The Warrior's Mark

"Each warrior wants to leave the mark of his will, his signature, on the important acts he touches. This is not the voice of ego but the human spirit, rising up and declaring that it has something to contribute. In every contest, there comes a moment that separates winning from losing. The true warrior understands and seizes the moment by giving an effort so intenxe and so intuitive that it could only be called one from the heart." Pat Riley

Twenty Ways to get Mentally Tough

Great set of ideas from Jon Gordon

1. When you face a set back, think of it as a defining moment that will lead to a future accomplishment.

2. When you encounter adversity, remember, the best don't just face adversity; they embrace it, Knowing it's not a dead end but a detour to something greater and better.

3. When you face negative people, know that the key to life is to stay positive in the face of negativity, not in the absence of it. After all, everyone will have to overcome negativity to define themselves and create their success.

4. When you face the naysayers, remember the people who believed in you and spoke positive words to you.

5. When you face critics, remember to tune them out and focus only on being the best you can be.

6. When you wake up in the morning, take a morning walk of gratitude and prayer. It will create a fertile mind ready for success.

7. When you fear, trust. Let your faith be greater than your doubt.

8. When you fail, find the lesson in it, and then recall a time you have succeeded.

9. When you head into battle, visualize success.

10. When you are thinking about the past or worrying about the future, instead focus your energy on the present moment. The now is where your power is the greatest.

11. When you want to complain, instead identify a solution.

12. When your own self-doubt crowds your mind, weed it and replace it with positive thoughts and positive self-talk.

13. When you feel distracted, focus on your breathing, observe your surroundings, clear your mind, and get into the zone. The zone is not a random event. It can be created.

14. When you feel all is impossible, know that with God, all things are possible.

15. When you feel alone, think of all the people who have helped you along the way and who love and support you now.

16. When you feel lost, pray for guidance.

17. When you are tired and drained, remember to never, never, never give up. Finish strong in everything you do.

18. When you feel like you can't do it, know that you can do all things through Him who gives you strength.

19. When you feel like your situation is beyond your control, pray, and surrender. Focus on what you can control and let go of what you can't.

20. When you're in a high pressure situation and the game is one the line, and everyone is watching you, remember to smile, have fun, and enjoy it. Life is short, you only live once. You have nothing to lose. Seize the moment.

As you go along: Del Harris Notes

Another morning reading through notes decided to post the 3rd installment from Del Harris. Think about these statements they are very true.

"Prove you are valuable and success will happen for you. Forget about the entitlements."

Be careful of the player who insists he is all about winning, but doesn't work like a winner. He is usually happy when things are going his way, whether the team is or not.

The team that will accept we over me as a group has a chance to achieve all they are capable of.

There is no "I" in team but there is "ME" but it tears up TEAM to get it. META spells disaster for the team; it says that the "Me Trumps All" the rest of the team.

Doc Rivers: Try to keep the "chemistry guy" on your team. Doc moves the lockers around occasionally to keep the right people together or separated as needs be.

Del Harris: Speak to players often, but more on the conversational level than any other. Get to know them and then prove that you care about them.

5 Levels of Communication

My third post in a series of notes from Coach Del Harris. This one discuss communication with your players. Use each one less than the one before it as you go down the levels.

1. Conversational Level-you have the give and take whereby you get to know they player and he learns you as well. You demonstrate you care. Use this the most.

2. Encouragement Level-voice is animated and enthusiastic. Use it as much as you can, but it has to be a result of real achievement, not just blowing smoke. But the worst to be with is the one you simply cannot please. Be real.

3. Instructional Level- Voice is slightly animated as you attempt to pass on teaching points that may help your player get better, or that may help him understand the team concept. Use often, but mostly in practice or in certain 1-1 situations.

4. Correctional Level- Voice increases somewhat in urgency, but this is not to be confused with screaming. Naturally, this is used on important issues in practices and games to help eliminate errors. Use it as needed, but if it overwhelms the encouragement level, them team will tune you out sooner than later.

5. "Go Nuts" Level- yes, there is a place for letting them know that they have crossed the line in terms of lack of effort or execution or attitude, etc. They must know you really care about certain issues. But, of course you must maintain control here, as it should be a purposeful act. Overdo this level and you will lose your team by Christmas unless you are winning every game.