MJ Mondays - Love the Game Through the Mistakes

One of the reasons that I love coaching kids is because I know the importance of that first practice, that first season, and that first experience.

That first season is a great opportunity to build a foundation of love and fundamentals that can lead to a lifetime relationship between a kid and a ball. But that first season can also be the last if we don't handle it right, and what could have been a beautiful relationship might end before it ever gets the chance to get started.

That is why this quote is so important to me. Everyone has to start somewhere. It starts with airballs, travels, and double dribbles. It starts with missed tackles and running to the wrong end zone. It starts with running from the ball and not to the ball. It starts with misses, strikeouts, and stumbles. But if done right, it also starts with smiles, fun, and friendship while teaching the basics and building off of them.

And the beauty of this quote is that the misses and mistakes never really stop. Michael Jordan wrote this at a time when he was considered one of the best to ever do what he was doing. While he was at his peak and his absolute best, he still acknowledged that he wasn't perfect. He made mistakes and missed over and over again. But he didn't stop, he didn't quit. He kept going. He kept improving.

It started with love. His love for the game. It was built on a foundation of fundamentals and skills. It was driven by a competitive spirit to be the best and a commitment to work to be the best. And for MJ, it was touched by the blessings of height and athleticism that very few have ever been able to match.

We become great not because we are perfect. We become great because we love something and are willing to work at it. We become great when we are willing to work through mistakes and failures.

We miss so many more shots that we make. But our love for the game, for our teammates, and for getting better is what keeps us going.