​BASKETBALL IS A LOT LIKE LIFE

​By Eliana Barriga
Publisher and Managing Editor for The Retail Observer

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Eliana Barriga

March Madness has something to offer everyone — basketball fans and business owners alike. The drive and ability to capture the glory of the game can easily translate into the drive and passion needed for success in the game of business.

Your team has skills in many different arenas of your business. It is important to listen to the expert voices in your inner circle, to consider their opinions and trust their expertise. Especially in an environment as rapidly changing as ours is today, we need to be quick on our feet, mentally alert and ready to change the game plan and call a new shot in a moment’s notice.

March Madness always brings the late Coach John Wooden to mind. In an excerpt from his book Wooden’s Wisdom, Craig Impelman (Wooden’s grandson-in-law) wrote:
“In Coach Wooden’s early life, his father set an example that had a very, significant impact on him. He created a set of rules that he bestowed upon his sons: Don’t whine, don’t complain, and don’t make excuses. Just do the best you can. Nobody can do more than that.”

His father’s example deeply impressed itself upon John Wooden’s mind. Impelman explained how the finest teaching tool we have is the example we set for others. How we handle adversity can be one of the strongest ways of demonstrating our true character.

Coach Wooden said, "Complaining, whining and making excuses just keep you out of the present moment. By handling yourself in such a way through difficult situations, you will not only find your own outlook improving, but you will likely inspire those around you, too."

So, he devised and collected a multitude of maxims regarding the best way to respond to difficult situations. You can use them with yourself, your staff, and your team to rekindle a positive attitude when the going gets tough.
• Bad times can make you bitter or better.
• Never make excuses. Your friends won’t need them and your foes won’t believe them.
• Things usually turn out the best for people who make the best out of the way things turn out.

Who we are personally shows up in our business relationships. Responding better to difficult situations, rekindling a positive attitude and staying present in the moment helps you to not only live your life on a positive note–but to live your life to the fullest right here and now. And remember...

Just do the best you can!
Eliana Barriga
​eliana@retailobserver.com

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