The word of the day, excitability.
That's the ability to be excitable, the special quality of energizing, inspiring, and and making everything you do worth doing, seeing, and participating in.
It's a great time of year, summer camp season. I've been really blessed to have worked 3 camps at two Division I schools (Mount St. Mary's and VCU) over the course of the past 8 days, and as always, I left knowing that sharing the game of basketball with young people really makes my life. You have to bring a certain amount of excitability to a camp. I tell my players all the time, good habits are contagious, just as bad habits are. You have to show you want to be there right? For me it's easy. There's no place I'd rather be than in the gym, so it comes natural. It's been that way since I was 12 years old, and carrying it over to the next step, coaching, hasn't been difficult for me.
In order to be great at whatever it is you do, first you have to want to be great, but then I think the thought of being great has to light you up. I talk about buying into yourself first, knowing that you will be successful. If you wouldn't buy what you're selling, why should anyone else? There is some form of motivation behind everything we do. I believe our ability to really get into what we do comes from that motivation. If your motivation is to just get through the day, you are going to put just enough into it to get through.
But let's say your motivation is that you set your goal to be the best, EVERY TIME OUT. I'm not saying that means you are the best, but that's where you want to be. How exciting is that? This is what's special for me about coaching, that's why I get excited. Every time out, I can set my sights on the top and start climbing.
Sure, this applies to a lot of things in life. If you are a teacher, you want to be the best educator in your subject, grade level, etc. If you sell cars, you want to be the best salesperson there is. So you bring the excitability. No matter what is going on in your life, you block it out, and you turn the volume up on the good stuff that you do have in your life.
I won't lie and say my life is close to perfect right now. It's a struggle, knowing what opportunity you need, and working so hard to get, almost having to just wait, put your life on pause until the news comes. It hasn't come, but it will. Either way, when I walk into the gym and pick up that ball, none of that matters. Thinking about your situation constantly distracts you from investing your full energy in what you're doing right now. Not 6 months ago, Coach James Jabir, the Head Coach at Dayton University, told me, "Don't forget to enjoy where you are right now." I really think that's stuck with me more in 2013 than anything.
So tomorrow, wake up and be excited. Approach every situation and stand out because your excitability is unmatched. Let others be the judge, but if you really love it, you won't have to try to hard. Everyone is famous for something, everyone is known for the things they do and the way they go about doing it. Be the example. Be better than you were yesterday. Be excitable.
Live in your own reality,
TP
Sunday, June 23, 2013
Monday, May 27, 2013
Don't call it a comeback...
Wow has it really been that long since I've posted on here?
Time flies when you're staying busy, and I've been all over the place the past couple months, succeeding, winning, searching, making memories, and just living. I've had a lot to dominate my time, different priorities that most people don't run into in their normal daily activities.
But this post is inspired by you, because you've all been there, you have given me support, and you have shown me love through tough times.
I posted on facebook about an hour ago that for the first time since last July, I will be on assignment, better known as "doing the news thing", for the first part of this week. Nothing crazy, don't get too excited, just for the first part of the week. But the enthusiasm I got off of the people when I posted that was awesome, and it's contagious. If I wasn't already excited, I can be now.
I haven't been a journalist for a while, 10 months now. Since that happened, I've stayed away, on my own accord. I haven't been looking to be a journalist again, I've turned down inquiries, and I guess I've really surprised some people with that. In many ways, I was driving down my road, on my journey as a journalist. The speed limits were holding me down, and it's funny, when you have a fast car, and people ask you what keeps you from just opening up and taking off, what can you say? Then it happened, the crash. I saw the accident coming, and my journey was put on hold. It wasn't my fault. I haven't gotten behind the wheel since. It hasn't been fear of driving again that's held me back, I'm not afraid of you either. I guess I just have been happy riding the bus for a while. There's nothing wrong with the bus, or taking the train, or a plane.
That's my analogy. But tomorrow, I get behind the wheel again. Sometimes you get a freelance opportunity you can't pass up, so I'm heading west for a few days. Don't read a lot into it, don't call it a comeback. There are no expectations or anything, and it doesn't mean I want to drive again all the time, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't looking forward to telling stories again. I'm pretty damn good at it.
What's the bigger picture here? Don't ever let the past keep you from being successful in the present. People make the wrong decisions all the time, and they affect our lives in so many ways. Accept this as a fact of life. Not everything is in your control. What you do control though is how you let it motivate you, and how you prepare for the next opportunity that comes up. If you really love something, and it really means a lot to you, you will always love it, and it will always mean that much.
Realize how good you are, and how great you can be. We all have the capacity to win. The journey is sometimes long, but our lifetime is finite, and that tells us that the bad times won't last forever. How hard you work tomorrow matters, so don't ever let anyone tell you you aren't great. Don't call it a comeback, I've been living in my own reality for years. This one's for you...
-T
Time flies when you're staying busy, and I've been all over the place the past couple months, succeeding, winning, searching, making memories, and just living. I've had a lot to dominate my time, different priorities that most people don't run into in their normal daily activities.
But this post is inspired by you, because you've all been there, you have given me support, and you have shown me love through tough times.
I posted on facebook about an hour ago that for the first time since last July, I will be on assignment, better known as "doing the news thing", for the first part of this week. Nothing crazy, don't get too excited, just for the first part of the week. But the enthusiasm I got off of the people when I posted that was awesome, and it's contagious. If I wasn't already excited, I can be now.
I haven't been a journalist for a while, 10 months now. Since that happened, I've stayed away, on my own accord. I haven't been looking to be a journalist again, I've turned down inquiries, and I guess I've really surprised some people with that. In many ways, I was driving down my road, on my journey as a journalist. The speed limits were holding me down, and it's funny, when you have a fast car, and people ask you what keeps you from just opening up and taking off, what can you say? Then it happened, the crash. I saw the accident coming, and my journey was put on hold. It wasn't my fault. I haven't gotten behind the wheel since. It hasn't been fear of driving again that's held me back, I'm not afraid of you either. I guess I just have been happy riding the bus for a while. There's nothing wrong with the bus, or taking the train, or a plane.
That's my analogy. But tomorrow, I get behind the wheel again. Sometimes you get a freelance opportunity you can't pass up, so I'm heading west for a few days. Don't read a lot into it, don't call it a comeback. There are no expectations or anything, and it doesn't mean I want to drive again all the time, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't looking forward to telling stories again. I'm pretty damn good at it.
What's the bigger picture here? Don't ever let the past keep you from being successful in the present. People make the wrong decisions all the time, and they affect our lives in so many ways. Accept this as a fact of life. Not everything is in your control. What you do control though is how you let it motivate you, and how you prepare for the next opportunity that comes up. If you really love something, and it really means a lot to you, you will always love it, and it will always mean that much.
Realize how good you are, and how great you can be. We all have the capacity to win. The journey is sometimes long, but our lifetime is finite, and that tells us that the bad times won't last forever. How hard you work tomorrow matters, so don't ever let anyone tell you you aren't great. Don't call it a comeback, I've been living in my own reality for years. This one's for you...
-T
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Because there's no greater feeling....
I've been on the road a lot the past couple weeks, mainly up north on basketball and job related trips. It's been great to meet new people, see old friends and brothers, and to just get away and be productive away from home base. Coaching at the high school level allows you a little bit of time now and again when school's out for break and practice schedules are scaled back. The trips I've made have all been well worth it, it's an exciting time of year.
While I was on one of these ventures, a college coach asked me, "So why do you want to coach at the next level?" Fair question. I don't think I gave a bad answer. I've grown up in this game, and I can't imagine not being around it virtually every day as I have been for so many years. I don't talk the talk, I walk damn it all, I literally was working out 360 days out of the year during my high school and college careers. It's what made me successful. These days, I'd say I average 4-5 days on the court per week, key word there is average. It's funny how a lot of people think they are in love, but they have no idea what love is. My answer continued with how much I enjoying coaching, how much I love sharing this great game (or great games, I should say with soccer) with others. I probably also mentioned the need for a full time gig, and I want that to be in this business, having tried my hand in television for a couple years and coached part time. It's the honest quick answer I gave.
But I have to say, for the past week or so, watching the men's and women's NCAA Final Four, man has that question lingered. What is the one thing that sets being a coach apart from everything else? I think for all coaches, our answers are different. I mean hey, there's a lot to love, and it's hard to pick one.
I'm not sure what game was on when it hit me though. I realized what it is for me, that makes me love this as much as I do. As the two teams were lining up to shake hands at the end of the game, I want to say it was the Notre Dame-UConn Final 4 match up, seeing the celebration and happiness on the winners' faces, that look of accomplishment, it really hit me. I coach because to me, there's no greater feeling than the one you have after a hard fought victory with a team of individuals who have sacrificed, worked harder, and executed to be in a position to win a big game. There is no greater feeling than that for me, because when you give yourself to a game, invest emotionally and mentally into a team, the payout of success is the sweetest thing you could get in return.
I could pick my fair share of moments like that, as a player and a coach. I've been very blessed thus far. Perhaps my favorite memory was February of 2011, at VCU's Siegel Center. I was the top assistant at Cosby High School at the time, and we had just won our 3rd consecutive Dominion District Championship. Tonight though was the big showdown, the Central Region Championship, and as we vied to set a record with our 3rd consecutive Central Region Title, a very good Thomas Dale team featuring their own college talent stood in the way. It had been a hard few weeks for me personally, as my grandmother was on the last leg of her battle with a degenerative brain disease better known as Dementia. At times, I was going from the hospital to practice, and back to the hospital, and while I've lost plenty of people close to me over the years, seeing a loved one lose that battle and deteriorate is not easy, ever. She lost the battle and was laid to rest the day before the game.
We were focused and the preparation was very strong. Our kids played well and didn't allow a field goal in the final 6 plus minutes of the game to help us pull away with the victory. Man, what a great feeling that was, standing at mid court of the Siegel Center raising that trophy high with what felt like the whole world watching. It's one of those moments that you don't remember specific details because you're so psyched and it happens so fast. But no one can take it away from you, and the memories of the people you made that journey with stay with you. What greater feeling can there be?
So what is your feeling? It's not the same as mine, but we all have that one thing that takes us to another level. To me, winning is always the goal, but since no one's goal is really to lose, at least not often, then we are all striving for the same outcome, even though we can't all attain in. The Bible discusses it in 1 Corinthians 9: 24-27, one of my favorite verses that I learned through basketball. If you earn the chance to be a winner though, what more is there to celebrate. Let's face it, success is earned, even if the price varies.
Find your feeling. Maybe there's no wrong answer to the question why, but there can be one right one at the same time. When you live in your own reality, and make your reality the strongest, you will get to that place more often.
In closing, today would have been my fraternal brother Bobby Thomason's 26th birthday. There isn't a day that goes by that you're not on my mind, but today even more so brother, and I hope I can be a little greater today than any other day for you. I've lost other friends in the past 5 years or so, and even another brother, and through losing these people I challenge myself everyday to be a little bit better because God has given me the chance to for whatever reason, while others were called home. It's His plan that we are living out, and that gives me hope. So happy birthday Bobby. I'm sorry brother, and we miss you.
Never Quit.
-Travis (BT)
While I was on one of these ventures, a college coach asked me, "So why do you want to coach at the next level?" Fair question. I don't think I gave a bad answer. I've grown up in this game, and I can't imagine not being around it virtually every day as I have been for so many years. I don't talk the talk, I walk damn it all, I literally was working out 360 days out of the year during my high school and college careers. It's what made me successful. These days, I'd say I average 4-5 days on the court per week, key word there is average. It's funny how a lot of people think they are in love, but they have no idea what love is. My answer continued with how much I enjoying coaching, how much I love sharing this great game (or great games, I should say with soccer) with others. I probably also mentioned the need for a full time gig, and I want that to be in this business, having tried my hand in television for a couple years and coached part time. It's the honest quick answer I gave.
But I have to say, for the past week or so, watching the men's and women's NCAA Final Four, man has that question lingered. What is the one thing that sets being a coach apart from everything else? I think for all coaches, our answers are different. I mean hey, there's a lot to love, and it's hard to pick one.
I'm not sure what game was on when it hit me though. I realized what it is for me, that makes me love this as much as I do. As the two teams were lining up to shake hands at the end of the game, I want to say it was the Notre Dame-UConn Final 4 match up, seeing the celebration and happiness on the winners' faces, that look of accomplishment, it really hit me. I coach because to me, there's no greater feeling than the one you have after a hard fought victory with a team of individuals who have sacrificed, worked harder, and executed to be in a position to win a big game. There is no greater feeling than that for me, because when you give yourself to a game, invest emotionally and mentally into a team, the payout of success is the sweetest thing you could get in return.
I could pick my fair share of moments like that, as a player and a coach. I've been very blessed thus far. Perhaps my favorite memory was February of 2011, at VCU's Siegel Center. I was the top assistant at Cosby High School at the time, and we had just won our 3rd consecutive Dominion District Championship. Tonight though was the big showdown, the Central Region Championship, and as we vied to set a record with our 3rd consecutive Central Region Title, a very good Thomas Dale team featuring their own college talent stood in the way. It had been a hard few weeks for me personally, as my grandmother was on the last leg of her battle with a degenerative brain disease better known as Dementia. At times, I was going from the hospital to practice, and back to the hospital, and while I've lost plenty of people close to me over the years, seeing a loved one lose that battle and deteriorate is not easy, ever. She lost the battle and was laid to rest the day before the game.
We were focused and the preparation was very strong. Our kids played well and didn't allow a field goal in the final 6 plus minutes of the game to help us pull away with the victory. Man, what a great feeling that was, standing at mid court of the Siegel Center raising that trophy high with what felt like the whole world watching. It's one of those moments that you don't remember specific details because you're so psyched and it happens so fast. But no one can take it away from you, and the memories of the people you made that journey with stay with you. What greater feeling can there be?
So what is your feeling? It's not the same as mine, but we all have that one thing that takes us to another level. To me, winning is always the goal, but since no one's goal is really to lose, at least not often, then we are all striving for the same outcome, even though we can't all attain in. The Bible discusses it in 1 Corinthians 9: 24-27, one of my favorite verses that I learned through basketball. If you earn the chance to be a winner though, what more is there to celebrate. Let's face it, success is earned, even if the price varies.
Find your feeling. Maybe there's no wrong answer to the question why, but there can be one right one at the same time. When you live in your own reality, and make your reality the strongest, you will get to that place more often.
In closing, today would have been my fraternal brother Bobby Thomason's 26th birthday. There isn't a day that goes by that you're not on my mind, but today even more so brother, and I hope I can be a little greater today than any other day for you. I've lost other friends in the past 5 years or so, and even another brother, and through losing these people I challenge myself everyday to be a little bit better because God has given me the chance to for whatever reason, while others were called home. It's His plan that we are living out, and that gives me hope. So happy birthday Bobby. I'm sorry brother, and we miss you.
Never Quit.
-Travis (BT)
Monday, April 1, 2013
Rise
Easter Sunday is perhaps the most motivational holiday there is, for me as a Christian anyway. I don't go into promoting my personal beliefs or agenda on this blog, but I will say that conceptually, the fact that Jesus Christ rose from the dead after suffering and going through what he did, is enough to motivate anyone, even if you aren't a believer.
So, through my own prayer and reflection yesterday, I kept coming back to a simple theme, rise.
What better time than now to rise? Rise up, raise your bar, raise your status, rise to the occasion. Sometimes, we don't struggle to find this motivation, but we struggle in applying it to our situations. It's time to rise above that as well.
Believe it or not, sometimes we hold ourselves down. Our loyalty, attitude, work ethic, choices, or ideas can be our enemies as easy as they can be our allies. I've said it before, my loyalty has been one of my biggest weaknesses in recent years. I've dedicated a lot of energy and work to get to plateaus that were blocked for me. Sometimes, our mentality to "stick with it" and keep trying to get over the hump can actually be a bad thing. Being loyal to someone or something that doesn't treat you right, respect you, promote you, or help you can be wasteful. It's not your fault, but at some point you have to realize that there is more to it, and you have to rise. Sure, there are decision makers and people in authority that play roles in your situation that you cannot control, but where you devote your time and energy is almost entirely on you.
I say, wake up tomorrow and decide that it's time to rise. You can never be content with where you are on the spectrum. Once you grow content, you are done. Champions that grow content get upset, kings that got content lost their empires, companies that get content lose money to competitors. It's ok not to be happy with where you are, I'm right there with you. But we have to focus on what we are doing to rise, not on how unhappy we are, or how frustrated we are. We have to stop saying we will do it tomorrow. This is a season of new beginnings, a season of growing, so what better time to do it.
Let's face it, our days are numbered. It's sad but true. One of the motivating factors that I leaned on as a player was the simple idea that every time I walked off the court it could be my very last time, so I better make it count. Walking off the court unsatisfied with a workout or performance is acceptable, you should never feel that way, but if you approach every time out as if it was the very last time, you get more out of yourself. I tell this to my players everyday. The fact that one day we might not be so lucky to do be able to do the things we love is reason enough to rise that extra bit more.
Here it is, another important minute, in an important hour, on an important day that will impact the rest of your life. I say, choose to rise. Aim for higher goals, and don't let things you can control get in your way. Don't put it off, and don't waste that time moving at the same level too long. This week, I will rise. Will you? Because I know that if I don't, someone else will. That's enough for me.
Live to rise, in your own reality.
So, through my own prayer and reflection yesterday, I kept coming back to a simple theme, rise.
What better time than now to rise? Rise up, raise your bar, raise your status, rise to the occasion. Sometimes, we don't struggle to find this motivation, but we struggle in applying it to our situations. It's time to rise above that as well.
Believe it or not, sometimes we hold ourselves down. Our loyalty, attitude, work ethic, choices, or ideas can be our enemies as easy as they can be our allies. I've said it before, my loyalty has been one of my biggest weaknesses in recent years. I've dedicated a lot of energy and work to get to plateaus that were blocked for me. Sometimes, our mentality to "stick with it" and keep trying to get over the hump can actually be a bad thing. Being loyal to someone or something that doesn't treat you right, respect you, promote you, or help you can be wasteful. It's not your fault, but at some point you have to realize that there is more to it, and you have to rise. Sure, there are decision makers and people in authority that play roles in your situation that you cannot control, but where you devote your time and energy is almost entirely on you.
I say, wake up tomorrow and decide that it's time to rise. You can never be content with where you are on the spectrum. Once you grow content, you are done. Champions that grow content get upset, kings that got content lost their empires, companies that get content lose money to competitors. It's ok not to be happy with where you are, I'm right there with you. But we have to focus on what we are doing to rise, not on how unhappy we are, or how frustrated we are. We have to stop saying we will do it tomorrow. This is a season of new beginnings, a season of growing, so what better time to do it.
Let's face it, our days are numbered. It's sad but true. One of the motivating factors that I leaned on as a player was the simple idea that every time I walked off the court it could be my very last time, so I better make it count. Walking off the court unsatisfied with a workout or performance is acceptable, you should never feel that way, but if you approach every time out as if it was the very last time, you get more out of yourself. I tell this to my players everyday. The fact that one day we might not be so lucky to do be able to do the things we love is reason enough to rise that extra bit more.
Here it is, another important minute, in an important hour, on an important day that will impact the rest of your life. I say, choose to rise. Aim for higher goals, and don't let things you can control get in your way. Don't put it off, and don't waste that time moving at the same level too long. This week, I will rise. Will you? Because I know that if I don't, someone else will. That's enough for me.
Live to rise, in your own reality.
Sunday, March 24, 2013
"Everyone has their own path..."
Chances are, none of you have any idea who Vidal Nuno is.
Tonight's post is inspired by him, particularly a quote on Chad Jennings' excellent New York Yankees blog.
Vidal Nuno is a young pitcher in the New York Yankees organization. He has yet to make it to the major leagues, but ask any serious Yankees fan and they will tell you that he's sure pitching like he belongs there very soon. In big league camp as a minor league player, the lefty has perhaps been the team's most consistent starting pitcher in camp. Of course, this is Spring Training, and a lot of your established veterans are on special schedules that they are comfortable with, but that's what leads to opportunities for minor league players like Nuno. Here's his take on his Spring Training performance so far.
“Everyone has their own path,” he said. “It’s about them taking a chance on you. They gave me all the chances they could, and it’s about working hard every day. Just try to keep up what I’ve been doing, and see how it ends in the season.”
Talk about hitting the nail on the head, wow how right is he? I not only agree with him, but as someone also working down their own path and working toward opportunities, I can empathize.
Nuno is right in saying that we all have our own individual paths that we are on to get where we are going. I tell my players all the time, no two jump shots are the same. There are fundamental concepts we incorporate as shooters, but everyone has their own way. The same can be said for our paths. In Nuno's case, how many tens of thousands of guys have played major league baseball? The end result of getting there might be similar, but no two individual careers are the same.
The next part of that quote talks about chances. I'm also waiting on someone to take a chance on me, professionally. I'm not alone. There are so many of us out there, primed and ready to take off when our number is called. Or are we? See that's crucial there, and this quote serves as a reminder, that when you get a chance from someone, you better be ready. Nuno tells us the key to that, working hard every day.
And it's hard to "keep doing what [you're] doing." We are winners, and therefore we are impatient. We have success and we don't stop to celebrate, we go looking for more. But his message of patience is accurate, because you can't let your readiness or performance slip because you are frustrated, angry, or beleaguered. We are building strong mental toughness through these trials and tribulations. All you can do, is all you can do. If you can look yourself in the mirror and say you did just about everything you could, then you can trust that it just wasn't meant to be, and it wasn't up to you.
Lastly, Nuno acknowledges the fact that at some point, it ends. No matter how well he pitches, one day this struggle will be over (at the end of Spring Training in this case). There's a more definite ending though, because one day he will throw his last pitch, just as I will coach my last game, or just as we all one day will take our last breath. One day we will not be able to do the things we love anymore, so why do we waste the opportunities we have to do them now?
Whether or not Vidal Nuno pitches in a game for the Yankees this season, or ever at all for that fact, is to be determined. That decision is not up to him, he doesn't just show up to Yankee Stadium on Opening day and present himself. What is up to him is how hard he works, and how much preparation and effort he is willing to put in to make it happen. Until then, we live in our own realities, and stay focus on our own paths, the paths that God has set out for us to find and utilize.
I have to say though, it's kind of hard not to root for Vidal Nuno.
-TP
Tonight's post is inspired by him, particularly a quote on Chad Jennings' excellent New York Yankees blog.
Vidal Nuno is a young pitcher in the New York Yankees organization. He has yet to make it to the major leagues, but ask any serious Yankees fan and they will tell you that he's sure pitching like he belongs there very soon. In big league camp as a minor league player, the lefty has perhaps been the team's most consistent starting pitcher in camp. Of course, this is Spring Training, and a lot of your established veterans are on special schedules that they are comfortable with, but that's what leads to opportunities for minor league players like Nuno. Here's his take on his Spring Training performance so far.
“Everyone has their own path,” he said. “It’s about them taking a chance on you. They gave me all the chances they could, and it’s about working hard every day. Just try to keep up what I’ve been doing, and see how it ends in the season.”
Talk about hitting the nail on the head, wow how right is he? I not only agree with him, but as someone also working down their own path and working toward opportunities, I can empathize.
Nuno is right in saying that we all have our own individual paths that we are on to get where we are going. I tell my players all the time, no two jump shots are the same. There are fundamental concepts we incorporate as shooters, but everyone has their own way. The same can be said for our paths. In Nuno's case, how many tens of thousands of guys have played major league baseball? The end result of getting there might be similar, but no two individual careers are the same.
The next part of that quote talks about chances. I'm also waiting on someone to take a chance on me, professionally. I'm not alone. There are so many of us out there, primed and ready to take off when our number is called. Or are we? See that's crucial there, and this quote serves as a reminder, that when you get a chance from someone, you better be ready. Nuno tells us the key to that, working hard every day.
And it's hard to "keep doing what [you're] doing." We are winners, and therefore we are impatient. We have success and we don't stop to celebrate, we go looking for more. But his message of patience is accurate, because you can't let your readiness or performance slip because you are frustrated, angry, or beleaguered. We are building strong mental toughness through these trials and tribulations. All you can do, is all you can do. If you can look yourself in the mirror and say you did just about everything you could, then you can trust that it just wasn't meant to be, and it wasn't up to you.
Lastly, Nuno acknowledges the fact that at some point, it ends. No matter how well he pitches, one day this struggle will be over (at the end of Spring Training in this case). There's a more definite ending though, because one day he will throw his last pitch, just as I will coach my last game, or just as we all one day will take our last breath. One day we will not be able to do the things we love anymore, so why do we waste the opportunities we have to do them now?
Whether or not Vidal Nuno pitches in a game for the Yankees this season, or ever at all for that fact, is to be determined. That decision is not up to him, he doesn't just show up to Yankee Stadium on Opening day and present himself. What is up to him is how hard he works, and how much preparation and effort he is willing to put in to make it happen. Until then, we live in our own realities, and stay focus on our own paths, the paths that God has set out for us to find and utilize.
I have to say though, it's kind of hard not to root for Vidal Nuno.
-TP
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Expect to Win
In a world where not everything is in your control, your mindset is one of the most critical aspects that you have command over. Let's face, unfortunately we run into situations where no matter what we do, or how hard we work, the outcome is just out of our hands. It's a terrible feeling, because people who are in charge of making those decisions do get them wrong. I can say that I've served as a witness to that many times.
But your mindset and approach are up to you. I'm here to tell you that it's best to attack every challenge, every opportunity with the expectation that you're going to win. You are going to win. You are not going to be beaten. You have worked harder, prepared better, and you're very good at what you do, so when the ball goes up on the first whistle, you know that when the final buzzer sounds, you're going to be the victor.
On my blog I encourage you to live in your own reality, because it's often the person with the strongest reality that succeeds. Realize that you play the game for one reason, to win. Having fun, making friends, blah blah blah, it's all secondary. Winning has to be the priority. It's why we are here, to find success.
Of course, I'm making a comparison based on athletics, so here's a few other examples. Why do you go on a job interview? To get the job. You are competing against other candidates, and you want to be the one that wins. I have enjoyed the past 8 months away from the television industry (and yes, I do appreciate everyone who misses my work, you guys are the best), but why did I go to work, why did we produce newscasts? Some people might answer that they are there to make money, there because they enjoy it, or there to provide a public service. The number one reason should be to win, to be the best news outlet in the market, the best at your particular role. You can do all of those other things through your focus on being the best.
When I was playing, one of my favorite motivational quotes was, "You control who's the best player on the floor." Ask some of my players today, and I've told them that time and time again. I'm a believer. The first step toward being the best is wanting to be the best.
There's a certain aura about a person who walks into a situation and knows they are going to be successful. Hater call it cockiness or arrogance, but I believe it can be real, if that person is willing to put the work in to set themselves up for success. One of the huge things I preach is that you are confident because you prepared, and you worked the hardest. What good comes of showing up a defeatist? In the back of your mind, when you know you don't stand a chance, you are already dooming yourself. We've all been there, it's a helpless feeling.
I may not be in the best spot right now, and at times the stress has really gotten to me. However I am blessed, every minute of every day. I can't enjoy any environment where there's no challenge every day, where there's no competition, and no winning to be done. That's why I do what I do, because I can't see myself doing much of anything else. Certain things just aren't good for certain people. So as tough as it is, I persevere with my goals in mind.
When I wake up tomorrow morning, I'll start with a prayer as I always do. I'll thank God for another day, another chance to be great. I'll ask Him to help me take advantage of the opportunities He has provided. That's what I know I need to do, everyday, just rise, shine, and give the Lord the glory. And then I'll go tackle all that the day brings, but not once will the thought of losing or failing at a task cross my mind. I hate that feeling too much. Winning is my expectation. Make it yours.
-TP
But your mindset and approach are up to you. I'm here to tell you that it's best to attack every challenge, every opportunity with the expectation that you're going to win. You are going to win. You are not going to be beaten. You have worked harder, prepared better, and you're very good at what you do, so when the ball goes up on the first whistle, you know that when the final buzzer sounds, you're going to be the victor.
On my blog I encourage you to live in your own reality, because it's often the person with the strongest reality that succeeds. Realize that you play the game for one reason, to win. Having fun, making friends, blah blah blah, it's all secondary. Winning has to be the priority. It's why we are here, to find success.
Of course, I'm making a comparison based on athletics, so here's a few other examples. Why do you go on a job interview? To get the job. You are competing against other candidates, and you want to be the one that wins. I have enjoyed the past 8 months away from the television industry (and yes, I do appreciate everyone who misses my work, you guys are the best), but why did I go to work, why did we produce newscasts? Some people might answer that they are there to make money, there because they enjoy it, or there to provide a public service. The number one reason should be to win, to be the best news outlet in the market, the best at your particular role. You can do all of those other things through your focus on being the best.
When I was playing, one of my favorite motivational quotes was, "You control who's the best player on the floor." Ask some of my players today, and I've told them that time and time again. I'm a believer. The first step toward being the best is wanting to be the best.
There's a certain aura about a person who walks into a situation and knows they are going to be successful. Hater call it cockiness or arrogance, but I believe it can be real, if that person is willing to put the work in to set themselves up for success. One of the huge things I preach is that you are confident because you prepared, and you worked the hardest. What good comes of showing up a defeatist? In the back of your mind, when you know you don't stand a chance, you are already dooming yourself. We've all been there, it's a helpless feeling.
I may not be in the best spot right now, and at times the stress has really gotten to me. However I am blessed, every minute of every day. I can't enjoy any environment where there's no challenge every day, where there's no competition, and no winning to be done. That's why I do what I do, because I can't see myself doing much of anything else. Certain things just aren't good for certain people. So as tough as it is, I persevere with my goals in mind.
When I wake up tomorrow morning, I'll start with a prayer as I always do. I'll thank God for another day, another chance to be great. I'll ask Him to help me take advantage of the opportunities He has provided. That's what I know I need to do, everyday, just rise, shine, and give the Lord the glory. And then I'll go tackle all that the day brings, but not once will the thought of losing or failing at a task cross my mind. I hate that feeling too much. Winning is my expectation. Make it yours.
-TP
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Believe in yourself all the way
I've decided it's time to challenge myself with a new concept.
I believe in myself, I'm confident in my work ethic and my ability to make good things happen, exceed expectations, and make the most out of situations. This is the way we all should be. If you work hard, put up hundreds of shots, and put the time into your game, you should be confident in your ability to hit shots in the game. It's a simple concept, I preach it, I believe in it.
But, we all come up a little short, because sometimes a little sliver of doubt is still there, in the back of our minds. You know, that little bit of nervousness, that, "what if I don't win" that creeps in at the last second.
For me, I've gone into situations with that disease, and now it's time to change. I've learned that one sign of maybe, one sign of what if, is noticeable in my performance with the task at hand. Total self confidence has to be the goal. 99% doesn't get the job done in a close game. I can name occasions where I've been 99%, and that 1% of questioning myself made the difference. The best have to be able to admit their mistakes, it's part of the process.
Being able to admit that you've made a mistake though is the first step in fixing the problem. You have to live for the big games, the huge moments, and sometimes those moments can bring with them that anxiety, that uncertainty. So now that you know there's an issue, you have to work to fix it.
Trust your preparation, in anything you do in life. If you aren't prepared, you invite windows for error. That's about as simple as it gets. You have to prepare as best you can, and in some situations, preparing is not easy. Still, I say approach every challenge, every interview, every game, with the attitude that I am going to succeed because I am best suited for success. That doesn't mean you're the most experienced or anything, but you have to know you will get the job done, you were born for this and now is your time.
Life's full of challenges and obstacles, and a lot of those come from outside sources. We need not create any for ourselves. Take the challenge on yourself to bring light to that dark corner of doubt in the back of your head. In this journey toward success, we must commit to ourselves fully, prepare for the best and worst of what that journey offers, bounce back, and overcome adversity. Don't be the source of your own downfalls. Promise yourself that you will buy into all that you have to offer, 100%. Work harder, fight on, and live in your own reality, because more often than not, those who have the strongest reality often win the day.
#Eyesforward
- TP
@travisponton on twitter----follow
I believe in myself, I'm confident in my work ethic and my ability to make good things happen, exceed expectations, and make the most out of situations. This is the way we all should be. If you work hard, put up hundreds of shots, and put the time into your game, you should be confident in your ability to hit shots in the game. It's a simple concept, I preach it, I believe in it.
But, we all come up a little short, because sometimes a little sliver of doubt is still there, in the back of our minds. You know, that little bit of nervousness, that, "what if I don't win" that creeps in at the last second.
For me, I've gone into situations with that disease, and now it's time to change. I've learned that one sign of maybe, one sign of what if, is noticeable in my performance with the task at hand. Total self confidence has to be the goal. 99% doesn't get the job done in a close game. I can name occasions where I've been 99%, and that 1% of questioning myself made the difference. The best have to be able to admit their mistakes, it's part of the process.
Being able to admit that you've made a mistake though is the first step in fixing the problem. You have to live for the big games, the huge moments, and sometimes those moments can bring with them that anxiety, that uncertainty. So now that you know there's an issue, you have to work to fix it.
Trust your preparation, in anything you do in life. If you aren't prepared, you invite windows for error. That's about as simple as it gets. You have to prepare as best you can, and in some situations, preparing is not easy. Still, I say approach every challenge, every interview, every game, with the attitude that I am going to succeed because I am best suited for success. That doesn't mean you're the most experienced or anything, but you have to know you will get the job done, you were born for this and now is your time.
Life's full of challenges and obstacles, and a lot of those come from outside sources. We need not create any for ourselves. Take the challenge on yourself to bring light to that dark corner of doubt in the back of your head. In this journey toward success, we must commit to ourselves fully, prepare for the best and worst of what that journey offers, bounce back, and overcome adversity. Don't be the source of your own downfalls. Promise yourself that you will buy into all that you have to offer, 100%. Work harder, fight on, and live in your own reality, because more often than not, those who have the strongest reality often win the day.
#Eyesforward
- TP
@travisponton on twitter----follow
Thursday, January 10, 2013
The struggle
This is my outlet. I don't get on here and write fiction. The things you see on here are more often than not based on what I'm dealing with. Writing about it is not just a way to motivate others, but it's kind of my way to talk myself through it as well.
We all have bad days. Every once in a while we go through our own struggles. Sometimes your shot just isn't falling. Albert Pujols goes 100 at bats without a home run, and it makes headlines. Think about that, a great hitter goes a few weeks without one homer and it's all over ESPN. Wow, my problems aren't half that bad. At least this slump of mine isn't on the world stage, right?
I've used this baseball analogy before, and like Pujols, I step back up to the plate and keep swinging. Pujols must trust his skill, the talent he's developed after putting in the work, and he knows he'll hit another home run. This time next week, it'll be old news. Your struggles are the same in that regard. You'll have better days ahead, shots will start falling, all will be well.
Remember, not everything that happens is in your control. Sometimes you work and work, and you are deserving, and someone else, in charge of making a decision, doesn't choose you. We've all been overlooked, we've all been judged and found to be a runner up. Other times, someone else decides they want to let you down.
Reminder to myself, only you can control what kind of day you have. Only you can let someone else affect your mood and your view on your own life. Outside perspectives are important, but consider the source. There are haters everywhere who have no clue about you, what you've been through, or what success is. But only when you know success yourself will you find that these people really bug you if you let them.
How you react to struggle says a lot about your character. It's ok to take offense, taking offense shows you care. Don't take crap from anybody, ANYBODY. I'm a firm believer that only God can judge me, or any of us for that matter. Keep in mind that it's not crap automatically. Some people, including myself, sometimes struggle in filtering the constructive messages from the garbage. Like I said, consider the source. The best feedback, good or bad, comes from individuals who care about you and have earned your respect. Strangers, outsiders, etc. don't fall into that category. There's a difference in those who want you to get better and those who think they can judge.
We learn from our struggles, because we know that one day this same obstacle might present itself again. Tomorrow, you wake up, work harder, and focus on your goals. You can't let a struggle linger and keep you down. If all you can think about is the last shot you missed, you won't make the next one. Be angry at the struggle, be focused on overcoming it, and be ready for what happens next.
Trust yourself that you'll make the right decisions, with doing the right thing in the forefront of your mind first, and working toward accomplishing your goals right behind. Stay confident, because you've faced much greater challenges than this, and you're better now because of it. Live in your own reality, because in your reality, no struggle lasts forever. Bring it on, I'm tougher than that.
twitter: @travisponton
-TP
We all have bad days. Every once in a while we go through our own struggles. Sometimes your shot just isn't falling. Albert Pujols goes 100 at bats without a home run, and it makes headlines. Think about that, a great hitter goes a few weeks without one homer and it's all over ESPN. Wow, my problems aren't half that bad. At least this slump of mine isn't on the world stage, right?
I've used this baseball analogy before, and like Pujols, I step back up to the plate and keep swinging. Pujols must trust his skill, the talent he's developed after putting in the work, and he knows he'll hit another home run. This time next week, it'll be old news. Your struggles are the same in that regard. You'll have better days ahead, shots will start falling, all will be well.
Remember, not everything that happens is in your control. Sometimes you work and work, and you are deserving, and someone else, in charge of making a decision, doesn't choose you. We've all been overlooked, we've all been judged and found to be a runner up. Other times, someone else decides they want to let you down.
Reminder to myself, only you can control what kind of day you have. Only you can let someone else affect your mood and your view on your own life. Outside perspectives are important, but consider the source. There are haters everywhere who have no clue about you, what you've been through, or what success is. But only when you know success yourself will you find that these people really bug you if you let them.
How you react to struggle says a lot about your character. It's ok to take offense, taking offense shows you care. Don't take crap from anybody, ANYBODY. I'm a firm believer that only God can judge me, or any of us for that matter. Keep in mind that it's not crap automatically. Some people, including myself, sometimes struggle in filtering the constructive messages from the garbage. Like I said, consider the source. The best feedback, good or bad, comes from individuals who care about you and have earned your respect. Strangers, outsiders, etc. don't fall into that category. There's a difference in those who want you to get better and those who think they can judge.
We learn from our struggles, because we know that one day this same obstacle might present itself again. Tomorrow, you wake up, work harder, and focus on your goals. You can't let a struggle linger and keep you down. If all you can think about is the last shot you missed, you won't make the next one. Be angry at the struggle, be focused on overcoming it, and be ready for what happens next.
Trust yourself that you'll make the right decisions, with doing the right thing in the forefront of your mind first, and working toward accomplishing your goals right behind. Stay confident, because you've faced much greater challenges than this, and you're better now because of it. Live in your own reality, because in your reality, no struggle lasts forever. Bring it on, I'm tougher than that.
twitter: @travisponton
-TP
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
2013, the action movie that will be your life
New Years may be my favorite holiday.
I avoid the cliches as much as possible, but the whole concept that we have a chance to make resolutions, start fresh, renew, refresh, and refocus is a great thing. I'm a believer. It's a magical thing.
My 2012 was probably like yours in the sense that it had its ups and downs. I made decisions, learned, won, lost, enjoyed life, fought through adversity, and worked hard. I started some great new relationships with all sorts of people, while always remembering the people I'll never see again. I won an Emmy Award, and for my troubles I was set free and future endeavored instead of getting the opportunity and promotion I deserved.
But you know what, I'm in a better place than I was in a year ago, and I'm very blessed. 2012: Mission Accomplished.
You don't read this to hear my life's history, so let's just get down to my broad, bold resolution for 2013, one that holds true for anyone to take and apply to their own struggles and daily grind.
It's simple, in 2013, stop talking about it and go get it. Be greater everyday, and be prepared for the opportunities that hard work will get you.
So many of us deserve better. Better _________, you fill that in yourself, based on where you are in your life right now. In 2013, realize that you deserve more. Stop wasting time and effort, when you know there's nothing ahead but a dead end.
It's scary, if you think about it, how much you wasted in 2012. How much money did you spend that you could've saved? How much time did you waste when you could have been productive? How much effort did you waste trying to keep a sinking ship afloat?
We live and learn, and we're better for it. In 2013, waste less, and invest more into yourself. Wake up every morning with a plan to be great, a plan to be the best at whatever it is you do. Opportunities lie ahead, if you seek them. Not everything is in your realm of control, but your effort and preparation is.
Celebrating New Year's Eve last night in DC with so many great friends and brothers really put a lot into perspective. Carrying this momentum forward is the key. New Year's is perhaps the most wonderful time of the year. The process is the same in 2013. You succeed because you're great, you're great because you work the hardest. Focus your energy, waste less, and take what you want. Take action. Live in your own reality. You deserve more in this year.
In the words of a great spokesman, "Stay thirsty my friends." Cheers to 2013.
TP
I avoid the cliches as much as possible, but the whole concept that we have a chance to make resolutions, start fresh, renew, refresh, and refocus is a great thing. I'm a believer. It's a magical thing.
My 2012 was probably like yours in the sense that it had its ups and downs. I made decisions, learned, won, lost, enjoyed life, fought through adversity, and worked hard. I started some great new relationships with all sorts of people, while always remembering the people I'll never see again. I won an Emmy Award, and for my troubles I was set free and future endeavored instead of getting the opportunity and promotion I deserved.
But you know what, I'm in a better place than I was in a year ago, and I'm very blessed. 2012: Mission Accomplished.
You don't read this to hear my life's history, so let's just get down to my broad, bold resolution for 2013, one that holds true for anyone to take and apply to their own struggles and daily grind.
It's simple, in 2013, stop talking about it and go get it. Be greater everyday, and be prepared for the opportunities that hard work will get you.
So many of us deserve better. Better _________, you fill that in yourself, based on where you are in your life right now. In 2013, realize that you deserve more. Stop wasting time and effort, when you know there's nothing ahead but a dead end.
It's scary, if you think about it, how much you wasted in 2012. How much money did you spend that you could've saved? How much time did you waste when you could have been productive? How much effort did you waste trying to keep a sinking ship afloat?
We live and learn, and we're better for it. In 2013, waste less, and invest more into yourself. Wake up every morning with a plan to be great, a plan to be the best at whatever it is you do. Opportunities lie ahead, if you seek them. Not everything is in your realm of control, but your effort and preparation is.
Celebrating New Year's Eve last night in DC with so many great friends and brothers really put a lot into perspective. Carrying this momentum forward is the key. New Year's is perhaps the most wonderful time of the year. The process is the same in 2013. You succeed because you're great, you're great because you work the hardest. Focus your energy, waste less, and take what you want. Take action. Live in your own reality. You deserve more in this year.
In the words of a great spokesman, "Stay thirsty my friends." Cheers to 2013.
TP
Monday, December 24, 2012
Remember where you were last year?
It's Christmas Eve again, in case you didn't already know.
First and foremost, I personally believe I'm very blessed to be able to celebrate another year of the anniversary of the birth of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This blog isn't about my personal beliefs, but I'd feel remiss if I failed to mention that.
A second thing I can't overlook is the loss of a grandmother on Christmas Day 3 years ago. It's a special day for that reason as well, to be able to remember someone who loved the holiday season as much as Margaret Comstock. I was proud to be able to have her at some of my home games my freshman year of college, even as she was living in a center and fighting Alzheimer's in North Carolina. To be honest, going to school in NC as a freshman was to be closer to her and my aunt. There are a lot of memories for me there.
But this post is about more than that. It's hard to believe it's been a year since Christmas Eve, 2011. It was a weekend, and I was at work at CBS 6 News for another holiday, as was the custom. I don't ever complain though, it's part of being young and growing into your roll over the years. A year ago though, I ended up breaking one of the bigger stories of the year in the Richmond market and the Mid-Atlantic Region, a story that led a newscast that went on to win an Emmy Award. Lots of people had more than one hand on covering that huge, breaking story that night, but for me, it's an honor to have won that award, a true testament to teamwork, quality, and hard work paying off. You never know when opportunities are going to come, and you have to be ready for them when they pop up. No one expects something like that (double homicide followed by a kidnapping and Amber Alert in the heart of Richmond) to happen, especially not on a slow news holiday. But it did. And I had to react.
I can't even remember how many hours I worked that day, but I'd go back and do it again. That's what being a member of a team is all about. When your number is called, you have to be ready to step up, and deliver. Yeah, this is me once again creating a real life analogy with basketball, but it's once again true. Lessons you learn on the basketball court will serve you for the rest of your life. I'm thankful for that, and for those coaches and teammates who taught them to me.
So that's where I was last Christmas Eve. Eventually I got to spend the rest of the night the way I had originally planned, before returning to work at 6am on Christmas Day (a Sunday last year). Trust me after a long 12 hour shift, I was more than excited to get home and share presents and time with my parents and brother. But I wouldn't trade that experience, and the success that followed, so I will always remember Christmas Eve 2011.
Christmas Eve 2012 was far less eventful. I went to the gym for a couple hours, worked on scouting reports for the teams in the Clover Hill High School Holiday Tournament our team is playing in starting on Wednesday, and now I'm enjoying one of my favorite holiday traditions, Bad Santa on Comedy Central (gotta love Billy Bob Thornton). My work today won't lead to an Emmy Award, but hopefully it adds up to a win or two this week for our ladies.
Think back to where you were this time last year. Are you in a better place now? I hope so. I know I am. Or are you doing the exact same thing? Maybe that's a good thing, or maybe it's a wake up call. Holidays can be a benchmark for comparison in our lives. They give us a time to reflect on where we've been, and where we're going. We all have our memories associated with different holidays, and some are good, others are bad. But man am I thankful to have every single one of them!
The best gift you can give yourself this Christmas is confidence that when next Christmas comes around, if you are still here on this Earth, you can control where you end up, and that future is bright if you make it so. Never take for granted a holiday, or any day for that matter.
Move forward with one mindset, that 2013 is going to be your best year yet! As 2012 winds down,. reflect on the good and the bad, the ups and downs, and celebrate all that's yet to come. Live in your own reality, and stay ready for your opportunities when you make them, or even when they pop up out of nowhere.
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!
TP
First and foremost, I personally believe I'm very blessed to be able to celebrate another year of the anniversary of the birth of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This blog isn't about my personal beliefs, but I'd feel remiss if I failed to mention that.
A second thing I can't overlook is the loss of a grandmother on Christmas Day 3 years ago. It's a special day for that reason as well, to be able to remember someone who loved the holiday season as much as Margaret Comstock. I was proud to be able to have her at some of my home games my freshman year of college, even as she was living in a center and fighting Alzheimer's in North Carolina. To be honest, going to school in NC as a freshman was to be closer to her and my aunt. There are a lot of memories for me there.
But this post is about more than that. It's hard to believe it's been a year since Christmas Eve, 2011. It was a weekend, and I was at work at CBS 6 News for another holiday, as was the custom. I don't ever complain though, it's part of being young and growing into your roll over the years. A year ago though, I ended up breaking one of the bigger stories of the year in the Richmond market and the Mid-Atlantic Region, a story that led a newscast that went on to win an Emmy Award. Lots of people had more than one hand on covering that huge, breaking story that night, but for me, it's an honor to have won that award, a true testament to teamwork, quality, and hard work paying off. You never know when opportunities are going to come, and you have to be ready for them when they pop up. No one expects something like that (double homicide followed by a kidnapping and Amber Alert in the heart of Richmond) to happen, especially not on a slow news holiday. But it did. And I had to react.
I can't even remember how many hours I worked that day, but I'd go back and do it again. That's what being a member of a team is all about. When your number is called, you have to be ready to step up, and deliver. Yeah, this is me once again creating a real life analogy with basketball, but it's once again true. Lessons you learn on the basketball court will serve you for the rest of your life. I'm thankful for that, and for those coaches and teammates who taught them to me.
So that's where I was last Christmas Eve. Eventually I got to spend the rest of the night the way I had originally planned, before returning to work at 6am on Christmas Day (a Sunday last year). Trust me after a long 12 hour shift, I was more than excited to get home and share presents and time with my parents and brother. But I wouldn't trade that experience, and the success that followed, so I will always remember Christmas Eve 2011.
Christmas Eve 2012 was far less eventful. I went to the gym for a couple hours, worked on scouting reports for the teams in the Clover Hill High School Holiday Tournament our team is playing in starting on Wednesday, and now I'm enjoying one of my favorite holiday traditions, Bad Santa on Comedy Central (gotta love Billy Bob Thornton). My work today won't lead to an Emmy Award, but hopefully it adds up to a win or two this week for our ladies.
Think back to where you were this time last year. Are you in a better place now? I hope so. I know I am. Or are you doing the exact same thing? Maybe that's a good thing, or maybe it's a wake up call. Holidays can be a benchmark for comparison in our lives. They give us a time to reflect on where we've been, and where we're going. We all have our memories associated with different holidays, and some are good, others are bad. But man am I thankful to have every single one of them!
The best gift you can give yourself this Christmas is confidence that when next Christmas comes around, if you are still here on this Earth, you can control where you end up, and that future is bright if you make it so. Never take for granted a holiday, or any day for that matter.
Move forward with one mindset, that 2013 is going to be your best year yet! As 2012 winds down,. reflect on the good and the bad, the ups and downs, and celebrate all that's yet to come. Live in your own reality, and stay ready for your opportunities when you make them, or even when they pop up out of nowhere.
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!
TP
Monday, December 17, 2012
These are my people
I'm about 24 hours late on this post, but bare with me, I have a million things going on. Such is life on the grind.
I can't even begin to describe how important my friends and brothers are to me. This past weekend I was in Northern Virginia for a bit, and I got to see so many people that I haven't seen in months and even years, and every time I get the privilege to do something like this, it puts a lot into perspective for me. This post is inspired by those people, because they continue to inspire me.
Life is about making memories. Life is about setting goals and working hard. Life is about the relationships we build. Life is about wins and losses.
One thing I'll always be proud to say is that I am a brother of The Delta Chi fraternity. Becoming a member of such an elite group of scholars, athletes, and gentlemen is second to none for me. I credit so many wonderful memories and successes to my decision to accept the challenge to join that brotherhood, so getting to catch up with brothers I haven't seen in months or even years is a good thing. Sure, it reminds you of the good times, but also of the standards you pledged to uphold when you joined. We all set high standards for ourselves, and the higher you set them, the harder it is to uphold them. It takes these important people in our lives to get us up for the challenge.
When I say life is about losses, that's another truth. I've always owned my losses, and have suffered my own share of losses, something I've always been open about. Like most people, I've lose family, but it's the losses of friends, former teammates, and brothers that really motivate me to be better than my best everyday.
With this tragic shooting in Connecticut, something we talked about as a team in practice is that 20 young children were lost before they had the chance to reach their academic and athletic potential. 20 elementary schoolers will never have the chance to play basketball ever again, or any sport ever again. They'll never have a chance to accomplish their full potential. So how can we fall short with the opportunities we are blessed with today? I know it's been said a million times, but for some of us, we have to learn how to put a positive spin on all of life's dark days and share that light with others.
Realizing that you, or the ones you love, will some day leave this Earth should make you value your own time and the time you share with others. On my trip this weekend, I got to see over a dozen brothers and friends that I don't get to see enough, and may not ever see again, at least not soon. It's true. And so I'm thankful for the opportunity. I'm thankful for all of those amazing people in my life, and I'm thankful that if I wake up tomorrow with the chance to be great, I will work hard for it .
Enjoy the time you spend with your friends and family today, not just because it's the holiday season, and not just because of the tragedy in Connecticut. Enjoy it because you should always enjoy it. Change is on the way, that is a certainty. Never miss the chance to let someone know you appreciate them, that they are important to you, and that hearing from them means a lot to you. It's a simple rule we should all follow.
Thanks for the good times, and the bad times. Thanks for the memories. Thanks for the opportunity. Thanks for being my people, and letting me be one of yours.
Live in your own reality, today is your time to shine.
@travisponton
I can't even begin to describe how important my friends and brothers are to me. This past weekend I was in Northern Virginia for a bit, and I got to see so many people that I haven't seen in months and even years, and every time I get the privilege to do something like this, it puts a lot into perspective for me. This post is inspired by those people, because they continue to inspire me.
Life is about making memories. Life is about setting goals and working hard. Life is about the relationships we build. Life is about wins and losses.
One thing I'll always be proud to say is that I am a brother of The Delta Chi fraternity. Becoming a member of such an elite group of scholars, athletes, and gentlemen is second to none for me. I credit so many wonderful memories and successes to my decision to accept the challenge to join that brotherhood, so getting to catch up with brothers I haven't seen in months or even years is a good thing. Sure, it reminds you of the good times, but also of the standards you pledged to uphold when you joined. We all set high standards for ourselves, and the higher you set them, the harder it is to uphold them. It takes these important people in our lives to get us up for the challenge.
When I say life is about losses, that's another truth. I've always owned my losses, and have suffered my own share of losses, something I've always been open about. Like most people, I've lose family, but it's the losses of friends, former teammates, and brothers that really motivate me to be better than my best everyday.
With this tragic shooting in Connecticut, something we talked about as a team in practice is that 20 young children were lost before they had the chance to reach their academic and athletic potential. 20 elementary schoolers will never have the chance to play basketball ever again, or any sport ever again. They'll never have a chance to accomplish their full potential. So how can we fall short with the opportunities we are blessed with today? I know it's been said a million times, but for some of us, we have to learn how to put a positive spin on all of life's dark days and share that light with others.
Realizing that you, or the ones you love, will some day leave this Earth should make you value your own time and the time you share with others. On my trip this weekend, I got to see over a dozen brothers and friends that I don't get to see enough, and may not ever see again, at least not soon. It's true. And so I'm thankful for the opportunity. I'm thankful for all of those amazing people in my life, and I'm thankful that if I wake up tomorrow with the chance to be great, I will work hard for it .
Enjoy the time you spend with your friends and family today, not just because it's the holiday season, and not just because of the tragedy in Connecticut. Enjoy it because you should always enjoy it. Change is on the way, that is a certainty. Never miss the chance to let someone know you appreciate them, that they are important to you, and that hearing from them means a lot to you. It's a simple rule we should all follow.
Thanks for the good times, and the bad times. Thanks for the memories. Thanks for the opportunity. Thanks for being my people, and letting me be one of yours.
Live in your own reality, today is your time to shine.
@travisponton
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Don't be proud, push me
There's that old cliche image that keeps popping up in my head, of a proud parent consoling their kid after a tough loss. This has happened to me countless times in the past, and to have my mom there for me through all of the injuries, big games, disappointments, wins, losses, and all of that, is special. I remember playing my first college game on my mom's birthday, and scoring my first college points that day. That may have been the best gift I could ever give back. Don't get me wrong, a lot of us are who we are, where we are because of our parents.
But here's the problem, there's also a need for someone to push us in our lives, even harder than we push ourselves. It's nice to have someone to make you feel good about yourself, but I'd trade that for the cold, hard, honest truth any day. I've grown up pretty self motivated, that's what kept me outside shooting in my driveway in the dark, and in the rain, or had me in my garage jumping rope and dribbling late at night. I'm more thankful though for everyone that provided the outside influence everyday to me that I have faults, and I can always be better.
How often do you hear someone say that, "kids are different these days," or "it ain't how it used to be." This is a rare statement that probably will reign true through generations to come. I always appreciated the tough love. In the eyes of our parents, many of us can do no wrong. I'm guilty of that myself, and through my years of experience as a journalist and as a coach, it's proven true time and time again.
So ask yourself, how great could I have been if for every time one person told me, "Oh it's OK that you lost you played well," you instead heard, "Losing is not acceptable. It happens, but you better get over it and work harder to correct the mistakes,"?
Unfortunately, we'll never know. It's a flaw in our upbringing, and like everything else in our past, we can't go back to it. So my challenge to you is to push yourself, and those around you, to strive for more in life. Don't ever let anyone you care about settle for less than their best, or less than they deserve. If you hold those around you to higher standards, chances are you will hold yourself to them as well. I'm not perfect, and that's my first sin every single day. I'm not proud of some things in my past, a few things in my present, and many more things likely due to happen in the future. It helps me to know that others are proud of me, but it also should motivate me to really give them something to talk about.
If you take anything from this post, just remember that a false sense of pride is poisonous. Don't ask for compliments, ask for critiques. Live in your own reality, and remember that success is a journey, so keep pushing.
TP
But here's the problem, there's also a need for someone to push us in our lives, even harder than we push ourselves. It's nice to have someone to make you feel good about yourself, but I'd trade that for the cold, hard, honest truth any day. I've grown up pretty self motivated, that's what kept me outside shooting in my driveway in the dark, and in the rain, or had me in my garage jumping rope and dribbling late at night. I'm more thankful though for everyone that provided the outside influence everyday to me that I have faults, and I can always be better.
How often do you hear someone say that, "kids are different these days," or "it ain't how it used to be." This is a rare statement that probably will reign true through generations to come. I always appreciated the tough love. In the eyes of our parents, many of us can do no wrong. I'm guilty of that myself, and through my years of experience as a journalist and as a coach, it's proven true time and time again.
So ask yourself, how great could I have been if for every time one person told me, "Oh it's OK that you lost you played well," you instead heard, "Losing is not acceptable. It happens, but you better get over it and work harder to correct the mistakes,"?
Unfortunately, we'll never know. It's a flaw in our upbringing, and like everything else in our past, we can't go back to it. So my challenge to you is to push yourself, and those around you, to strive for more in life. Don't ever let anyone you care about settle for less than their best, or less than they deserve. If you hold those around you to higher standards, chances are you will hold yourself to them as well. I'm not perfect, and that's my first sin every single day. I'm not proud of some things in my past, a few things in my present, and many more things likely due to happen in the future. It helps me to know that others are proud of me, but it also should motivate me to really give them something to talk about.
If you take anything from this post, just remember that a false sense of pride is poisonous. Don't ask for compliments, ask for critiques. Live in your own reality, and remember that success is a journey, so keep pushing.
TP
Monday, December 3, 2012
No Shortcuts
I don't know who said it, I guess maybe I could be the origin of this great quote though:
"The are no shortcuts to greatness."
I've always made it a point to be pretty open and honest about my life experiences, the good and the bad ones. Like everyone, I've lost some people who were very near and dear to me, and probably even a few more than many. I'm absolutely amazed at the strength of Kansas City Chiefs Head Coach Romeo Crennel this past weekend. He led his team, as any head coach must, despite the tragedy he bared witness to. No two situations are alike. I won't even begin to say, "I've been there, I know how you feel," because I don't. Only he does. All I can do is admire him, admire his team, and thank God that he put people on this Earth who show us the right way to deal with adversity, for its through Crennel's example that we all can learn.
That Chiefs tragedy though reminded me of one of those losses I had to deal with, and I spent a lot of time thinking about Matt Gwaltney today.
Chiefs QB Brady Quinn said something I learned years ago and many times over, don't ever take for granted having anyone in your life. With social media and technology, text messaging, and all of that, we are quick to take short cuts in keeping in touch with those we care about. One day, every one of us will be gone, and I'm a firm believer that those things have already been planned out. It's cliche, but true, that we can't take anyone for granted, that we'll see them again tomorrow.
Matt Gwaltney was someone I looked up to from the first time I met him. As an 8th grader, walking into the weight room in the field house at Thomas Dale High School for the first time, I looked up to the upperclassmen who were already where I wanted to be. Gwaltney was one of those guys, and when I started spending as much time as I could at the Chester YMCA, he was a familiar face that I had met at the high school I was about to start going to. He was a senior on the varsity, a great student, polite, thought he was funny (haha), and he was smart. I learned so much from him, just by watching him play, watching him interact on and off the court. To this day I don't think he knew how much I looked up to him, and I guess maybe I didn't realize it either at the time.
I had just left my 8:00 a.m. class on April 16, 2007. I was a freshman at Methodist University, and I was stopping by my dorm on the way to get treatment in the training room on my injured left wrist, that I was still rehabbing from an injury during the season. I remember someone asked me, knowing that I was one of only about a handful of students from Virginia, if I had heard what had happened at Virginia Tech. I remember turning on the television and seeing those same images that have been played back a million times over. I was one of the thousands of people picking up their phone and calling friends and loved ones there, trying to get through and make sure they were safe. That pretty much dominated my day, and then that afternoon, I found out from a friend and then my mom that Matt was one of the victims.
Up until that point in my life, I'd lost family members, but never a friend, someone just a few years older than me that I aspired to be like. I don't remember my state of mind, but I know that when I drove home the next day to pay my respects and try to clear my head, it was a sad, lonely drive. I do remember the last time I saw G-Walt (as I always called him). It was just a few months before in December, home for a few days over the holiday season between practices, where I always saw him, at the YMCA. He was in between semesters of grad school at Tech, and up there shooting one night. It was just me and him in the gym, and I don't remember what we talked about, really. I'm sure we talked about my season, college life, how his grad school was going, stuff like that, and probably a few jabs at who was still the better shooter, and maybe a joke or two about how he knew me when I was 13. You better believe every time you saw Gwaltney he'd have some witty comments, always accompanied by that sly grin. But I do remember telling him that I looked forward to seeing him again that summer.
It's easy to think, wow what should I have said if had had known it would be the last time I would see him. One of my top motivating factors as a player, and now as a coach, is simply realizing that today might be the last day I get to be around the game of basketball, so if it is, how do I want my last day to go down? We don't live this way, but maybe we'd all have a better awareness of the mortality of our relationships, our careers, and our own lives if we did.
I found one of my motivational bands today on my dresser, amongst a pile of them, and instantly put it on. It says "No Shortcuts". I made this 4+ years ago in memory of Gwaltney, because one thing that stuck out to people about him is that he didn't take any. It's a reminder to earn everything. It's a reminder that life is like a game of Shoots and Ladders, sure some of us land on the right spots that shoot us up to bigger and better things, but for most of us to win, we have to go the long way. The long way sometimes takes patience, and it always takes a lot of effort, a lot of tries, but you feel better when you win that way.
I'm guilty of taking shortcuts. We all are. When we take one, we start looking ahead to find the next one. But I think if you focus on where you are right now, and how many turns you have to take to get to where you want to go, maybe then you find more success. That success is bought. You pay a price for it, and the more you're willing to pay, the more you end up giving. But the more you end up giving, the greater the return at the end of it all.
I'm thankful for Matt Gwaltney, and I can live for years to come and not be half the man he was. I'm thankful that, while he's on my mind every night when I say my prayers, that what he meant to so many people is back in the forefront of my mind, so that I might work harder tomorrow. Be greater for the ones you've lost. Live in your own reality. No shortcuts.
http://www.remembrance.vt.edu/2007/biographies/matthew_gregory_gwaltney.html
-TP
"The are no shortcuts to greatness."
I've always made it a point to be pretty open and honest about my life experiences, the good and the bad ones. Like everyone, I've lost some people who were very near and dear to me, and probably even a few more than many. I'm absolutely amazed at the strength of Kansas City Chiefs Head Coach Romeo Crennel this past weekend. He led his team, as any head coach must, despite the tragedy he bared witness to. No two situations are alike. I won't even begin to say, "I've been there, I know how you feel," because I don't. Only he does. All I can do is admire him, admire his team, and thank God that he put people on this Earth who show us the right way to deal with adversity, for its through Crennel's example that we all can learn.
That Chiefs tragedy though reminded me of one of those losses I had to deal with, and I spent a lot of time thinking about Matt Gwaltney today.
Chiefs QB Brady Quinn said something I learned years ago and many times over, don't ever take for granted having anyone in your life. With social media and technology, text messaging, and all of that, we are quick to take short cuts in keeping in touch with those we care about. One day, every one of us will be gone, and I'm a firm believer that those things have already been planned out. It's cliche, but true, that we can't take anyone for granted, that we'll see them again tomorrow.
Matt Gwaltney was someone I looked up to from the first time I met him. As an 8th grader, walking into the weight room in the field house at Thomas Dale High School for the first time, I looked up to the upperclassmen who were already where I wanted to be. Gwaltney was one of those guys, and when I started spending as much time as I could at the Chester YMCA, he was a familiar face that I had met at the high school I was about to start going to. He was a senior on the varsity, a great student, polite, thought he was funny (haha), and he was smart. I learned so much from him, just by watching him play, watching him interact on and off the court. To this day I don't think he knew how much I looked up to him, and I guess maybe I didn't realize it either at the time.
I had just left my 8:00 a.m. class on April 16, 2007. I was a freshman at Methodist University, and I was stopping by my dorm on the way to get treatment in the training room on my injured left wrist, that I was still rehabbing from an injury during the season. I remember someone asked me, knowing that I was one of only about a handful of students from Virginia, if I had heard what had happened at Virginia Tech. I remember turning on the television and seeing those same images that have been played back a million times over. I was one of the thousands of people picking up their phone and calling friends and loved ones there, trying to get through and make sure they were safe. That pretty much dominated my day, and then that afternoon, I found out from a friend and then my mom that Matt was one of the victims.
Up until that point in my life, I'd lost family members, but never a friend, someone just a few years older than me that I aspired to be like. I don't remember my state of mind, but I know that when I drove home the next day to pay my respects and try to clear my head, it was a sad, lonely drive. I do remember the last time I saw G-Walt (as I always called him). It was just a few months before in December, home for a few days over the holiday season between practices, where I always saw him, at the YMCA. He was in between semesters of grad school at Tech, and up there shooting one night. It was just me and him in the gym, and I don't remember what we talked about, really. I'm sure we talked about my season, college life, how his grad school was going, stuff like that, and probably a few jabs at who was still the better shooter, and maybe a joke or two about how he knew me when I was 13. You better believe every time you saw Gwaltney he'd have some witty comments, always accompanied by that sly grin. But I do remember telling him that I looked forward to seeing him again that summer.
It's easy to think, wow what should I have said if had had known it would be the last time I would see him. One of my top motivating factors as a player, and now as a coach, is simply realizing that today might be the last day I get to be around the game of basketball, so if it is, how do I want my last day to go down? We don't live this way, but maybe we'd all have a better awareness of the mortality of our relationships, our careers, and our own lives if we did.
I found one of my motivational bands today on my dresser, amongst a pile of them, and instantly put it on. It says "No Shortcuts". I made this 4+ years ago in memory of Gwaltney, because one thing that stuck out to people about him is that he didn't take any. It's a reminder to earn everything. It's a reminder that life is like a game of Shoots and Ladders, sure some of us land on the right spots that shoot us up to bigger and better things, but for most of us to win, we have to go the long way. The long way sometimes takes patience, and it always takes a lot of effort, a lot of tries, but you feel better when you win that way.
I'm guilty of taking shortcuts. We all are. When we take one, we start looking ahead to find the next one. But I think if you focus on where you are right now, and how many turns you have to take to get to where you want to go, maybe then you find more success. That success is bought. You pay a price for it, and the more you're willing to pay, the more you end up giving. But the more you end up giving, the greater the return at the end of it all.
I'm thankful for Matt Gwaltney, and I can live for years to come and not be half the man he was. I'm thankful that, while he's on my mind every night when I say my prayers, that what he meant to so many people is back in the forefront of my mind, so that I might work harder tomorrow. Be greater for the ones you've lost. Live in your own reality. No shortcuts.
http://www.remembrance.vt.edu/2007/biographies/matthew_gregory_gwaltney.html
-TP
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Reason for Optimism
I've been criticized more than once or twice for being overly optimistic. I'll take that criticism every day of the week.
After all, if we can't be optimistic about what's to come, I think that means we're doing something wrong. We are optimistic because we are confident, and we are confident because we work hard. Plain and simple.
As coaches, our teams feed off our optimism. I read an article earlier today about San Antonio Spurs Coach Gregg Popovich. The focus was on the Los Angeles Lakers, and on their close loss last night to the Spurs. The writer praised Popvich for being the difference in the game last night, because of the way he is, the way he inspires confidence in his players to overachieve. Giving your players confidence that they will go out and be successful, according to the writer, helped the Spurs win a close game at the end.
If Popovich let one bit of doubt cross his mind that a certain player can't hit the game winning shot, his players pick up on that. A vote of confidence from a coach can make a world of difference.
As coaches, we don't set expectations overly high, but we approach our new seasons with optimism, that if we stick to the plan, learn, get better, and adapt that plan throughout the season, we can achieve our team's goals. You set the bar high, not so high that your team will never get there, but high enough to push yourselves to get a little higher than you did the last time you tried.
So as we begin our seasons, at the high school and college levels, we find reasons for optimism in what we have. We look forward to our first practice, our first exhibition, and our first regular season game. Everyone wants to win, and as I've written before, wanting isn't nearly good enough. You make wins. You combine all of the ingredients, a game plan, good coaching, outstanding effort from your players, and everyone's hard work in your basketball family, and you make wins. Coaches prepare recipes, players follow the directions, and add their own extras to it.
Tomorrow when you go to practice, no matter your roll, find a reason to be optimistic. Realize that your work today makes tomorrow better, and be optimistic in your ability to make a difference. You can have an impact if you choose to make one. I have my eyes on what I want, but it turns out what I want is also something I need, so I challenge myself everyday to get there. I have to be optimistic, otherwise I wouldn't do what I do.
Live in your own reality, and find your own optimism.
Follow me: https://twitter.com/travisponton
-TP
After all, if we can't be optimistic about what's to come, I think that means we're doing something wrong. We are optimistic because we are confident, and we are confident because we work hard. Plain and simple.
As coaches, our teams feed off our optimism. I read an article earlier today about San Antonio Spurs Coach Gregg Popovich. The focus was on the Los Angeles Lakers, and on their close loss last night to the Spurs. The writer praised Popvich for being the difference in the game last night, because of the way he is, the way he inspires confidence in his players to overachieve. Giving your players confidence that they will go out and be successful, according to the writer, helped the Spurs win a close game at the end.
If Popovich let one bit of doubt cross his mind that a certain player can't hit the game winning shot, his players pick up on that. A vote of confidence from a coach can make a world of difference.
As coaches, we don't set expectations overly high, but we approach our new seasons with optimism, that if we stick to the plan, learn, get better, and adapt that plan throughout the season, we can achieve our team's goals. You set the bar high, not so high that your team will never get there, but high enough to push yourselves to get a little higher than you did the last time you tried.
So as we begin our seasons, at the high school and college levels, we find reasons for optimism in what we have. We look forward to our first practice, our first exhibition, and our first regular season game. Everyone wants to win, and as I've written before, wanting isn't nearly good enough. You make wins. You combine all of the ingredients, a game plan, good coaching, outstanding effort from your players, and everyone's hard work in your basketball family, and you make wins. Coaches prepare recipes, players follow the directions, and add their own extras to it.
Tomorrow when you go to practice, no matter your roll, find a reason to be optimistic. Realize that your work today makes tomorrow better, and be optimistic in your ability to make a difference. You can have an impact if you choose to make one. I have my eyes on what I want, but it turns out what I want is also something I need, so I challenge myself everyday to get there. I have to be optimistic, otherwise I wouldn't do what I do.
Live in your own reality, and find your own optimism.
Follow me: https://twitter.com/travisponton
-TP
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Buy into yourself
Start with yourself.
Hall of Fame football coach Bill Parcells once said that everyday we fight 3 separate adversaries:
Sometimes the problem with us is that we don't buy into everything we have to offer to the situation. That's division. I'm here to tell you that you have to eliminate division from within immediately, because if you wouldn't buy what you're selling, how can you expect anyone else to? Look at yourself as the product, and you have to believe in that product in order for others to follow suit.
I've noticed that in athletics, and in coaching in particular, coaches will try to be like other more-accomplished coaches. I disagree with this. I say that you can learn so much from other coaches who have experience and success, and you should show the utmost respect to everyone. But, I'm here to tell you, I'm working on being my own coach. I want to be the best Travis Ponton I can be, and I know that if i put the time and effort into it, when the opportunity comes I can keep building my own legacy. Meet new people, open your mind, learn from the best, but be your own person. You can spend all your time trying to be the next Michael Jordan, Peyton Manning, Jimmy Johnson, Roy Williams, etc., or you can start investing in yourself. The most successful people I think realize this early, and work to join those elite names at the top of their professions.
A lack of self confidence is one of the easiest weaknesses to spot. You've either got it or you don't. But it's not something we're born with, and it's a renewable resource that's easy to find. We handicap ourselves by going into any situation with any doubt in our minds that we can be successful. Stop letting division from within slow you down. You're destined to do great things, and until you give up on that concept then you have a chance to keep moving in the right direction.
All things good and bad start somewhere. Make a decision to start something great right now. take the first step by eliminating the obstacles you have created for yourself. There are so many other things standing in your way, but control what you can control and build your own foundation that you know is the best in the neighborhood. When you know you're great, it's easier for everyone else to see.
I always say to live in your own reality, and remember that the person with the strongest reality usually comes out on top. We tackle division from within more than we even notice, but if we can minimize that, and start buying into ourselves, we can start every morning ahead of the curve. Wake up tomorrow morning, thank God that he gave you another day to carry out His plan for you, and then make the most of it.
"Everyday is a holiday, every meal is a feast."
-TP
twitter: @travisponton
Hall of Fame football coach Bill Parcells once said that everyday we fight 3 separate adversaries:
- Division from within
- Your competition
- Public perception
Sometimes the problem with us is that we don't buy into everything we have to offer to the situation. That's division. I'm here to tell you that you have to eliminate division from within immediately, because if you wouldn't buy what you're selling, how can you expect anyone else to? Look at yourself as the product, and you have to believe in that product in order for others to follow suit.
I've noticed that in athletics, and in coaching in particular, coaches will try to be like other more-accomplished coaches. I disagree with this. I say that you can learn so much from other coaches who have experience and success, and you should show the utmost respect to everyone. But, I'm here to tell you, I'm working on being my own coach. I want to be the best Travis Ponton I can be, and I know that if i put the time and effort into it, when the opportunity comes I can keep building my own legacy. Meet new people, open your mind, learn from the best, but be your own person. You can spend all your time trying to be the next Michael Jordan, Peyton Manning, Jimmy Johnson, Roy Williams, etc., or you can start investing in yourself. The most successful people I think realize this early, and work to join those elite names at the top of their professions.
A lack of self confidence is one of the easiest weaknesses to spot. You've either got it or you don't. But it's not something we're born with, and it's a renewable resource that's easy to find. We handicap ourselves by going into any situation with any doubt in our minds that we can be successful. Stop letting division from within slow you down. You're destined to do great things, and until you give up on that concept then you have a chance to keep moving in the right direction.
All things good and bad start somewhere. Make a decision to start something great right now. take the first step by eliminating the obstacles you have created for yourself. There are so many other things standing in your way, but control what you can control and build your own foundation that you know is the best in the neighborhood. When you know you're great, it's easier for everyone else to see.
I always say to live in your own reality, and remember that the person with the strongest reality usually comes out on top. We tackle division from within more than we even notice, but if we can minimize that, and start buying into ourselves, we can start every morning ahead of the curve. Wake up tomorrow morning, thank God that he gave you another day to carry out His plan for you, and then make the most of it.
"Everyday is a holiday, every meal is a feast."
-TP
twitter: @travisponton
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Trust in your own greatness...
Sometimes, we are all faced with a rare circumstance where we are nervous, or feel unprepared. A lot of these situations are avoidable, as I've always been taught, hard work and preparation is the key to success. But how do you prepare for putting yourself out there and contacting an employer about a job opening, for example. It can be a source of anxiety, especially when you want to be successful so bad.
I always tell you, my readers, that I practice what I preach. Otherwise, I'd be a hypocrite. Those of you that know me, know that I tell you to live in your own reality because I do so myself. So let me give myself some advice once again as I remind you to...
TRUST IN YOUR OWN GREATNESS.
If you focus on yourself first, concentrate on improving your flaws, and work hard at being the best at whatever it is you do, then eventually you'll wake up one day and realize that you're making it. I had a coach tell me in high school that the game is more fun when you're better at it than anyone else, and you get better by working harder than they do. By carrying this mentality and striving to be the best, we are taking the steps toward greatness.
Sometimes we fail. We have bad days, we get in ruts, we look ourselves in the mirror and don't like the things we see, inside or out. But success is addicting. Once you get a taste, you have to be hungry for more.
Self confident people are more primed for success, and the one with the strongest reality often prevails. Believe in yourself, know that everyday you wake up, greatness is there for the taking. It is up to you to make it happen. Greatness isn't easy. We don't wake up with it. But if we wake up thankful for the opportunity to seek it, and we convince ourselves how great we can be, our potential sky rockets.
I think we are surrounded by plenty of doubters, so there's no need to doubt yourself. Say what you mean, and mean what you say. Shake the nervous side out of your personality. Live in your own reality, and remember that if you're going to do something, you might as well be the best at it. Trust in your own greatness, no matter what challenge you're facing. If you go in realizing that you can, then you will.
TP
I always tell you, my readers, that I practice what I preach. Otherwise, I'd be a hypocrite. Those of you that know me, know that I tell you to live in your own reality because I do so myself. So let me give myself some advice once again as I remind you to...
TRUST IN YOUR OWN GREATNESS.
If you focus on yourself first, concentrate on improving your flaws, and work hard at being the best at whatever it is you do, then eventually you'll wake up one day and realize that you're making it. I had a coach tell me in high school that the game is more fun when you're better at it than anyone else, and you get better by working harder than they do. By carrying this mentality and striving to be the best, we are taking the steps toward greatness.
Sometimes we fail. We have bad days, we get in ruts, we look ourselves in the mirror and don't like the things we see, inside or out. But success is addicting. Once you get a taste, you have to be hungry for more.
Self confident people are more primed for success, and the one with the strongest reality often prevails. Believe in yourself, know that everyday you wake up, greatness is there for the taking. It is up to you to make it happen. Greatness isn't easy. We don't wake up with it. But if we wake up thankful for the opportunity to seek it, and we convince ourselves how great we can be, our potential sky rockets.
I think we are surrounded by plenty of doubters, so there's no need to doubt yourself. Say what you mean, and mean what you say. Shake the nervous side out of your personality. Live in your own reality, and remember that if you're going to do something, you might as well be the best at it. Trust in your own greatness, no matter what challenge you're facing. If you go in realizing that you can, then you will.
TP
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
The journey...
Success is a journey, not a result. I don't think many people, many teams wake up and walk into greatness, walk into championships, walk into money, or even walk into their wildest dreams.
I was told by a great coach that success is indeed built toward day by day, bit by bit. You don't have to tell me twice, I'm a believer.
The journey is hard. I look at my current situation, this leg of the trip as you might call it, and I'll be the first to admit parts of it are pretty bad. I won an Emmy Award last spring, and now I don't even work on TV.
Two weeks ago, I took a chance. I decided that emailing my resume and cover letter was not enough, and since the job was at a college nearby, I got in my car and went. On my way to apply for that job, a great coaching opportunity by the way, a tractor trailer had a blowout and the tire debris came bouncing through traffic. I am very blessed to have gotten through unscathed, but needless to say the hundreds of dollars of minor damages to my car is a tough pill to swallow. Here I am, struggling to pay the bills as it is, trying to take the next step and show initiative, and then I end up losing money at the end of the day.
How do you respond to that? It's easy to get discouraged, although for me quitting is never an option. Like everything else, it happened that I was in that spot at the wrong time because that's where God wanted me to be. I haven't even heard about the job, probably won't, and while I got to meet some great new people in the process, I still have the thought in the back of my head that maybe I shouldn't have gone, especially if the result, AKA not getting the job, was a foregone conclusion.
So, the journey an be rough. Remember that. I have said it before though, that the hard times make the great ones feel that much better. God requires that we weather the storm to prove that we belong. Sure, there are plenty who don't belong, but those who earn things value them more when they get them. Strangely, and surprisingly, I'm a better coach for going through this ordeal. I'm not quite sure how yet, but I believe that one day I'll share this story after a huge win, knowing that I might not appreciate it so much if I didn't have to overcome along the way.
Some days, you feel like you're on top of the world, and others, you feel like you've hit rock bottom. I suspect that for most of us, most days are in the middle. The challenge.... figure out how to make more of those days the top of the world variety. Along the way, you might have a few more rock bottom moments, but you have to take chances to get to the top.
Don't be satisfied, be hungry. Live in your own reality. Remember that you have the capacity to be great, but earning that success is a journey. Be willing to pay the price, wipe the dirt off your brow, and keep moving.
Thanks for reading and sharing, follow me on twitter, @travisponton.
I was told by a great coach that success is indeed built toward day by day, bit by bit. You don't have to tell me twice, I'm a believer.
The journey is hard. I look at my current situation, this leg of the trip as you might call it, and I'll be the first to admit parts of it are pretty bad. I won an Emmy Award last spring, and now I don't even work on TV.
Two weeks ago, I took a chance. I decided that emailing my resume and cover letter was not enough, and since the job was at a college nearby, I got in my car and went. On my way to apply for that job, a great coaching opportunity by the way, a tractor trailer had a blowout and the tire debris came bouncing through traffic. I am very blessed to have gotten through unscathed, but needless to say the hundreds of dollars of minor damages to my car is a tough pill to swallow. Here I am, struggling to pay the bills as it is, trying to take the next step and show initiative, and then I end up losing money at the end of the day.
How do you respond to that? It's easy to get discouraged, although for me quitting is never an option. Like everything else, it happened that I was in that spot at the wrong time because that's where God wanted me to be. I haven't even heard about the job, probably won't, and while I got to meet some great new people in the process, I still have the thought in the back of my head that maybe I shouldn't have gone, especially if the result, AKA not getting the job, was a foregone conclusion.
So, the journey an be rough. Remember that. I have said it before though, that the hard times make the great ones feel that much better. God requires that we weather the storm to prove that we belong. Sure, there are plenty who don't belong, but those who earn things value them more when they get them. Strangely, and surprisingly, I'm a better coach for going through this ordeal. I'm not quite sure how yet, but I believe that one day I'll share this story after a huge win, knowing that I might not appreciate it so much if I didn't have to overcome along the way.
Some days, you feel like you're on top of the world, and others, you feel like you've hit rock bottom. I suspect that for most of us, most days are in the middle. The challenge.... figure out how to make more of those days the top of the world variety. Along the way, you might have a few more rock bottom moments, but you have to take chances to get to the top.
Don't be satisfied, be hungry. Live in your own reality. Remember that you have the capacity to be great, but earning that success is a journey. Be willing to pay the price, wipe the dirt off your brow, and keep moving.
Thanks for reading and sharing, follow me on twitter, @travisponton.
Thursday, September 20, 2012
"You always do what you want..."
Chasing your dream isn't easy. It's not supposed to be.
This is a tough time of year for me, like most stuff, I'm pretty open about that. It didn't get any easier when I was driving down the highway yesterday and an 18 wheeler blew a tire in front of me. I got very lucky. Some people were looking out for me, and I made it out with just a few hundred dollars of minor damage to my car. But through the tough times, all the while, I keep my eyes fixed on where I want to be.
Honestly, I couldn't do that though without all the great support I get from so many outlets. I want to focus on the support other people give me. I have great mentors, friends, and brothers looking out for me, and I'm very blessed.
Last Friday, I talked to my AMC, one of my favorite fraternal brothers. Benny is someone I look up to, and he helped me become the man I am today, like any good AMC is supposed to do. It was his birthday and I was on the phone with him. We were catching up, and I was telling him about some of the ups and downs I've had the past year. Then he said something that made the difference for me, and really has picked me up.
He cut me off and said, "That's what I admire about you, you always do what you want to do."
I'd like to agree that this is a true statement, for the most part. Always is such a definitive word, but I'd agree that I try my hardest to do what I want to do. I figure, if your time on Earth is limited, why not spend as much of it as you can doing the things that are important to you. I guess I developed this habit, or maybe it's better framed as a philosophy, as a teenager. I placed value on doing certain things, like working out and hitting the basketball court, working on my game, every single day. Then around that, I was able to manage my time accordingly.
It's important to find what you enjoy doing, find what you need to do, and find what you're obliged to do, and do it. I waste time. I'm guilty of it, we all are. I don't get even get close to doing everything I'd like too. Now I have to ask myself though, "Well, what's holding you back?"
4 years ago, when I lost a brother, I got a brutal reminder that one day all of us run out of time. I posted on here about a month ago telling you to stop wanting and start doing. What a great compliment to have someone tell you that you are successful in this, especially someone you love and respect.
So, as you plan how you spend your day, waste less time, and always strive to do what you want to do. Chase your dreams, work to not only be happy, but to be at least confident that you got the most you could out of today. Live in your own reality and trust that good days are ahead if you make them.
Twitter: @travisponton
This is a tough time of year for me, like most stuff, I'm pretty open about that. It didn't get any easier when I was driving down the highway yesterday and an 18 wheeler blew a tire in front of me. I got very lucky. Some people were looking out for me, and I made it out with just a few hundred dollars of minor damage to my car. But through the tough times, all the while, I keep my eyes fixed on where I want to be.
Honestly, I couldn't do that though without all the great support I get from so many outlets. I want to focus on the support other people give me. I have great mentors, friends, and brothers looking out for me, and I'm very blessed.
Last Friday, I talked to my AMC, one of my favorite fraternal brothers. Benny is someone I look up to, and he helped me become the man I am today, like any good AMC is supposed to do. It was his birthday and I was on the phone with him. We were catching up, and I was telling him about some of the ups and downs I've had the past year. Then he said something that made the difference for me, and really has picked me up.
He cut me off and said, "That's what I admire about you, you always do what you want to do."
I'd like to agree that this is a true statement, for the most part. Always is such a definitive word, but I'd agree that I try my hardest to do what I want to do. I figure, if your time on Earth is limited, why not spend as much of it as you can doing the things that are important to you. I guess I developed this habit, or maybe it's better framed as a philosophy, as a teenager. I placed value on doing certain things, like working out and hitting the basketball court, working on my game, every single day. Then around that, I was able to manage my time accordingly.
It's important to find what you enjoy doing, find what you need to do, and find what you're obliged to do, and do it. I waste time. I'm guilty of it, we all are. I don't get even get close to doing everything I'd like too. Now I have to ask myself though, "Well, what's holding you back?"
4 years ago, when I lost a brother, I got a brutal reminder that one day all of us run out of time. I posted on here about a month ago telling you to stop wanting and start doing. What a great compliment to have someone tell you that you are successful in this, especially someone you love and respect.
So, as you plan how you spend your day, waste less time, and always strive to do what you want to do. Chase your dreams, work to not only be happy, but to be at least confident that you got the most you could out of today. Live in your own reality and trust that good days are ahead if you make them.
Twitter: @travisponton
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Someone has passed on you...
I'm dealing with a struggle from within right now. You've been there before, when you're ready to just rip into someone so bad, but instead choose to just take the high road and "let it go". Is it more rewarding to not hold any punches and just let loose on said idiot, or does your "reputation" run the risk if you do react. How much should you really care about what that person thinks or says? Or, then again, how much would someone else care? It's tricky.
Somewhere along the line, someone has passed on you. They've compared you (see previous post) and chose someone else for that position, opportunity, etc. If you live in your own reality, you realize it's probably not your fault. Maybe the other guy was better suited, or, most likely, that decision maker just made the wrong choice. Maybe someone knew someone, some kind of politics came into play, you know, stuff happens. But, either way, in some context, you've been passed up.
Me, I've been passed on more times than I can count. So, I am reverting back to my high school days on this one, and making a list. This list is composed of those who have passed on me before, people I have to prove wrong every single day. I grew up playing ball under a lot of sayings, one of them is that even when your coaches aren't there, play like they are still watching, because they always are. You're always in the spotlight, and a lot of that light comes from those who didn't see enough in you to give you a chance.
One of the most bull shit societal sayings is, "Don't take it personal." I say, absolutely take it personal. Make your list right now, of people that have done you wrong and made you angry. Let that list motivate you every day to do more, work harder, and rise up. My list is full of names of all the haters out there who don't think Travis Ponton belongs, don't think Travis Ponton can hack, don't think Travis Ponton deserves something. It's funny, I look back on some of the names that used to be on that list, and I've done a lot more than they have.
Transitioning now, a lot of you who know me, know at least part of the story of what happened in the early morning hours of September 14, 2008. It was early that Sunday morning that many of us lost a brother, lost a friend, when Bobby Thomason was murdered in Radford. It's a night that I don't go a day without thinking of, remembering being right there, second guessing myself, wondering why it was him and not me. I can still close my eyes and picture what happened.
I shouldn't be here.
And yet, here I am.
That thought crosses my mind often. God picks us to deal with tough circumstances, and he picks his time for all of us to succeed and fail, to be born and to die. I can confide in that.
I have to say, I never thought I'd be riding in the car with one of my fraternal brother's parents, telling them how their son died, showing them where his body landed. Being in that Emergency Room, washing his blood off my hands. I still remember the funeral, September 23, taking off my paul bearer lapel and laying it on the coffin, as hundreds of people said goodbye, and the military fired those rounds in the air to the sound of the bugle playing TAPS. Brotherhood runs deep for me, because like most everything in life, it's fleeting.
This will be a tough weekend for me, no doubt. Always is. It'll hurt a little more than usual the next 10 days or so. Like many, I never forget. I am a better person because of Bobby Thomason, and I can do much, much more to be great for his sake, because I'm here. I have the opportunity to do what others can't. I'm sorry that I haven't done more with that opportunity, and I'll always be sorry I didn't do more on September 14, 2008.
It's what we go through, what we overcome in life that makes us who we are. No one can judge you. Someone somewhere has passed on you, but they don't know anything about what makes you special, what makes you tick. They couldn't walk a mile in your shoes. I find that I can't put into words how I feel, but if you want to know why I love the game of basketball, why I'm so passionate about coaching, and why I love to win, there's a little insight.
Live in your own reality. Be great because others never got the chance to. Never Quit (BT).
Always your brother...
Somewhere along the line, someone has passed on you. They've compared you (see previous post) and chose someone else for that position, opportunity, etc. If you live in your own reality, you realize it's probably not your fault. Maybe the other guy was better suited, or, most likely, that decision maker just made the wrong choice. Maybe someone knew someone, some kind of politics came into play, you know, stuff happens. But, either way, in some context, you've been passed up.
Me, I've been passed on more times than I can count. So, I am reverting back to my high school days on this one, and making a list. This list is composed of those who have passed on me before, people I have to prove wrong every single day. I grew up playing ball under a lot of sayings, one of them is that even when your coaches aren't there, play like they are still watching, because they always are. You're always in the spotlight, and a lot of that light comes from those who didn't see enough in you to give you a chance.
One of the most bull shit societal sayings is, "Don't take it personal." I say, absolutely take it personal. Make your list right now, of people that have done you wrong and made you angry. Let that list motivate you every day to do more, work harder, and rise up. My list is full of names of all the haters out there who don't think Travis Ponton belongs, don't think Travis Ponton can hack, don't think Travis Ponton deserves something. It's funny, I look back on some of the names that used to be on that list, and I've done a lot more than they have.
Transitioning now, a lot of you who know me, know at least part of the story of what happened in the early morning hours of September 14, 2008. It was early that Sunday morning that many of us lost a brother, lost a friend, when Bobby Thomason was murdered in Radford. It's a night that I don't go a day without thinking of, remembering being right there, second guessing myself, wondering why it was him and not me. I can still close my eyes and picture what happened.
I shouldn't be here.
And yet, here I am.
That thought crosses my mind often. God picks us to deal with tough circumstances, and he picks his time for all of us to succeed and fail, to be born and to die. I can confide in that.
I have to say, I never thought I'd be riding in the car with one of my fraternal brother's parents, telling them how their son died, showing them where his body landed. Being in that Emergency Room, washing his blood off my hands. I still remember the funeral, September 23, taking off my paul bearer lapel and laying it on the coffin, as hundreds of people said goodbye, and the military fired those rounds in the air to the sound of the bugle playing TAPS. Brotherhood runs deep for me, because like most everything in life, it's fleeting.
This will be a tough weekend for me, no doubt. Always is. It'll hurt a little more than usual the next 10 days or so. Like many, I never forget. I am a better person because of Bobby Thomason, and I can do much, much more to be great for his sake, because I'm here. I have the opportunity to do what others can't. I'm sorry that I haven't done more with that opportunity, and I'll always be sorry I didn't do more on September 14, 2008.
It's what we go through, what we overcome in life that makes us who we are. No one can judge you. Someone somewhere has passed on you, but they don't know anything about what makes you special, what makes you tick. They couldn't walk a mile in your shoes. I find that I can't put into words how I feel, but if you want to know why I love the game of basketball, why I'm so passionate about coaching, and why I love to win, there's a little insight.
Live in your own reality. Be great because others never got the chance to. Never Quit (BT).
Always your brother...
Sunday, August 26, 2012
I shall not want...
While I'm very open about my religious faith as a Christian, I try to keep my posts religiously neutral. However, just as a warning, a Christian Biblical verse somewhat inspired this post.
I was driving home from the gym this afternoon, and as I passed a church here in Chesterfield, the first part of the popular Psalm 23 was on the light up sign out front.
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
I remember going to Bible schools every summer growing up, and at one such place the entire focus was on Psalm 23, and learning it.
But this post is not about Christianity, Psalm 23, or anything else. It's about me, it's about you, it's about living in your own reality, and it's about finding ways to get better. I want to focus on the last four words, I shall not want.
Obviously, I love to coach, and one of the things I tell my kids is to eliminate certain four letter words from their vocabulary, particularly can't, won't, don't. Well it's time to add one to the list...want.
Subliminally, we use the word want dozens of times a day. My new piece of advice for myself, and for you, is to stop wanting, and start getting. You want to win? Well, who doesn't want to win, the other team does too. Go out and make a win happen. You want to go to the park for a run? Then get up and go do it.
I get it, sometimes it's not that easy. There's nothing to stop us from wanting, but there are obstacles sometimes in the way of getting. But I hypothesize that if you leave behind a "want" attitude and adopt a positive, confident "get" attitude, then you will succeed more often.
There's a popular song, "you can't always get what you want, but if you try sometimes, you just might find you get what you need." That statement is largely true, but I'm here to tell you, don't just stop at "what you need". Be hungry, work harder, get more. And then use that to do some good for others.
I'm guilty. I've been a "wanter" for a long time. I mean, I've said out loud too many times stuff like, "I want to get this job" or "I want to coach at the next level" and even "I want to be successful." Maybe that's why I haven't gotten there. I vow, from this day forward to stop cheating myself, and start approaching everything with an "I am" attitude.
Stop wanting. Start doing. Start getting. Start making things happen. You might not always get the result you want, but if you live in your own reality, the odds will be in your favor.
I am my own mechanism for success.
I will work harder tomorrow than I did today.
I shall not want.
-Travis Ponton
twitter: @travisponton
I was driving home from the gym this afternoon, and as I passed a church here in Chesterfield, the first part of the popular Psalm 23 was on the light up sign out front.
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
I remember going to Bible schools every summer growing up, and at one such place the entire focus was on Psalm 23, and learning it.
But this post is not about Christianity, Psalm 23, or anything else. It's about me, it's about you, it's about living in your own reality, and it's about finding ways to get better. I want to focus on the last four words, I shall not want.
Obviously, I love to coach, and one of the things I tell my kids is to eliminate certain four letter words from their vocabulary, particularly can't, won't, don't. Well it's time to add one to the list...want.
Subliminally, we use the word want dozens of times a day. My new piece of advice for myself, and for you, is to stop wanting, and start getting. You want to win? Well, who doesn't want to win, the other team does too. Go out and make a win happen. You want to go to the park for a run? Then get up and go do it.
I get it, sometimes it's not that easy. There's nothing to stop us from wanting, but there are obstacles sometimes in the way of getting. But I hypothesize that if you leave behind a "want" attitude and adopt a positive, confident "get" attitude, then you will succeed more often.
There's a popular song, "you can't always get what you want, but if you try sometimes, you just might find you get what you need." That statement is largely true, but I'm here to tell you, don't just stop at "what you need". Be hungry, work harder, get more. And then use that to do some good for others.
I'm guilty. I've been a "wanter" for a long time. I mean, I've said out loud too many times stuff like, "I want to get this job" or "I want to coach at the next level" and even "I want to be successful." Maybe that's why I haven't gotten there. I vow, from this day forward to stop cheating myself, and start approaching everything with an "I am" attitude.
Stop wanting. Start doing. Start getting. Start making things happen. You might not always get the result you want, but if you live in your own reality, the odds will be in your favor.
I am my own mechanism for success.
I will work harder tomorrow than I did today.
I shall not want.
-Travis Ponton
twitter: @travisponton
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