Ahhhh. I’m back from my ‘Social Media Rehab’ (ha ha) and I feel great! I am refreshed, re-energized, and ready to begin my preparation for the pre-season. My 10 day family sabbatical to England was exactly what I needed. It was refreshing not being tethered to my Blackberry or laptop. I was easily able to give my family my full attention. It is amazing how much clarity you experience without the distractions of everyday life.
My trip made me a better father, a better husband, and believe it or not, a better coach; which are the 3 priorities in my life.
I am so thankful to have a happy, healthy family and a job that I am so passionate about.
Before I left I posted a small compilation of quotes, stories and poems that exceeded Twitter’s 140 character limit. Below is Part II.
NOTE: I am NOT the author of any of this material.
Champions do not become champions on the court. They become recognized on the court. They become champions because of their daily routine and commitment to excellence. Players do not decide their future; they decide their habits and their habits decide their future!
Your thoughts become your words.
Your words become your actions.
Your actions become your habits.
Your habits become your character.
Your character becomes your destiny.
Remember this your lifetime through,
Tomorrow there’ll be more to do.
And failure waits for those who stay,
On some success earned yesterday.
Tomorrow you must try once more,
Yet even harder than before.
Persistence and patience is exemplified by the stonecutter who hammers away at a piece of rock. He may hit the rock 100 times without so much as a crack showing. Then, on the 101st hit, the rock will split in two. It was not that hit that did it, but an accumulation of all that came before it.
There are little eyes upon you,
And they’re watching night & day.
There are little ears that quickly,
Take in every word you say.
There are little hands all eager,
To do anything you do;
And a little boy who’s dreaming,
Of the day he’ll be like you.
You’re the little fellow’s idol;
You are the wisest of the wise.
In his little mind,
No suspicions ever rise.
He believes in you devoutly,
Holds all you say and do.
He mimics your every move,
He wants to be like you.
There’s a wide eyed little fellow,
Who believes you’re always right.
And his ears are always open,
He watches you day and night.
You are setting an example,
With everything you do.
For the little boy who is waiting,
To grow up to be just like you.
Take time to think – it is the source of power.
Take time to play – it is the secret of youth.
Take time to read – it is the foundation of wisdom.
Take time to love – it is the vehicle to happiness.
Did is a word of achievement,
Won’t is a word of retreat.
Might is a word of bereavement,
Can’t is a word of defeat.
Ought is a word of duty,
Try is a word of the hour.
Will is a word of beauty.
Can is a word of power.
Winners are confident. Losers worry.
Winners hustle. Losers loaf.
Winners give praise. Losers complain.
Winners listen. Losers talk.
Winners are accountable. Losers point the finger.
Winners are enthusiastic. Losers lack passion.
Winners are great teammates. Losers are selfish.
Winners never quit. Losers give up.
Winners have focus. Losers get frazzled.
Winners have discipline. Losers are weak.
Winners play for ‘we.’ Losers play for ‘me.’
Winners have urgency. Losers procrastinate.
Winners have pride. Losers don’t care.
Winners are coachable. Losers already know it all.
Winners are humble. Losers are cocky.
Are you a winner?
It’s good to be back.
Alan Stein
www.StrongerTeam.com