Convictions into Action*

*Inspired by On Character, by Stanley McChrystal

Hope is not a plan. 

"Convictions set the direction of our intentions, but discipline provides the impetus to move. Without the discipline to adhere to them, our best beliefs are just opinions—and everybody has some." - Stanley McChrystal in On Character: Choices That Define a Life

Like planting a tree, there's no doubt that the best time to do better was decades ago. The second best time is now.

As young people, first, what do you want? Second, if you know what you want, what will it take to access that? Then, are you willing to make the effort and sacrifices to get that? 

You have full ownership, mirrored by choice. You alone can make the commitment and exercise discipline. 

Character (Your Personal House)

Character Equation:

CHARACTER = CONVICTIONS x DISCIPLINE 

restated

CHARACTER - BELIEFS x ACTION

Your build your "house". 

CONVICTIONS (select your own)

• Learning creates a blueprint (for personal and group development)
• Share (be a good teammate not a selfish one) - starts with family
• Coaching drives performance ("Everyone benefits from coaching.")

DISCIPLINE 

• Set high standards, chased by daily actions.
• Show up every day. "Always do your best." 
• Do the right thing not the easy thing.

How do you "build your house?" 

Richie McCaw, created by ChatGPT Plus

1) Start with a blueprint. Think about what you want. 

2) Write it down. If you want to be the best libero in the state, write it. Writing is reality. When Richie McCaw was eight years old, his uncle had him sign a paper, Richie McCaw, G.A.B. (Greatest All-Black...New Zealand rugby team)

3) Track performance. "Winners are trackers."

Lagniappe. Attack better; monitor your performance.