Maintaining Perspective

Billy Donovan opens up about the cost of chasing validation through achievements.

“I was depressed because I lost total sight of what it’s all about…If it’s all about the ring and the trophy, you lose the most valuable thing…the group of people and the relationships that are… pic.twitter.com/5WajUFraA7

— Zach Brandon (@MVP_Mindset) December 2, 2025

Maintain a healthy perspective of sport within your life.

Coach Ellis Lane told us (1970-1973) about priorities:

• Family
• Academics
• Basketball

Winning matters as does individual achievement. But it's not everything. A person or a group can succeed and feel unfulfilled because their relationships suffer.

Winning means much more when you enjoy it with your group. Shared sacrifice (hard work) and friendships stay with you. Cultivate and enjoy them as a vital part of your journey. 

Lagniappe. One of the books I'm reading is former Navy SEAL Jack Carr's "True Believer," from the Terminal List series. Here's a quote:

"Being an “expert” in anything means doing the basics exceptionally well, so Reece started with the fundamentals." Don't "go back to the basics." Never leave them. 

Lagniappe 2. Sport by definition creates and thrives on competition. Be intense and collaborative. Maintaining positive attitudes benefits everyone. It's not easy, but worth the struggle. 

An important message for parents.

Negativity at home always finds its way to the locker room.

Parents have the power to help build a positive culture…or poison it. pic.twitter.com/NIyl2kpxXs

— Greg Berge (@gb1121) December 4, 2025