attacks. 

Practicing block-kills also requires hitters to exert creativity scoring with "the short sword" on tips, rolls, tools, cut shots, and so forth. 

The best players take advantage of competitive practice to improve and to help those around them gain edges.

Lagniappe. 

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Winning the Details

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Brad Stevens emphasizes "attention to details."

What general details do you think matter? 

• Preparation and competitive practice
• Game planning and "being on the same page"
• Communication
• Execution
• Adjustments in real-time

What specific details do you think matter the most? 

Rethinking

"Never argue with a person who buys ink by the barrel." - Chuck Daly

Writing or speaking more doesn't necessarily improve the quality of arguments. Curiosity and openness add more value in deciding arguments. 

Adam Grant in Think Again defines three important points in determining negotiations.

1. Find common ground.

2. Have better arguments, not a laundry list of more items.

3. Think like a scientist. Critically evaluate evidence. 

Common ground 

Rather than thinking, "she's the one," consider where we agree. That can lower the temperature of a disagreement. It's not always "A" or "B." Cooks realize that a substitution can add value (e.g. applesauce versus oil). If someone in our family has a peanut allergy, maybe she can tolerate sun butter. 

Volleyball - where can we agree about a player's strengths and needs? 

Better arguments

Disney CEO Bob Iger got a meeting to discuss a merger with PIXAR chief Steve Jobs. Jobs had a long whiteboard where he listed the PROS and CONS of a merger...synergy versus competition. 

Job came up with three arguments in favor and about twenty opposed. Iger said, "It looks as though you're opposed." Iger respond that was not the case, because the strength of the PROS strongly outweighed the list of the negatives. 

Years ago the Patriots had a superb athlete Tebucky Jones - a workout warrior, big, fast, tough. He had an impressive nine year NFL career, yet it's tempting to think what he could have been if he had more football ability. 

Being an exceptional athlete and great teammate helps, yet it represents  only one box amidst others including skill, VB IQ, and the mental game. 

Volleyball - "I trust her when she's on the court" is a compelling argument.

Perspective

"Think like a scientist." Find evidence, both supporting and disconfirming to generate an argument. 

I like the way Connelly Early (currently injured) pitches. 

Here's a BaseballSavant.com look at percentile rankings...for Payton Tolle. There's a lot of red ink (good). He can improve his breaking stuff and changeup. However, he has elite fastball movement, extension, and ERA. Arguing for Early is, well, early. 

Preseason scrimmages create foundational data for earning rotational spots. "The players make out the lineup card." 

Volleyball - "Force me to play you." 

Rethinking

"Better" thinking depends not only on data but on actual performance. I know that Coach Scott Celli could make out a lineup card today, but he wouldn't feel good about it without watching how players respond to opportunity and challenges of actual game play. 

He's been open to 'rethinking' lineups over the years. "Every day is showtime." 

Lagniappe. Think twenty years in the future. What advice would you share with your current self? 

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Learn from the Firehose of Information Around Us to Become an Unlikely Heroine

A recurrent blog theme is the opportunity to learn across domains. How can players learn from a K-drama ("Misaeng: Incomplete Life") where the hero arrives at a trading company with no domain or work experience?

Think back to your early volleyball experiences - no platform skills, awkward serving, embryonic footwork. As you evolve, you grow skills, game understanding, physical and emotional maturity. If you can do that for volleyball, why not at home, in class, and in your first jobs?

Here's a "hallucination" from Claude.ai about one "hero journey" where the protagonist begins alone, isolated with no allies or mentors. Yet he grows and persists. 

I'm not recommend a watch, but a study of the narrative arc. 

Geu-rae is a great case study precisely because he flips the usual leadership assumption on its head — competence isn't the gate, character is the engine that builds competence over time. Here are the leadership lessons that come out of his journey:

1. Attitude is trainable before skill is.
Geu-rae can't do the technical parts of the job when he starts, but he can control his attitude, effort, and honesty completely. Leaders who wait for someone to be "ready" before investing in them get the sequence backwards. The people worth developing often show the trainable traits — coachability, humility, follow-through — long before they show the trainable skills.

2. Process discipline (his baduk/go background) transfers across domains.
Geu-rae's years studying Go didn't teach him office work, but they taught him how to read a position, think several moves ahead, stay calm under pressure, and learn from a loss without collapsing. The lesson for leaders: don't just evaluate direct experience — look for transferable discipline. Someone's rigor in one domain often predicts how they'll operate in a new one.

3. Psychological safety unlocks effort; contempt shuts it down.
The contrast between Sang-sik (Geu-rae's team lead, who is demanding but fair and invested) and the higher-ups who dismiss Geu-rae for his background is the show's central leadership tension. Sang-sik gets more out of Geu-rae not by lowering standards but by making it safe to fail, ask questions, and try again. Leaders who signal contempt for someone's starting point guarantee they'll never see that person's ceiling.

4. Accountability without excuse-making is a competitive advantage.
Geu-rae almost never blames circumstances. When he screws up, he owns it and adjusts. This matters for leaders because it's rare and it's a strong predictor of long-term development — someone who metabolizes failure into correction improves faster than someone equally talented who externalizes blame.

5. Merit systems have to be built, not assumed.
A recurring theme is that "meritocracy" at the company is aspirational, not real — plenty of decisions run on pedigree and politics, not demonstrated ability. The leadership lesson: fair evaluation doesn't happen by default. Leaders have to actively build structures that let character-and-effort candidates get evaluated on their actual output, or the informal hierarchy will just reproduce itself.

6. Small, consistent wins compound into trust.
Geu-rae doesn't have a single heroic moment that proves himself. He earns credibility through repeated small deliveries — showing up early, doing the tedious task well, not cutting corners. For leaders, this reframes how you build trust in a new or unproven team member: you don't need to wait for the big test; you accumulate evidence.

7. The team, not just the individual, is the unit of development.
Sang-sik's team functions as a genuine developmental unit — people cover for each other, share credit, and absorb newcomers' mistakes without punishing them publicly. Geu-rae improves faster because he's inside a team culture built for growth, not just inside an org chart.

If it's useful, the throughline for a blog piece could be: competence is a lagging indicator, character is a leading one — which would pair naturally with the Duckworth grit material and the Wooden/Stoic patience piece you've already written, since Geu-rae is basically a live case study in both.

The Misaeng to MVB Message:

Misaeng in the game "Go" describes a stone that is not yet fully alive on the board.

MVB 26 has a team full of players "not fully alive on the board." They move along a high character, high commitment arc that creates possibility. 

 

How Coaching Relates to Human Development and Leadership

All opinions expressed in the blog are solely my own. The blog is not an official publication of any City of Melrose organization. 

Effective coaches add value in different ways (e.g. teaching, perspective, leadership), including truth-telling.

The question of how excellence, credibility, and stewardship are earned is timeless.

Good intentions do not equal good results. 

A coach's authority comes from the position. A coach's influence comes from earned credibility. Coaching legacy comes from developing people who eventually surpass the coach.

As a coach, I can insist that you call me "Coach," but that earns neither  credibility nor influence. 

The progression from position to legacy mirrors human development. At first, children follow because an adult says, "I said so." As they mature, they gravitate to and follow those who show competence and integrity. Eventually, leadership is not commanding followers but cultivating future leaders who understand both their sport and their inherited tradition.

Players face intersecting challenges - physical, mental, and emotional growth, sport-specific development, and social maturity. Invest some time in considering whom you want to become and the best way to get there.

Lagniappe. Deserve success. 

“Earning and deserving the confidence that you play with because of the work that you put in and then not being afraid of failure,” Steph Curry

Don’t try to be confident.
Be prepared.
Confidence will take care of itself. pic.twitter.com/qeNWDWx76h

— The Winning Difference (@thewinningdiff1) July 14, 2026

Principles from Lingenfelter (Big AI Assist)

Practice should prepare players for the emotional demands of competition - not just the technical demands. 

Distill coaching lessons from books, videos, podcasts, or lectures. AI can and did help (and I edited heavily):

1. Competition is a skill.

This may be his central idea.

Most coaches teach skills. Lingenfelter says we also need to teach: Competing.

Not everyone knows:

• how to respond after losing three points,
• how to play from ahead,
• how to finish,
• how to recover from mistakes.

Competition itself deserves practice.

2. Cooperative versus Combative

Every drill should answer:

What is today's objective?

Cooperative

Emphasize technique with lots of repetitions, confidence, ball control or placement. 

Combative

Pressure, decision-making, scoring, winning, and emotion.

He's saying: Know why you're doing each. That reminds me of basketball thought: Every drill should have a purpose...to impact winning. 

3. "You haven't taught until they've learned."

This may be my favorite quote from the clinic. It humbles.

Teaching isn't measured by:

• explanations
• PowerPoint
• demonstrations.

Teaching is measured by: Changed behavior. That's medicine, coaching, parenting.

4. Be concise

He asks: "Why stop eleven players to coach one?" If a player made one mistake...can you fix it later?

5. Score everything

This is one of his biggest themes. Keep score to emphasize:

• urgency
• accountability
• engagement

6. Win the first ten minutes

I love it. He calls the opening of practice the rudder. That applies in matches, too.

Fast starts, early communication, find answers out of the gate. He stamps the same idea to practice.

7. Teach failure

Lingenfelter repeatedly says: Fail. Fail often. Fail forward. That fits a favorite concept: Don't miss twice.

Mistakes aren't the enemy. Failure to learn from mistakes is.

8. Small-sided games

This aligns perfectly with modern motor learning.

Smaller games mean: More touches, decisions, communication, and less standing.

9. "Win the gym"

This one conjured Pete Carroll. The objective is to become the hardest-working, most connected team in the building. That's identity.

Coach Scott Celli and I discussed the video. Coaches have to love practice, the process, seeing players improve. Yes, winning matters and adds additional motivation. Winning without playing well doesn't provide the same feedback, the why? 

Lagniappe. Come to practice with intention to improve elements - block footwork, attack sequence, service location. 

Another version of "Shout outs." 

Are you looking for a unique way to end your team/staff meetings on a high note?

A way to conclude that will increase cohesion and camaraderie?

Try an exercise called You, Me, We.

INSTRUCTIONS: Select a member of your team to acknowledge something that a teammate did well… pic.twitter.com/QXa4r09M9U

— Alan Stein, Jr. (@AlanSteinJr) July 14, 2026

Musashi and "The Book of Five Rings"

All opinions expressed in the blog are solely mine. The blog is not an official publication of any City of Melrose organization. Some AI assist.

Learn across time, space, and cultures. One of the great warriors of history was Musashi, master of Kendo (The Way of the Sword) and author of "The Book of Five Rings."

"The Book of Five Rings," written circa 1645 is considered one of the bibles of strategy. Musashi, a Samurai, was undefeated in combat. He believed that most opponents suffered from their lack of strategy. It's a difficult read without frame of reference to swordsmanship. 

Principles that fit:

1. The Long Sword and the Companion Sword

Volleyball Translation: Win with both power and finesse.

Musashi believed a swordsman should be proficient with both the long sword and the companion sword. Each had strengths depending on distance, timing, and circumstance.

In volleyball:

The Long Sword 

• Powerful jump serve
• Hard-driven attack
• Stuff block
• Offensive system

The Companion Sword

• Roll shot
• Tip
• Off-speed attack
• High hands
• Emergency free ball
• Smart serving to seams

Many young players fall in love with the "long sword." Great attackers learn when not to swing hard, to use space and time. 

Sometimes the winning shot is the one that barely clears the block.

Musashi might say:

Use the weapon the situation requires.

2. Observe Before You Attack

Volleyball Translation: Gather information early.

Musashi repeatedly emphasized observation.

A samurai studies:

• stance
• rhythm
• tendencies
• confidence

Volleyball players should do the same.

During the first 10-15 points question:

• Which hitter tips?
• Which setter favors the right side?
• Who struggles with float serves?
• Which blocker leaves the line?
• Which passer is uncomfortable?

Winning often belongs to the team that learns fastest.

3. Timing Over Force

Volleyball Translation: Technique beats effort.

Musashi writes often about timing. The objective isn't swinging harder but striking at the right moment.

Volleyball examples:

• Closing the block late rather than early.
• Delaying the swing against a triple block.
• Waiting another fraction of a second before attacking a poor set.
• Letting the ball descend into your platform on serve receive.

Power without timing rarely succeeds.

"Play with force and timing."

4. Disturb the Opponent's Rhythm

Volleyball Translation: Keep opponents uncomfortable.

Musashi wanted to disrupt his opponent's cadence.

Volleyball teams can do the same by:

• varying serve speed
• mixing float and topspin
• alternating tempos
• changing defensive looks
• attacking different zones

Predictability helps the opponent. Variation forces adjustment. Find answers for that match.

5. Balance and Center

Volleyball Translation: Efficient movement creates options.

Musashi devoted considerable attention to posture and balance. A swordsman leaning too far cannot respond quickly.

Volleyball is similar. There are times for patience and speed. 

Good defenders:

• stay balanced
• avoid overcommitting
• recover quickly
• maintain posture through contact

The best athletes appear fast because they're rarely off balance. Read plays early.

Being early allows balance. Balance allows choices.

No Fixed Strategy

One of Musashi's deepest ideas is that there is no universally correct technique. Be able to play against different players and styles. He warns against becoming attached to any single style. That fits volleyball beautifully.

Some matches require:

• power

Others require:

• patience
• defense
• communication
• emotional resilience

Championship teams aren't committed to one way of winning. They're committed to winning. Don't become attached to your favorite weapon. Commit to solving the problem in front of you.

Lagniappe. The ChatGPT summary:

The Book of Five Rings is divided into five sections - Earth, Water, Fire, Wind, and Void - and blends swordsmanship with broader principles of strategy and personal conduct. While different translations vary in wording, these are eight enduring principles that capture the spirit of Musashi's work:

1. Know the Way thoroughly.
   • Master the fundamentals before seeking advanced techniques.
   • Deep understanding comes through consistent practice, not shortcuts.
2. Perceive what others overlook.
   • Train yourself to distinguish appearance from reality.
   • Success often comes from noticing subtle details others miss.
3. Do not become attached to one method.
   • Adapt to the situation rather than forcing a favorite strategy.
   • Flexibility is a greater strength than rigid expertise.
4. Make decisions without hesitation.
   • Once you've gathered sufficient information, act decisively.
   • Indecision often creates more problems than an imperfect choice.
5. Control the rhythm.
   • Every contest, negotiation, or challenge has a tempo.
   • Learn when to accelerate, when to wait, and when to disrupt your opponent's timing.
6. See the whole, not just the immediate.
   • Musashi emphasizes developing broad awareness rather than focusing narrowly.
   • In modern terms, maintain strategic vision while handling tactical details.
7. Train every day.
   • Skill is built through deliberate, disciplined repetition.
   • Character and competence grow from consistent habits rather than occasional bursts of effort.
8. Remain calm under pressure.
   • Emotional control is a competitive advantage.
   • Fear, anger, and overconfidence cloud judgment; composure sharpens it.

These principles explain why the book continues to resonate with athletes, military leaders, executives, and coaches. Although written for samurai nearly 400 years ago, its central message is timeless: victory belongs not merely to the strongest, but to those who prepare thoroughly, observe clearly, adapt intelligently, and act with discipline.

As someone who has discussed coaching philosophy before, one Musashi idea is especially applicable to sports:

"Know your strengths, know your opponent's strengths, and know the rhythm of the contest."

That mindset applies equally well to volleyball, baseball, business, and medicine: master the fundamentals, observe carefully, adapt continuously, and execute with confidence.