"All of us are addicted to tomorrow...but making it happen today is how you improve.” Nick Saban pic.twitter.com/Bw6AMHevmY
— The Winning Difference (@thewinningdiff1) December 27, 2024
One of the greatest privileges of youth is charting your future, navigating your path.
Make today the most important day in your life. Write and rewrite your story; make it a great one.
Journaling has merits for self-improvement and self-regulation.
Journaling carries more weight when regular. There is probably more value for handwritten entries. I keep a separate handwritten journal.
Sahil Bloom emphasizes what he calls the 1-1-1 method.
"Simple works" until it doesn't. Prodigious writing output doesn't equal quality.
On Bloomberg radio, host Tom Keene asked a guest, "what belongs on your 3 x 5 card going into 2025?" That's always a good question.
What briefly describes our coaching ethos, methods, and collective beliefs, attitudes, and values?
Each evening, I sit down at my desk and write down the 3-5 highest-impact to-dos for the following day. These are the "important" tasks that directly contribute to my long-term projects or goals.
The list is pure—I specifically avoid writing down all of the miscellaneous urgent and unimportant to-dos (more on that later).
In the morning, I sit down at my desk for my first focus work block and start at the top of the list, working my way down and crossing off the important items as I get through them. My primary goal is to cross each item off the list by the end of the day.
I am intentionally conservative in the number of items I write on the list. It's usually 3, sometimes 4, and very rarely 5. I never want to end the day with open items, so being conservative helps me accomplish that (and get the extra rush from getting through more than I expected).
So what belongs?
1. It's all about relationships - coach-player, player-player, coach-coach. Savor and cultivate them daily.
2. Put the team first. The best players make everyone around them better.
3. Add value. That requires character and competence. Add value for life.
4. "Every day is player development day." Skill, there is no substitute.
5. Seek work-life balance. On the cusp of retirement, I'm still looking.
On the back of the card, we could have a "what does our team need today?" list to address specifics.
There's no "life-changing drill." There are life-changing people, life-changing experiences, difference makers.
What's on your 3 x 5 card?
Lagniappe. Build lateral quickness.
All opinions expressed in the blog are solely my own. Don't blame anyone else.
All sport programs are subject to fragility, failure under stress. The New England Patriots had a long period (2001-2018) of success with six Super Bowl titles. That's not the norm. Most attribute the success to superior coaching under Bill Belichick and exceptional quarterback play by Tom Brady.
A variety of factors work to limit sustainable competitive advantage - structural including a salary cap, free agency, and standings-based drafting and nonstructural including team spending, injuries, and "attractiveness" of franchises by winning, weather, state taxes, and other factors.
MVB has enjoyed success since at least 2002. In the book "Antifragile," Nassim Taleb examines factors impacting fragility and a desire to make systems "antifragile," that is 'hardened' by stress.
First, a digression to ChatGPT:
Programs that focus solely on winning are fragile; one bad season or key injury can derail them. Antifragile programs emphasize growth, improvement, and consistent execution of core principles.
Example: A volleyball program that measures success by metrics like fewer errors, stronger team communication, and incremental skill improvements—not just wins—can adapt better to setbacks like losing star players.
An antifragile program develops multiple layers of talent and leadership so it doesn’t crumble if a key player or coach departs.
Tactics:
Programs that embrace flexibility and innovation thrive in chaotic environments. This includes teaching athletes to adjust their approach mid-game and evolving the program’s strategies over time.
How:
Antifragile systems improve by learning from stressors and feedback. Create a culture where players, coaches, and staff give and receive constructive criticism.
Actionable Steps:
Fragile programs fear failure because it exposes weaknesses. Antifragile programs embrace failure as an opportunity to grow stronger.
Approach:
Antifragility thrives on stress, and mentally tough athletes handle stress better. A team with emotional resilience can turn adversity into opportunity.
Strategies:
Many programs are fragile because they rely heavily on a single source of funding or one star player to attract attention. Diversification adds antifragility.
Ideas:
The best programs are perpetual learners. They actively seek ways to improve and adapt to changing circumstances.
Implementation:
Rigid hierarchies are fragile. Antifragile systems empower players to lead and solve problems autonomously, creating a more adaptable team.
Practical Steps:
Antifragility thrives on accountability and commitment. Programs where everyone—coaches, players, staff—has a stake in the program’s success create a shared sense of responsibility.
How:
Introduce controlled chaos in practices to simulate the unpredictability of games. This builds adaptability and reduces fear of unexpected challenges.
Examples:
Programs reliant on a single charismatic coach or player are fragile. Antifragile programs institutionalize core values, ensuring continuity regardless of personnel changes.
Steps:
By embracing uncertainty and learning to grow from it, sports programs can make themselves stronger over time. The key is viewing challenges as opportunities, not threats, and designing systems that thrive on change. Which of these ideas feels most relevant to your program?
Let's examine a few factors that affect program fragility.
1. Alternative sports. Let's look outside Melrose, at Watertown with their uber-dominant field hockey (FH) program. FH success is easier without 'competition' from other major fall sports. Their soccer program went 2-15 and volleyball 0-20. Neither sport has gravitational force to attract top athletes from FH. A superpower program can be self-sustaining.
2. Program culture. A culture of positivity and success has 'intangibles' that help recruit and retain players.
3. Sport popularity trends in society. More high school girls (470K versus 373K) participate in volleyball than basketball (NFHS statistics). The participation trend is upward for both girls and boys.
5. Youth development program. Middle school volleyball has shown an explosive growth in participation. The more athletes to choose from the greater likelihood of finding "diamonds in the rough."
6. The more participation and growth mindset in a program the more opportunity to develop both excellent frontline AND depth players.
7. Community support. Success attracts 'eyeballs' and resources. An effective booster organization can help fund equipment, uniforms, and coaching positions.
8. Success attracts and retains players who build skill through offseason strength and conditioning and offseason play. Better athleticism and experience helps prepare players for the regular and postseason.
Lagniappe. Subtle angle differences on middle attack.
The Four Pillars are:
You don't need expensive equipment. Body weight exercises help. A gallon of water (e.g. in a plastic container) weighs about 8.3 pounds - useful "dumbbells."
Single leg and split stance variations should be a focus in long term athletic development:
— Jeremy Toohey (@Toohey_sp) December 23, 2024
▪️Skater Squats
▪️Rear foot elevated split squat
▪️Back loaded reverse lunges
▪️Front foot elevated split squats
▪️Single leg squats
▪️SL RDL
▪️Hatfield split squats
▪️Step up ➡️ Lunge pic.twitter.com/OfmeCNwQeU
10 minute high intensity interval training
I was just telling my son how special UNLV was. They were literally running teams out the gym. Stifling defense, fast break dunks, swagger, grit, snarling, screaming after they dunk. And when they beat Duke by 30 in the championship game in 1990, man the whole community was proud pic.twitter.com/qODxvpuirc
— Etan Thomas (@etanthomas36) December 23, 2024
Greatness isn't about "copying" what others do. The great Pete Newell said, "most copies are poor reproductions of the original."
1. Be positive. Nobody crafts a positive life from a negative attitude.
2. Bring energy. Energize yourself and your teammates. Be an energy giver not an energy vampire.
3. Make everyone around you better. "Share something great," a tip on playing, a poem, a book, a movie...
"To see a world in a grain of sand,
And a heav'n in a wild flower.
Hold infinity in the palm of your hand,
And eternity in an hour." - William Blake
4. "Comparison is the thief of joy." - Teddy Roosevelt Don't compare yourself to others. if you must compare, compare yourself to the person you were yesterday.
5. "Make friends with the dead." Only about seven percent of the people ever born are alive today. Become friends with Abraham Lincoln, Margaret Mead, Tolstoy, Mark Twain, Frances Perkins.
Merry Christmas. May the sun never set on your joy.
Lagniappe. You don't need a gym to practice footwork.
Difference makers lead by example and have a positive impact on their team every single day. pic.twitter.com/4UDt0wfU3l
— The Winning Difference (@thewinningdiff1) December 23, 2024
What you achieve depends not on the training that your teammates, coaches, and fans see. It depends more on your training that they never see.
Few see you training to develop quickness, power, and strength.
Few see the hours invested in developing attack and defensive footwork, platforms skills and arm swing.
Few see you watching game video to improve your ability to read the game and make better decisions.
Few see you working on mental focus and resilience.
Few see you eating right, hydrating, recovering after workouts with contrast therapy, and getting enough sleep.
Excellence depends on global attention to detail.
Exceptional players and coaches have extraordinary understanding of sport. Let's start with a summary of Fergus Connolly's "Game Changer" from ChatGPT.
Fergus Connolly's Game Changer: The Art of Sports Science emphasizes a holistic approach to human performance, blending physical preparation, tactical awareness, technical skill, and mental resilience. The book's key themes include:
The Four Pillars of Performance
Connolly identifies four key elements of success in any sport:
Context is Everything
Connolly stresses the importance of understanding the unique demands of each sport and tailoring training to align with the game’s specific challenges, rather than blindly applying generic methods.
Integrated Preparation
Rather than isolating each performance pillar, the book argues for a system-based approach, where all aspects (physical, mental, tactical, technical) are interconnected and trained simultaneously.
Learning Over Mimicking
Instead of copying drills or methods from successful teams, coaches should focus on the principles that underpin performance. This ensures adaptability and fosters players’ ability to think critically and solve problems in real-time.
The 4C Model for Team Dynamics
Successful teams excel in:
Game-Centric Training
Training should replicate game scenarios to enhance decision-making, anticipation, and adaptability under pressure. Connolly emphasizes realistic, competitive environments to prepare athletes.
Resilience and Recovery
Mental resilience is crucial for maintaining performance during adversity. Equally important is recovery, as Connolly highlights the need for rest and rejuvenation to prevent burnout and sustain long-term success.
Feedback and Reflection
Continuous improvement hinges on accurate feedback. Connolly advocates for objective performance analysis combined with open dialogue between coaches and players to foster growth.
The overarching message is that excellence in sport is a blend of art and science, requiring a dynamic, adaptable approach tailored to the specific challenges of each game and team.
How can we apply Connolly's methods?
1. Adopt the four pillars. Everything matters. Practice, study the game, and build both body and mind.
2. Be 'sport-specific'. Platform skills, setting, and footwork are critical for player development. Ball control has been a long-term MVB priority.
3. Integrate the skills by playing a lot.
4. Successful players learn to read opposing attackers and defenders. An outside hitter has to decide whether to hit, tip, or use a rollshot. She decides whether to attack down the line, cross court, or a cutshot.
5. "Fight for your culture every day." Melrose has always blended youth and experience and MVB 25 will continue that theme.
6. Experiences from practice impact winning. Analgous to basketball, strong drills blend offense, defense, decision-making, and competition.
7. Part of resilience is creating a "culture of expectation." Young players have already "gotten their feet wet" during postseason tournament games.
8. Feedback looks backward. "This is what we did." Advice looks forward. "This is what we need to do to be successful."
Lagniappe. Winning the serve-serve receive battle is always important for competitive teams.
"Defenses can reduce opportunities by closing space or preventing movement in areas where the attacking team can create scoring opportunities. The defense has to disrupt the attacking team so that it’s prevented from implementing the objectives of its game plan." - From Dr. Fergus Connolly, "Game Changer"
Work to understand what creates success in the game.
DEVELOPMENT IS PROBLEM SOLVING
— Steve Dagostino (@DagsBasketball) December 22, 2024
We often think of Player Development in terms of the skills and drills that need to be done for growth. In reality, you are problem solving for the player to find the most efficient way for them to navigate their situation and be the best that they… pic.twitter.com/fitxpLsrc2
Problem solving applies for both individuals and teams. Many slots are wide open from MVB 25. As an individual, what must you do to earn one? Back row players need to improve their digging, passing, serving, playing "out of system" where you are setting hitters.
"Positive scoring" relies on:
- Serving, under total control of the server.
- Attacking, with attacks from the middles, pins, back row, and setters
- Blocking, with block kills.
Under the best circumstances, blocking both neutralizes opponent attacks and scores points. MVB 25 graduates two of its top three 'scorers' in Carol Higonenq and Sofia Papatsoris. Step up and tell yourself, "that is my job. I am winning that role for next season." If unsure about how, consult your coaches.
Not enough seniority? Age and experience have never prevented young players from leaving their mark on winning. Freshmen have started and been in the rotation.
Lagniappe. Find ways to attack from different areas.
Develop the elite athleticism to be able to attack pipe. There are athletes in the system capable of becoming this.
The key to peak performance is being in the present moment and focusing on one play at a time. Most mistakes happen when you're thinking ahead or dwelling on the past.
— Sports Psychology (@SportPsychTips) December 21, 2024
Play present. Be in the moment. Focus on this play. You've heard that volleyball is a game of momentum. Disallow hitters and servers to go on a big run. "Keep the ball up" or "put the ball down" in the moment.
Never allow a single drop of blood to turn into a fatal hemorrhage by frustration-related errors.
Adolescence and old age are not for sissies. Two sides of the coin coexist, "you don't understand," and "you get me."
Players and coaches come from different worlds but leverage shared vision and shared goals. Teamwork requires selflessness and relationships. Both staff and team want success.
I asked ChatGPT to discuss bridging gaps.
Bridging the gap between the “you don’t understand” and “you get me” worlds begins with intentionality and empathy. Here are strategies to help coaches minimize differences and build stronger harmony with players:
Ultimately, harmony grows when coaches see players not just as athletes, but as partners in the journey. Authenticity, mutual respect, and shared purpose create the “you get me” world.
Lagniappe. Be the new kid on the block. Study blocking technique from footwork to hand position. Key players in MVP history have often started on the right side as impactful blockers. There's opportunity.
Fail better. Fail by leaving your comfort zone. Fail by sacrificing "numbers" for wins.
Don't tell your coaches, "I can't" or "I'll try." Show them, "I will."
Your athletic career is a lot shorter than you think. Don't waste it.
This is really good stuff from JJ Redick
— Hoop Herald (@TheHoopHerald) December 18, 2024
This goes for Bronny James, who he is referencing, but also all young players
“You have to get to a point where it’s okay to fail”
A timid basketball player will never reach his or her full potential
pic.twitter.com/964OHbTlhi
“You get up every day, you’re entitled to nothing. You could have talent but if you don’t have discipline and you don’t execute, you don’t focus. What do you get? Nothing. Nothing is acceptable but your best,” Nick Saban
— The Winning Difference (@thewinningdiff1) December 17, 2024
Winners assume nothing and give everything. pic.twitter.com/86hMKHWMW9
What matters the most? Control your destiny with your attitude, choices, and effort. Control what you can control.
Or get nothing.
Lagniappe. Setting drills at home.
Jay Bilas after sitting in on Kentucky practices tells Tom Leach that his biggest takeaway is:
— Tres Terrell (@TerrellTres) December 18, 2024
“Everything is overwhelmingly positive.”
Say Mark Pope looks for the things that are done right versus what’s done wrong. Then when fixing wrong stuff it’s done in a positive manner.
1. The best coaches create a culture of positivity.
2. MVB culture welcomes and values both veterans and young players.
3. Positivity is a "force multiplier" where the whole exceeds the sum of the parts.
Lagniappe. Mindset powers us. "It's what we do."
Malcolm Gladwell's book, David and Goliath, explores the underdog story.
Perhaps MVB's greatest underdog victory came in 2003 in the sectional finals against Arlington Catholic. The Cougars were 22-0, had not lost a set all season, and featured a pair of 6' 2" middles. Melrose had a blend of veterans and youth, led by the senior trio of Marianne Foley, Erin Hudd, and Amanda Labella. Melrose captured its first sectional title with a 3-0 victory with Denise Applegate sealing the match with a topspin winner.
Underdog stories go back forever. You know Aesop's fable about The Tortoise and the Hare..."slow and steady wins the race." But did you know the story of Cliff Young?
Valley of Elah. David topped the unbeatable Goliath with a laser precision slingshot projectile to the head. Speed defeated strength.
In May 1863 at Chancellorsville, Virginia, Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson topped numerically far superior Northern forces. This ultimately led to collapse of Lincoln's confidence in General "Fighting Joe" Hooker who was replaced in June 1863.
At the southern tip of Gettysburg in the Battle of Little Round Top, Bowdoin Rhetoric Professor turned colonel Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain commanded ragtag Maine forces in a key battle against Alabama regulars that helped win the day and the Civil War. Chamberlain ultimately was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor and received Lee's sword at Appomattox. Chamberlain's key, "I can learn."
In the 1980 "Miracle on Ice," the US Olympic hockey team defeated the 'unbeatable' Soviet stars in the semifinal match en route to a Gold Medal.
In early 2002, the Patriots matched up as a massive underdog against "The Greatest Show on Turf," emerging with an unexpected victory led by a second-year quarterback, Tom Brady.
ChatGPT Commentary added post-preparation:
You're absolutely right—emotion is a powerful catalyst for memory, and the underdog narrative often intensifies that emotional connection. Underdog stories tap into universal human themes: perseverance, defying expectations, and overcoming adversity. These elements create deeply resonant, memorable experiences for participants and observers alike.
Empathy and Identification
People identify with the underdog because most have felt underestimated or faced seemingly insurmountable challenges. When an underdog triumphs, it validates the belief that effort and heart can conquer disadvantages.
High Emotional Stakes
Underdog stories inherently carry higher stakes. Success feels improbable, making each victory more surprising and emotionally rewarding. Think of moments in sports where the crowd erupts as the "weaker" team wins—joy and catharsis blend in unforgettable ways.
Narrative Contrast
Stories are built on contrast—setbacks followed by success or overwhelming odds leading to an unexpected turn. This sharpens the emotional arc, making the victory feel epic.
Psychological Impact
Witnessing an underdog win is inspirational. It creates a lasting impression because it challenges expectations and rewires perceptions of what's possible, both in sport and life.
Miracle on Ice (1980)
The U.S. Olympic hockey team's victory over the Soviet Union during the Cold War is iconic. Underdogs by every measure, the Americans represented hope and resilience, becoming heroes overnight.
David vs. Goliath
The original underdog story, this biblical tale echoes in every modern-day example of "small vs. big." Its themes of wit and courage defeating brute strength have made it eternal.
Leicester City F.C. (2016 Premier League)
With 5000-1 odds, Leicester City's title win captivated the sports world. Fans saw a team defy economic and talent disparities, proving effort and teamwork could topple giants.
Rocky (1976)
Although fictional, "Rocky" exemplifies the underdog archetype. The film’s lasting impact stems from its emotional weight and relatability, amplified by its raw, working-class hero.
As a coach, leveraging the underdog mentality can be a powerful motivator. Even when your team isn't an underdog by definition, you can inspire them by emphasizing challenges to overcome:
Underdog stories endure because they remind us of the human capacity to overcome—and that belief, fueled by emotion, is unforgettable.
With nine seniors graduating, little will be expected from MVB 25. Use that as fuel to prepare for the upcoming season.
Former MVB All-State middle hitter Emily Hudson earned Academic All-District honors at WPI. Congratulations, Emily.
Lagniappe. Attack hard with topspin.
Mamba Mentality
— Jamy Bechler (@CoachBechler) December 17, 2024
~ via @kobehighlight pic.twitter.com/1aVwQ1mAGg
"With age comes experience, knowledge, wisdom." - Scorpion
Don't fear the journey; embrace it. These rules cross domains. They work for home, school, work, sports, relationships.
Life hacks come from anywhere. Be open and use all our senses and our imagination.
A rubber band. Place a colored rubber band on one wrist. Every time we complain, shift the rubber band to the other wrist. Raising our consciousness to complaints reduces complaining. It's a negative feedback principle. "Don't whine, don't complain, don't make excuses."
Cellphones. Video is the truth machine. Use your cellphone for "interval training" by recording your play at intervals. Track improvement in skill with a "video record."
Spreadsheets. Spreadsheets allow you to record your physical progress in strength and conditioning. Tracking your bench press has less value than tracking vertical jump (e.g. with a chalked finger) and 17s.
Motivation. What motivates you and other Gen-Z members? Is it a quote, video, song? Find your muse, whatever raises your drive. Inspiration informs a vital task for coaches and leaders.
Music can help players find their best 'activation'. 'Hyper' players may need something calming and lower energy players may respond to more upbeat music.
Learning. Learn every day. Are you a podcast person? The Knowledge Project is one to consider.
Mindfulness. The UCLA Mindfulness site has scripts as short as a few minutes.
Find tools that work for you.
Lagniappe. Everyone can learn to set sometimes.
Short term results come from intensity.
— Tom Crean (@TomCrean) December 15, 2024
Long term results come from consistency. @ShaneAParrish
Seek school-life balance. Yes, when you're studying or practice give it full attention. Then "the score takes care of itself."
Rest and relaxation matter. Physical and mental recovery matter.
Lagniappe. Wisdom arises by processing experience.
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Bill Cowher said, "Trust is something as a coach you have to earn. Trust is unconditional, but trust can be powerful."
— Coach AJ 🎯 Mental Fitness (@coachajkings) November 9, 2024
• Trust is what strengthens a team.
• Trust is unconditional.
• Trust is earned. pic.twitter.com/YvKAFdfpqH
Players underestimate the value of trust. Players earn trust with their skill, their work, and their will.
You get on the floor in the big game, in the big moment by earning the coach's trust. He wants you on the court. He needs you on the court.
If you need to be on the court in the moment, earn your coach's trust. Remember the achievement equation:
ACHIEVEMENT = PERFORMANCE x TIME
ChatGPT answer on earning trust:
Earning a coach's trust comes down to consistency, effort, and selflessness. Here are some key ways players can build that trust:
Commitment to Practice
Show up on time, listen actively, and give full effort every day. Coaches trust players who are reliable and don't need reminders to put in the work.
Consistency
Do the little things right every time. This builds a reputation for reliability. Consistent players give their best effort and bring a positive attitude, regardless of how tired or frustrated they might be.
Play Unselfishly
Coaches notice players who prioritize the team’s success over their individual stats. Set your teammates up for success, celebrate others’ achievements, and communicate on and off the court.
Adaptability
Be willing to play any role. If the coach needs you to try a new position or technique, do it with enthusiasm and without complaint. Showing you're open to learning and evolving will make you more valuable to the team.
Game IQ and Self-Reflection
Demonstrate an understanding of the game plan and make smart decisions on the court. Between games, ask questions, review your performance, and show you're working on areas for improvement.
Stay Composed Under Pressure
Coaches need players who can handle pressure and respond to challenges. When things go wrong, stay calm, reset quickly, and encourage teammates to stay focused.
Accept and Act on Feedback
Embrace feedback as a tool for growth. Listen carefully, make adjustments, and then follow up with improvement. Coaches are more likely to trust players who are coachable and responsive to guidance.
Building trust is about actions over time, and the players who practice these principles daily become invaluable to any team.
Lagniappe. Set the middle and backset.
"The magic is in the work." Players and families sacrifice time and treasure to travel, compete, and improve.
Twenty years ago a minority of players played offseason volleyball. That created a mismatch for MVB. Fast forward to 2024 and offseason play is widespread among athletes.
MVB 25 will have numerous "holes" to fill - setter (Leah), "Swiss Army Knife" all-around player (Carol), back row defense and servers (Maggie, Gg, Alex).
Let me know about offseason accomplishments. "Gas up" your game.
Here's a summary of avocado nutrition facts.
Average calories in an avocado - about 300 (depends on size)
Recipe:
2 slices whole wheat toast (unsalted butter if desired) @ 160 cals
1 avocado @300 calories
Garlic salt
Halve and peel avocado (easier to slice)
Toast bread
Apply and spread sliced avocado
Sprinkle (rain) garlic salt
Principal benefits:
1) Filling with high fiber, may promote ideal weight
2) Low glycemic index (the avocado, not the toast)
3) Healthier monounsaturated fat
Caloric intake depends on both the size and volume of the avocado spread, number of pieces of toast, and use of unsalted butter. If more protein is desired, topping with a fried egg is an option.
Steal ideas wherever you can. Tara Sullivan profiles the Bill Belichick to North Carolina story in Sunday's Boston Globe.
Her observations play across a variety of sports. Here are excerpts:
▪ Do your job, a mantra he lived by, reminds players to focus on their own responsibility and not be caught up with what others are doing.
▪ Put the team above yourself.
▪ Collaborate. Teamwork comes first.
▪ Pay attention to details and be prepared in everything.
▪ Find and attack your opponents’ weaknesses, something Belichick made a career out of in the NFL.
▪ Be flexible in your game-planning.
▪ Impact young men by teaching discipline and structure.
These principle work across sports from high school to pro sports. Certainly these elements apply to Coach Scott Celli's goals creating players and teams with competence and character.
Lagniappe. The coach shows a technique to engage the pec major to improve "length-tension relationships" to improve hitting velocity.
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What kind of player do you want to become? To become exceptional, embrace coaching.
That means sometimes accept hard conversations. Those include skills that need development, decisions to improve, self-care including training, rest, nutrition, and recovery.
The most important question, "what can I do to become my best?"
