I love summer. Warm weather, trips to the beach, and a break from school that never lasts long enough. Yet, as I reflect on my youth, memories of summer basketball have a special place in my heart. I can’t help but smile when I think about the tremendous amount of time I spent playing basketball from June-August. Individual workouts and weight room sessions occupied the days, while the drive way games in the neighborhood would keep the neighbors up at night.
Players play during the summer because they love the game. There are no fans on the driveway or newspaper reporters hanging out at the gym. Real ball players don’t worry about the hundred degree days or the gyms without air conditioning. They simply make a commitment to the game because their isn’t anything else they would rather be doing.
What is your plan for the summer? Years later, I still appreciate the time spent by myself working on the game. I learned to demand perfection from myself, a trait that has carried over to my current business career.
I encourage you to have a plan for the summer, but most importantly, play the game because you love it. Maximize your days and appreciate the confidence that goes along with improving yourself. Will you feel the summer love? I know that I did.