The difference between being a player and becoming a player
The difference between being and becoming a player provides a powerful lesson for all basketball players and athletes in general. The average American sports fan believes that college and professional athletes are at their highest level of play. This idea has many flaws as evidenced by the constant work Tiger Woods does with his swing. If Tiger has room to “become” a better golfer, what does that say about you?
A basketball player’s journey is like a slow climb up the Rocky Mountains. Start slowly with small measures of success. Step by step effort turns into years of hard work and dedication. One look up the mountain makes you realize you’re just getting started. Others with you want to stop and accept where they are on the journey. Because you’re committed, you keep climbing. Step after step, you walk with the determination to be the best you can be.
The differences become evident halfway up the mountain. Some players declare that they have arrived as players, even though they are still young players. These players feel like they ARE the player they strive to be. Each feels that he is a “player” and his game is ready for anything. The committed climber knows that his journey has a long way to go. He knows that his game is far from reaching his peak! This player is what being dedicated to the game is all about.
The committed player is realistic, listens to his coach and strives to be a little better every day. He is constantly “becoming a player.” Michael Jordan is a mountain climber of the greatest proportions. His game got better and better, regardless of awards, NBA titles, and claims of being the greatest of all time. His drive, heart and personal pride did not allow him to stop “being a player”.
As a player or coach, assess yourself and your drive to be your best. Do you think you have arrived as a player? If so, be prepared to be passed over by the game and other players. When you stop improving mentally and physically, you become stagnant and ineffective.
Join Tiger Woods and Michael Jordan on an endless journey down the mountain. When you persevere with the commitment of a champion, you will gain the satisfaction of never being satisfied.