As You Think, So Shall You Be

Scholars believe that for any student to perform at their best, teachers must believe that they can learn, and students themselves must have confidence in their own abilities.

Expectations are one of the most powerful determinates of academic success.

William James once said, "The greatest discovery of my generation is that human beings can alter their lives by altering their attitudes of mind."

He also said, "As you think, so shall you be."

As coaches, it is so important for us to believe the ability and potential of our athletes. Doc Rivers says, "I am not going to coach to who you are. I am going to coach you to who you should be someday."

The more that we believe in our kids, the more our kids will grow. See the gold and potential in your athletes. See what they can be - the best-case scenario - and speak that into them. Have high expectations for them, and help them grow into those expectations.

Help them manage their thoughts. Help them remain confident in themselves by giving them affirmations that they can speak to themselves. When you have to correct them, correct them in a way that motivates, encourages, and inspires them. When they do something good, praise it.

As parents and coaches, we have to watch how we talk to our kids because what we say gets into their subconscious mind and stays there. If a kid misses a layup or a shot, and we get on them and yell at them, what is the kid going to think after that point? That is going to stick with him, and that can very easily follow them to the next practice and next game. Make sure that what we give our kids is something positive and beneficial.

The messages that we give our kids will be their inner voices now and forever. Be aware of what you are saying to them.