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Energy Is Contagious!
When I played high school basketball, we had cameras filming not only the court, but also the bench. We kept stats of who stood up quickest after a made basket or hustle play. Who led the team in high fives. Who was communicating the most with players on the court.
It seemed silly, but the energy from the bench is infectious. I know this, because I spent a fair amount of time sitting, waiting, hoping for an opportunity.
You cannot always control playing time, or the depth chart, but you can always control your attitude and preparation. Think of it like stretching. When you are engaged and energetic on the sideline, your body and nervous system or more prepared for when your name is ultimately called. You will be more ready for that moment.
Beyond this, being a good teammate during tough times, like a game against old teammates but you’ve been skipped in the rotation, builds character. Anybody can be a good teammate when you are playing a ton and winning games. But are you a good teammate during a blowout on a Sunday morning? Are you engaged during a game when the rotation doesn’t include you?
I beg you to remember this: the season is long and where you start off the season is rarely where you end it. Players will get hurt. Coaches will lose trust.
Prepare for that one moment when you get an opportunity, because it WILL come.
Thought of the Week:
Be kind to the server. Learn the name of the barista that makes your coffee every morning. Find something in common with the guy that rolls your burritos. Know where the security guard’s kids go to school. These simple interactions pile up and make for a life full of connections. Anyone and everyone can be a friend. Interesting people are interested in people. Ask questions. Be curious. Be kind.
Mindset Exercise of the Week: Control the Controllables
If you find yourself on the bench, either at work practice or in life, try this:
Make a short list in your head of three things you control:
Your body language
Your communication
Your readiness
That’s it.
You, and only you, are in charge of your attitude.
Watch the game like you’re already in it.
Talk like you’re the hot slide.
Prepare like you’re going to play the entire game.
Songs of the Week:
“Food for the Soul” – It’s Murph
“Alive!” – Bakar
“Clara (the night is dark) – Fred Again..
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