Page 4 - Fully Equipped Playbook

CHAPTER 1: HUMILITY
Let’s begin with a quote from motivational speaker Zig Ziglar, which speaks to the importance of our first tool. He said, “Humility will open more doors than arrogance ever will.” Humility, in this example, does not imply you have low self-regard, but rather, shows vulnerability. An athlete possessing humility admits when they don’t know something, is not afraid to ask for help or make mistakes, and is open to growing and learning.
When I set out to create the Playbook, it was a no brainer to put humility first. If you truly want to enjoy both life and sports to the fullest, having humility and being a good person should be at the top of your list too. The qualities that make someone a good teammate, also happen to be the qualities that make them a good person of high integrity as well.
Think about this. When you’re part of a team, it's important that other people WANT to be around you. It's important that you’re someone people can trust, who is humble, grateful, and unselfish. No one wants a teammate who is self-centered and arrogant, no matter how good they are.
Was I perfect at being that person all of the time? No, I wasn't, I can admit that, and I still work on it daily. Everyday I wake up and read a note from my phone reminding me to be the best version of myself today, and to see the good in everyone. So when my two feet hit the ground in the morning my wife gets a good partner, my kids get an attentive dad, my parents are proud, and my friends and teammates know I will give them my all.
Talent can only take you so far and last for so long. It’s who you are as a teammate and person that will keep you progressing in your career. I’ve seen it too many times, where someone has a lot of talent, so people put up with them not necessarily being a good teammate. But once that talent starts to fade, see ya. Coaches don't need you NOT being a good person and NOT having success. Be a good teammate when you’re killing it and when you're in a slump, and you will be afforded more chances because you’ve earned the teams trust.
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