Boost-Mode Newsletter | December 20, 2024

1. What I’m Reading – Changing Your Story: Learn to Be a Winner 📚

This week, I dove into Chapter 3 of Bill Beswick’s Changing Your Story, and the lesson couldn’t be more relevant to our journey with the Bulls this year. Like Coach James, who lost key players before facing the nation’s top-ranked team, we’re entering a season where some of our most experienced players won’t be on the field. Instead, young and relatively inexperienced players will step up to represent the Bulls.

Here’s the key: they can view this as a threat—or as an opportunity. 🚀 It’s their chance to grow faster, take on responsibilities they might not have expected, and gain invaluable experience that will shape their future. Sure, they may fail at times—but the courage to step up and give it their all is what really matters. 💪 Just like Coach James reframed his team’s challenge into an opportunity, we must do the same. These young players are standing at the edge of growth, and their bravery to take on the moment is already a win in itself. 🏆

2. What I’m Watching – Netflix: Mary (2024, directed by DJ Caruso) 🎥

With Christmas 🎄 around the corner, I was deeply moved by Mary, a story of unimaginable strength, resilience, and sacrifice. Think about this: Mary, knowing she had done nothing wrong, still endured the judgment of others who believed she lacked morals. Carrying the Son of God under those conditions required strength beyond measure—not only to protect Him but to endure the sacrifices necessary to ensure His safety, especially as they fled from King Herod’s pursuit.

Mary’s story is a profound reminder of what it means to carry a mission bigger than yourself, even when the world misunderstands you. 🙏 It’s a parallel to the sacrifices athletes make for their teams, putting in the work, enduring the criticism, and staying focused on their purpose. It’s about staying true to your path, even when others can’t see the bigger picture. 🌟

3. What I’m Learning – Listening 👂 Over Busy Work 

Even though it’s winter break, I’ve learned the value of stepping back and listening. 🎧 Analyzing players’ swings is easy—I can record my observations and give my feedback. But sometimes, sitting in silence and letting the player share their perspective is far more revealing. Those moments show me who genuinely cares about their craft and who might take the process for granted.

Not every player sees the time and effort coaches put into their development. And that’s okay—what matters is identifying who truly wants to improve. Winter training isn’t just physical; it’s a chance to separate those who are ready to invest in themselves and grow from those who expect success without putting in the work. 🏋️‍♂️

4. What I’m Writing – A Script for the Bulls’ “Give” Week Fundraiser ✍️

I’m currently writing the script for our Bulls’ “Give” Week fundraiser, and it’s a project I’m incredibly proud of. ❤️ This fundraiser supports our upcoming trip to the USA, where our players will compete against top teams and gain experiences that will shape their futures. 🌍 Below is a “Sneak Peek” 🫣 

But here’s the part that makes me even prouder: some of our key players aren’t just participating—they’re stepping up to take responsibility for making this trip possible. 💼 They’re not sitting back, entitled to have their parents foot the bill. Instead, they’re proactive, contributing their time and effort to support this cause. 👐

It’s a privilege to coach young players who not only excel on the field but also show initiative off of it. ⚾ They’re not just preparing for games; they’re preparing for life—and that’s what makes this journey so rewarding. 🌟

This week’s theme? Resilience, courage, and ownership. 💥 Whether it’s reframing challenges into opportunities, carrying a mission bigger than yourself, or stepping up to take control of your own path, the lessons are clear: show up, stay committed, and be proud of the journey you’re on. 🚀👊