If we were to run on to the floor for our season opener and find that the baskets were gone, I'm quite sure we wouldn't even attempt to play the game. We know without goals we cannot score. We need to set  individual and team goals. With that said, these goals need to be well within our control, and at no point should they undermine our team attitude and purpose.

As an individual, you must set short-term and long-term goals. These short-term goals should be realistic, yet challenging. Your long-term success is the result of the small victories you accumulate every day. These daily successes add up and help you to form good habits. For example, if one of your goals this year is to become the best defender you are capable of becoming, then what you do with your 86,400 seconds everyday becomes vital. Maximizing your potential will require a total commitment to nutrition, mental toughness, strength and conditioning. When you accomplish these daily disciplines, over time, you’ll be much more likely to reach your long-term goal.

As a team, we too need to establish goals. Rick Pitino summed it up best when he said dreams are where we want to end up and goals are how we get there. If our dream is to win the state championship, then we need to build within us championship principles. A wise teacher once said your thoughts overflow into action…action develops habits…habits produce character…and your character reveals your destiny. Therefore, if it is our destiny to play at a championship level, we must govern our thoughts and training habits accordingly.

People are divided into three groups: 1) Those that make things happen. These people dream, set goals and work hard to attain their goals. 2) Those who watch things happen. Often these people are dreamers, but fail to make a plan and stick to it. 3) And those who wonder what happened. Obviously, these people lack the industriousness to even dream. Which one are you?​​

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