One of our favorite sayings is: "A hammer shatters glass, but forges steel." It’s a known fact you will face adversity at least three times this season. And it might be safe to say, at least at the varsity level, we are being hammered on. Our last three losses have been decided at the buzzer. Injuries have plagued us since day one. Last week big Zach is finally cleared to play...only to break his nose five minutes into the game! The hits from the hammer go on and on.
We can fragment like little pieces of glass, or stay together and become strong as steel when it's all said and done. Another similar way to look at adversity is we can get bitter or better. How easy it is to cry out, "Woe are we." The throne of self-pity is a plush seat and difficult to get out of once you're there. Avoid it at all costs.
For us as coaches, fortunately, we all have great support groups. Our families and friends are second to none at picking us up. Not in a coddling manner, but instead they are great at reminding us tough times don't last, but tough people do. And within our coaching staff we take turns encouraging one another to "stay the course".
What is this "course" you ask? Simple: "To love others as we love ourselves, to serve with an attitude of gratitude, and to care deeply about being the best we can be." This is our mission. This is what we strive to do day in and day out. When we win, and when we lose. On the court, and off. It just doesn't matter. This is who we try to be.
I am so thankful for family, friends and a coaching staff who remind me what our purpose is in the midst of the storm. And this requires GRIT (click here to read our blog on grit) on the part of everybody involved. Did I say everybody? Yes, everybody! Fragmenting and jumping ship is not an option. We are stronger together!
Our value is not in what we do, but in who we become in the process. Obviously, this is the same example we are trying to set for our players too. Let's not give up hope. We will reap what we sow! This concept has been proven time and time again over the ages. We believe the keys to unlocking these doors of harvest are to focus on controlling the controllables:
Plug into others, not yourself. "It's not about me!"
Be humble. We define humility as: "Not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less."
Have an attitude of gratitude regardless of our circumstances.
So let's believe whatever happens today is in our best interest. It's an opportunity to learn and grow. With this heart posture leading the way we will all get better together; not bitter.
THIS JUST IN: Talk about iron sharpening iron. Coach Cooley just shared with the team the perfect video to cast alongside this blog. It does have some length (13:52) to it, but I promise you if you liked this blog you will love this ESPN E:60 - Carry On!