How much time do you spend thinking about making others feel big time? Do you go out of your way to build someone else up each day? Can you think of that person in your life that always makes a big deal about what you are doing and fills your bucket with encouragement in the way they listen and remind you what you bring to the world?

Life is short, and most of us are too negative with ourselves. Make someone else’s day by investing some time in making them feel important. Here are a few tips:

1. Use their name - the most beautiful word in the English language is your own name.
2. Express sincere gratitude - say thanks with emphasis and details.
3. Do more listening than talking - period.
4. Talk more about them than you.
5. Be authentically interested in what they have to say.
6. Be sincere in your praise - you must be thoughtful and honest in who they are.
7. Show you care - this looks a lot of different ways, find out what works for you and them.

(Above list of seven comes from: Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart)

As a player, there is a level of personal responsibility in your game even from a young age. Coaches will help prepare you, teach you new things, and point out areas for growth. Parents may provide guidance and encouragement, rebounding, or feedback of your strengths and weaknesses. But it is you who is responsible to do the work.

So what does a responsible player chasing growth look like? Here are some concrete skills to focus on and intangibles that will keep you going along the journey…

-Ball Handling - Pound dribble hard to work on ball control and strength/feel for the ball. Work on two balls eyes up; combo cross moves; footwork in your dribble moves; extra work with weak hand.
-Shooting - Form shoot often (at a goal or even just in the air). Work on your jump shot and count makes and misses. Great shooters shoot all the time, there is no shortcut here. Add a finishing routine to your shooting including Mikan drill or high reps of finishing options around the rim you are adding to your game.
-Passing - work on being able to throw different types of passes from both sides of your body; Use a wall or a partner. Watch basketball to learn decision making with the ball from college and pro players.
-Say what and when - Set a schedule and stick to it. Tell someone else so you are held more accountable. Be willing to do the work when you don’t feel like doing it.
-Measure - Write down what you are doing and find a way to measure each skill. This will show growth as well as help you stay accountable if you get off track.
-Write your basketball dreams somewhere you will see it daily.

If you don’t want to be a good player, don’t worry about committing to the above advice. But if your dreams are big, understand these fundamental skills are up to you and the best person to motivate you to work on building them consistently is yourself! If you are serious about it, don’t put a coach or parent in charge of driving this. Get started and good luck!

​#getbetter

“Not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers.”

Cliche quotes aside, reading is crucial to personal growth, and finding out what to read and making time to do it is a must! Consider what you are reading (for fun or for growth?) and when are you making the time to do it. Spending time with the right books and articles can really change the way you think about things in your life.

Warren Buffett supposedly spends 80% of his day reading. Start small, but add more reading to your daily routine. Maybe it’s ten pages before bed each night. Or wake up a little early and read 20 minutes in the mornings. Commit to a new book this month. Find what works for you and dive in to some independent learning from a great book.

Here are a few suggestions for the new year and your new reading plan!
-The Slight Edge - great read about how our choices add up to the life we get. We have influence over the direction of our lives, but it is over time, decision to decision.
Favorite quote: “When you make the right choice, you won’t see the results. At least, not today.”
https://www.amazon.com/Slight-Edge-Turning-Disciplines-Happiness/dp/1626340463

-The Go-Giver - fable about business but actually about life. How to give more to those around you (and in turn, actually receive more out of life).
“You give, give, give. Why? Because you love to. It’s not a strategy, it’s a way of life.”
https://www.amazon.com/Go-Giver-Expanded-Little-Powerful-Business/dp/1591848288

-Pound the Stone - Story about a basketball player who faces looking in the mirror to overcome adversity, become a better person, and return to his team. (Great HS athlete read)
“It’s about who you’re becoming, not what you’re achieving.”
https://www.amazon.com/Pound-Stone-Lessons-Develop-Mastery/dp/0692887628


-Daring Greatly - About vulnerability and shame and how we can all live with a healthier mindset towards ourselves and others. By researcher Brene Brown.
“Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage. Truth and courage aren’t always comfortable, but they’re never weakness.”
https://www.amazon.com/Daring-Greatly-Courage-Vulnerable-Transforms/dp/1592408419

​#getbetter