A Few Habits at a Time

I will make sure to continue with parts 2 and 3 of my thoughts on Confidence later this week, but I wanted to share briefly a lesson I learned yesterday.

Before every game, I review a memo I wrote to myself. It contains things I want to think about, things I want to change. It is something of meditation with a view towards transformation. My goal is mind renewal, with the thought that better thinking leads to better playing. A quiet few minutes before the game serves to help me get my mind right for the upcoming contest.

Yet I realize that I have been doing two things wrong with regard to the list. First, I have allowed it to grow too large. Though I started with good intentions and a somewhat manageable memo of thoughts, as time has gone by, I have kept adding to it. Now, rather than being encouraged, I can end up somewhat overwhelmed. Rather than bringing real, concrete, lasting change, I have brought on myself confusion and/or a little discouragement.

Second, I have thought through the things on this list only before the games. This is foolishness. For if this list contains some habits (both mental and physical) that I want to change, I am foolish to think that I can change them only in the game. No. I need to think them through daily and work on them daily–in practice or in the games.

So here is my practical application. First, I have narrowed down my list. Sure, there are numerous things I could work on. After all, I am by no means a master of the game of basketball. However, if I try to tackle too many things at once, I am bound to lead myself into confusion and discouragement. If, on the other hand, I focus on a few foundational things for an extended period of time, I can bring lasting change. Then I can move onto something else.

And second, I am going to review my short list daily. Before practice. Before games. On a day off. Whenever. And, in fact, I am going to be praying for God’s help. For I surely need it.

So I encourage you. What is your short list? Sure, you could list many things you want to improve upon. But what are 2 or 3 things that, if you change them, will lead to change in many other places. Think foundational. Think the root of the tree, not the fruit of the tree. For if you take care of the root, the fruit will come and it will be sweet. What mental habit do you need to change? What game-time habit do you need to change? Whatever really. Pick two things to focus on and then focus on them until you master them. Review them daily until they become a good habit that is hard to break. It won’t be easy, but in the end, it is bound to be fruitful.

Making my list and checking it daily,

Joe