Observations from Training Camp
One of my favorite books is Training Camp by Jon Gordon. Whenever I speak to groups -- whether basketball or corporate -- I tell them this is a "must read" for players and coaches, and from young grads to corporate leaders.
I'm writing this late at night after two days in Istanbul, Turkey, with our Boston Celtics team at Training Camp for the upcoming NBA season. The NBA has a great program that sends different teams to compete against pro teams from other countries. It's not only about competition, but also about sharing of the game with kids over here. (another of the many NBA initiatives that's not always known by the public but is such an important part of what the NBA believes in.)
Since we're in the midst of training camp, I thought it would be appropriate to share a passage from Jon's book:
"Because if you want it you’ll be willing to pay the price and invest the time, energy, sweat, and dedication that greatness requires. People think it’s all about talent. But talent isn’t enough anymore. Everyone here has talent. It’s about infusing talent with heart, soul, spirit, and passion. It’s about doing the things that make the best of the best better than everyone else. And these things have nothing to do with talent."
Since we're in the midst of training camp, I thought it would be appropriate to share a passage from Jon's book:
"Because if you want it you’ll be willing to pay the price and invest the time, energy, sweat, and dedication that greatness requires. People think it’s all about talent. But talent isn’t enough anymore. Everyone here has talent. It’s about infusing talent with heart, soul, spirit, and passion. It’s about doing the things that make the best of the best better than everyone else. And these things have nothing to do with talent."
I've been fortunate to be with the Boston Celtics for 9 years now, and have had the opportunity to watch and work with players like Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Rajon Rondo, and others over these years. They epitomize what Jon talks about in his book.
For all young players, please know that it's not talent alone that is the key. To be the best, and to accomplish in the game and in life what you dream of, it takes more. I see what that "more" has done for players like these and many others like them who reach this highest level. They are not just lucky because they have the talent. They have the drive and have developed the focus, passion, heart, and spirit that Jon talks about.
Simply put: talent is the price of admission to be the best. But what separates you, what gets you there, and what keeps you there is something more. Often it's the things that enhance that talent that truly separate "the best" from "the rest!"
For all young players, please know that it's not talent alone that is the key. To be the best, and to accomplish in the game and in life what you dream of, it takes more. I see what that "more" has done for players like these and many others like them who reach this highest level. They are not just lucky because they have the talent. They have the drive and have developed the focus, passion, heart, and spirit that Jon talks about.
Simply put: talent is the price of admission to be the best. But what separates you, what gets you there, and what keeps you there is something more. Often it's the things that enhance that talent that truly separate "the best" from "the rest!"
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Kevin Eastman
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