Talent is Never Enough

There are so many talented people in the world, but why is it that so many never reach their full talent potential?  The reason, author Fred Smith says, "Is that the giftedness is usually greater than the person."  People who are talented often go about their daily routine thinking that they can succeed on talent alone.  But that is a completely false and dangerous mindset.  It takes much more than talent to succeed in business or life.  Philosopher, Ralph Waldo Emerson stated, "Talent for talent's sake is a bauble and a show.  Talent working with joy in the cause of universal truth lifts the possessor to a new power as a benefactor."  But how do we utilize the talent that God has graciously given us?  What do we need to do in order to pull every ounce of talent out of ourselves?  In John Maxwell's book, Talent Is Never Enough, he writes his 13 key choices that are a necessity in order to reach our maximum potential. 

1. BELIEF lifts your talent.
2. PASSION energizes your talent.
3. INITIATIVE activates your talent.
4. FOCUS directs your talent.
5. PREPARATION positions your talent.
6. PRACTICE sharpens your talent.
7. PERSEVERANCE sustains your talent.
8. COURAGE tests your talent.
9. TEACHABILITY expands your talent.
10. CHARACTER protects your talent.
11. RELATIONSHIPS influence your talent.
12. RESPONSIBILITY strengthens your talent.
13. TEAMWORK multiplies your talent.

So, as coaches, how can we get the most out of our talent?  How can we use these principles to motivate our players?  What choices do we need to start making to reach our potential.  And players, how can you use these tips to make you a better teammate or player on the court?  We all need to take a look and examine our hearts to see if we possess these 13 qualities that will make the most of our talent.  If we are lacking then changes need to be made.  Talent is never enough, so let's pursue our full potential that God has given us and really go beyond our talent.

Taken from John C. Maxwell's book, Talent is Never Enough.

A Year's Journey

"An excellent wife who can find?  She is far more precious than jewels." - Proverbs 31:10

One year ago, I married my best friend.  Our first year's journey has been filled with its share of adventure and craziness, but I wouldn't have it any other way!  The most amazing blessing of all is an amazing wife, and I am so thankful to God for bringing me the best one! 

What do the Northwoods of Wisconsin, the Sunshine State of Florida, and the beautiful city of Rockford all have in common?  Absolutely nothing except for the fact that we were lucky enough to call each of those places home in 12 short months!  I'm not sure what we were thinking, but it all worked out.  Even though my wife LOVED living in Dunbar, WI, we opted to move to Florida for a summer, after the school year was finished.  So many memories involving pianos in our living room/kitchen, sleeping on an air mattress for a week, and cockroaches giving us mid-night visits.  Needless to say, it has been a wonderful year!  I love my wife and I am so thankful for her sticking by me through it all, good times and hard times.  I know this post has nothing to do with coaching or basketball, but I just had to let everyone know how lucky I am.  One year down, so many more to go!