Thoughts on a New Season

I am not so close to either the players or the coaches to have any opinion whatsoever about the team. Certainly, Coach Celli and his staff return much of the core from last year's team, although valuable players always graduate. So it has ever been, so will it be. 

But certain immutable truths drive results. First, never doubt the importance of attitude - positive attitude, team spirit, and the capacity to fight through adversity. 

“What you really believe about the source of great performance thus becomes the foundation of all you will ever achieve.” 
― Geoff Colvin, Talent is Overrated: What Really Separates World-Class Performers from Everybody Else

Attitude encompasses your self-talk, visualization, goals, and ability to simulate in practice what you will face in matches.

Second, believe that character distinguishes great teams from excellent ones. 

Character drives your process which informs results. Sometimes you can be outscored yet do your best and claim success. Conversely, you will win matches where you have not done your best. The graphic above comes from Brett Ledbetter's What Drives Winning. 

Third, confidence, appearing as self-trust, defines success. I'm not talking about the fool's gold of selfish bad choices, but the willingness to take the shot when the opportunity arises. Great players make signature plays and have both 'go to' and 'counter' moves. Excellent teams win points. Championships are forged on action. Decision determine destiny. Duke Coach Mike Krzyzewski says "basketball is about making plays not running plays." 

Finally, trust your leadership. The four most powerful words you can hear are "I believe in you." Channel that trust into commitment, decisiveness, sacrifice for the team, and persistence. 

Nothing in the world can take the place of Persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan 'Press On' has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.

Calvin Coolidge

Enjoy the season. Play hard, play smart, play together, and have fun.