Choose How You Play

Waste no more time arguing about what a good man should be Be one — Marcus Aurelius

This writing is Certified Human

The Obstacle

We don’t get to choose our opponent
Or if they cheat.

We don’t choose the ref
Or how they call the game.

We don’t get to choose how our teammates play
Or if they decide to give effort.

We don’t get to choose the weather
Or the conditions on the field.

We don’t even get to choose how we’re feeling
The injuries we may have
Our level of motivation.

The game will be played regardless.

There will be a field
Teammates
Opponents
Referees
Conditions
All out of our control.

This holds true for sport
And for life.

The Gift and Opportunity

We decided to play the game.

We know the field
Players
Rules
Referees
Conditions.

We choose how we will show up
How we play
With what values and honor
The level of our commitment
How seriously we practice
Our aggression
The level to which we engage
Our attitude
Mood.

Do we prepare like a professional
Consistently
Showing up
Getting better
Regardless of
Motivation
How we feel
The engagement of others
The weather
The conditions?

We choose
Which version of us shows up
The example we set
For teammates
Families
Children.

How we practice when no one else is looking.

This holds true for sport
And for life.

The Practice of Self-Mastery

• Separate what you control from what you do not

• Commit to professional standards

• Practice consistently

• Be guided values 

  CHEAT CODE: SEPARATE WHAT YOU CONTROL → SHOW UP LIKE A PROFESSIONAL → KEEP YOUR VALUES