Coming to a close

Talking more about rest today and the focus on emotional rest. Long hard seasons that seem to never end can take a toll on the coaches and athletes emotionally. Coaches end up being frustrated and feel useless. Athletes don't want to be there and are struggling with their own beat up ego. It is a hard place to be in. Here are a few things to think about and put into play during the hard seasons.

Tip #1: Wins and losses aren't going to define you as a person. In fact, most college coaches say they don't recruit based on wins and losses but rather how the athlete plays in each game. Coaches are going to look and see the cards you are playing verses what you are up again.

Tip #2: Take 5-10 minutes to drink a glass of water  alone. During this time allow your brain to rest from the drama and stress. Think about that water and get your mind focused on what you can change.

    You can't change your coach, the teammates you play, the times you play, and your teammates.

Tip #3: Let it go.  Normally, hard seasons result in parent and player drama... YES, parents you are normally the worst to stir up drama on a team. As a player or coach, just let it go. You can't change players who refuse to listen. You can't change how your team plays during the game. You have to let that go.... You have to play your best and not worry about the others. Stay out of the drama because some people won't let things die down.

Tip #4:  Give it to God. The old saying that goes "Let go. Let God."  is great to remember. Give your hurt, frustration, and pain to God. In fact, go vent to God. Let it all out and not pick it up again.

Tip #5: It't not your fault and it is your fault. Sounds conflicting I know. You aren't the whole team. You can't lose the whole game. If you had a bad attitude and if you stopped caring then yes... it is your fault! Forgive yourself and promise to do better and be a better teammate. Forgive those teammates and coaches you felt let you down.

Rest is important and dealing with a hard season is the worst. You aren't defined by this. I encourage you rest and get your mind right!