Distractions

“Never be a distraction.” What does that mean? A distraction takes an individual's or group's focus away from something else. 

Focus on the objective, the success of the team. That requires coachability, understanding "commander's intent" (the mission), the discipline to be your best through hard work, nutrition, and sleep. 

The year was 2005. Senior Night. Melrose was undefeated, playing at Roosevelt school during construction. North Andover was the opponent with transportation problems, arriving over an hour late. Melrose came out flat losing the first set. It took awhile to reverse the momentum, but they gradually did, winning 3-1. The two met again in the Sectional Finals at Andover and Melrose steamrolled the Knights. The distraction lesson had taken hold. 

What distractions happen?  

• Schoolwork is not a distraction. Academics are a priority. 
• Social media is a distraction. 
• Focusing on awards and recognition are distractions. 
• Looking beyond the next game is distraction. 
• Most of all, dwelling on the last point is distraction. 

Lagniappe. 

DON'T WAIT
❌ Don't wait for a coach to motivate you.
🟢 Motivate yourself.
❌ Don't wait for an opportunity.
🟢 Create an opportunity.
❌ Don't wait for someone else to lead.
🟢 Step up and lead yourself and team.
❌ Don't wait until next year.
🟢 Take advantage of this year.

— Jeff Janssen (@janssenleader) October 5, 2023

Lagniappe 2. Toss better, serve better.