Ready To Burst

“According to former UCLA basketball players, John Wooden’s practices were considered significantly harder and more intense than the actual games, with many describing game time as a “relief” or “a walk in the park” compared to the demanding nature of his practice sessions; they felt well-prepared for games due to the rigorous drills and focus on fundamentals instilled during practice.” -excerpt from “Remembering John Wooden” article

“When I was teaching basketball, I urged my players to try their hardest to improve on that very day, to make that practice a masterpiece. Too often we get distracted by what is outside our control. You can’t do anything about yesterday. The door to the past has been shut and the key thrown away. You can do nothing about tomorrow. It is yet to come. However, tomorrow is in large part determined by what you do today. So make today a masterpiece. You have control over that.” -John Wooden (winner of ten NCAA Basketball Championships including seven in a row)

“If you stay ready, you ain’t got to get ready.” -Suga Free

One way to know if you’re truly ready for the moment, is that you can’t wait to get out there. Yes you’re nervous, but more so than that, you’re bursting with enthusiasm. You can’t wait to take the stage (or play the game, take the test, give the speech, etc.)

You’ve prepared. You’ve left no stone unturned. You’ve done the work.

Now it’s time to let go, have fun and leave it all out there.

Make it your masterpiece.

P.S. – “It’s the details…”

P.P.S. – H/t to my friend Andy for the Suga Free quote and this video.