This will come as a shock to some of my former players. Practices were demanding and expectations were high. In 7th grade they gave me the nickname Adolph. I did what I thought was right at the time, but new experiences change your perspective and philosophy. I started hot yoga 9 months ago to destress, workout and rehab a hamstring injury, which led to a growing interest in meditation and mindfulness. In yoga there is a heavy emphasis on gratitude and being present, which I never tied together until recently. Being grateful can put you in a present state of mind.

My challenge is for you to approach every game and practice from a place of gratitude. Just be thankful that you are able to enjoy the game. It is just a game. Something you started playing because you enjoyed it — not because you wanted a college scholarship or to win player of the year in your league. Contrary to popular belief, research shows that happiness actually breeds success — not the other way around.

“We can tap into our greatness by being grateful”

I first heard this from Joshua Medcalf at our Coaches Academy last May and it hit home. Big time.

When we change our mindset we instantly go from a place of pressure, expectations and outcome based thinking to an opportunity mindset. What else does it do? It allows us to step into that ever elusive state of flow, or more commonly known as, “in the zone”.

“We suffer when our reality does not match the expectations we are so attached to” – Christine Hassler

It’s not that expectations are bad. It’s that our expectations should be controllable — not outcome based — ones like awards, stats or scholarships. We can control our effort, our mindset and how good of a teammate we are. As a parent these are the things you should be asking your kids.

Did you work hard? Were you a good teammate?

Try this short visualization exercise first and take note of how you feel. Visualize the first game of your season as you normally would. The fans, the other team, the jump ball. The stress, the pressure, the expectations.

Now visualize the same situation, but think about how grateful you are to be able to play. To be healthy, to compete and to enjoy playing the game. You should literally feel yourself change to a more relaxed state. Yes it’ll take time and something that you’ll have to practice like anything else. But, after you consistently apply it you’ll begin to see different results.

“Not clinging to fixed ideals helps you see more clearly because your vision is not obstructed by fear or desire” – Christine Hassler

This was one of my biggest struggles as a player and it still is running a business. Focusing on perfection instead of progress. Enjoying the challenging and creative process of improving — not the end results. Basketball is what you do. Not who you are. And, your results on the court as a player or coach don’t define you.

I recently read Christine Hassler’s new book, Expectation Hangover, and is something I wish she would have wrote years ago. I highly suggest it for any coaches who have expectations to win, players feeling pressure to perform or parents who have any kind of outcome based expectations for their kids.

I challenge you to start each practice and game this year writing out one thing you are grateful for about the game.

Players: I’m grateful that my coach demands excellence of me
Parents: I’m grateful my child has the opportunity to be a part of something much bigger than themselves.
Coaches: I’m grateful I’m in a position to positively impact lives.

Remember, when you start to practice gratitude you can step into your greatness.

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