Decisions and Choices

"People only see the decisions you made not the choices you had."

This quote embeds a lot of concepts. The Fundamental Attribution Error explains that we judge the decisions of others based on 'character' and ourselves based on "situation." It unpacks the picture of hurricane Katrina in New Orleans with one image showing a couple "seeking food" amidst the devastation and another couple "looting." 

It reminds me of another of "The Four Agreements" - "Never make assumptions." A car cuts you off and speeds by. Our first thought is "what a jerk," not "maybe he is rushing to the hospital to see a sick relative or his pregnant wife." 

Choices and decisions have power. You've heard, "control what you can control." That's more and less than we think. We control our attitude, choices, and effort. One theme regularly seen is the influence of the books we read and the people with whom we associate. "Lie down with dogs and you get fleas." Or "are you investing your time or spending it?"

We become the product of our decisions and our opportunities. Youth sports business now exceeds ten billion dollars. Training, offseason teams, and travel are expensive. Young athletes and their families sacrifice time and treasure to compete. As you may know, economics is the "allocation of scarce resources," and minutes, role, and recognition are scarce in team sports. Big investments and great process don't guarantee high production...but they help. 

Our decisions literally become our habits. "We make our habits and our habits make us." Make great, intentional decisions. 

Lagniappe. Sport rewards athleticism.