Study What Works

Study successful coaches and ideas. What influences made them successful? What is their philosophy? Without clarity of philosophy, coaches can't teach or sell a culture, style, or program. 

For example, the Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr emphasizes mindset, mentors, and culture. 

The great entrepreneur Sara Blakely (Spanx) preaches make it, sell it, build brand awareness. 

Alabama football coach Nick Saban's top points are that "life is hard" and "it takes what it takes" to succeed. Players need the discipline to do what they have to do when they don't want to and the discipline NOT to do what they shouldn't when they want to. 

The Chinese General Sun Tzu from about 500 B.C. wrote in The Art of War, "every battle is won before it is fought." Preparation is everything. 

You can't award yourself coaching or playing honors but you can have a clear philosophy. 

Know that the first priority of coaching is successful relationships. I preach teamwork, improvement, and accountability.  Accountability means holding yourself to a high standard. 

Your playing career is short. Develop a philosophy, your approach to the game. Include your identity as a player and an attitude about your performance. Restated, "this is who I am" and "this is how I play." 

Understand that as players, your performance defines the minutes, roles, and recognition. Coaches put what is obvious into play. 

Lagniappe. The Ideal Player.