Stop and Think

When you arise in the morning, what's your growth routine? Match your plan with your goals. 

Control what you can control. You can't control the weather, when you have tests or assignments due. But you control your study habits and time allocated to home, school, and other responsibilities. 

Do what must be done. Maybe you have to make your bed, clean a bathroom weekly, do some vacuuming, take out the trash. Do it. Allocate enough time for homework and other 'budgeted' activity (like athletic training and volleyball practice). 

Build better habits. Sleep and nutrition are vital habits. Force yourself to be better. You can't fuel a race car with sand. Remember, habits are votes for the kind of person you want to become. 

Be accountable, holding yourself to high standards. The fourth agreement, "always do your best" allows freedom from regret. If you just do your best, there is no way you can judge yourself. And if you don’t judge yourself there is no way you are going to suffer from guilt, blame, and self-punishment.

Fill your toolbox. Your metaphorical toolbox has room for improved communication skills, relationship skills, learning, athleticism, and so much more. Just as you're learning, your teachers have workshops and other professionals have continuing education. Learning doesn't stop when they hand you your diploma. 

Take a breath when you wake to plan your day to be productive. That doesn't mean you get no "down time" to rest and recover. 

Summary: 

• Control what you can control.
• Do what must be done. 
• Build better habits. 
• Be accountable.
• Fill your toolbox. 

Lagniappe. Winning is hard. That's why it's valuable. 

Lagniappe 2. Every player should learn core skills like setting.