Winning by Rocky Balboa

“Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain't all sunshine and rainbows. It's a very mean and nasty place, and I don't care how tough you are, it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain't about how hard you hit. It's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward; how much you can take and keep moving forward. That's how winning is done! Now, if you know what you're worth, then go out and get what you're worth. But you gotta be willing to take the hits, and not pointing fingers saying you ain't where you wanna be because of him, or her, or anybody. Cowards do that and that ain't you. You're better than that! I'm always gonna love you, no matter what. No matter what happens. You're my son and you're my blood. You're the best thing in my life. But until you start believing in yourself, you ain't gonna have a life.” ― Sylvester Stallone, Rocky Balboa

I thought I would share this with my coaching collegues as we begin the summer basketball circuit. I truly wish everday was bright and positive and today most of them are. But reality is we are going to have some bad days. Reality often punches us in the gut.

The measurement of our success is often having the shear will to keep moving forward.

Ask your players, students, children to find out what they want or "what they are worth" and go out and get it. Don' blame others, don't point fingers, and don't make excuses.

Take the hit and keep moving forward.