Stan discusses the importance of consistency, hard work, and controlling what you can in the journey of becoming a professional basketball player. He emphasizes that success in basketball is not just about talent but also about the dedication to the process, showing up consistently, and maximizing opportunities. Through the story of a player who worked his way up from lower leagues, Stan illustrates that perseverance and a strong work ethic are crucial for achieving one's goals in basketball.

Takeaways

• Time will only reward those who stay committed.
• Impacting the game goes beyond just scoring points.
• Consistency in practice is key to improvement.
• Focus on what you can control in your performance.
• Maximize every opportunity given by coaches.
• Hard work often goes unnoticed but is essential.
• Success is a journey, not a destination.
• Building a strong work ethic takes time and effort.
• Stay in the game long enough to see results.
• Greatness requires sacrifices and dedication.

Stan discusses the invisible pressure athletes place on themselves, particularly the pursuit of perfectionism. He explores how this self-imposed pressure can lead to anxiety, decreased enjoyment of the game, and a distorted sense of self-worth tied to performance. Stan emphasizes the importance of reframing thoughts from 'I have to' to 'I choose to' and offers practical strategies to help athletes manage their expectations and cultivate self-compassion. The conversation highlights the need for a healthier approach to motivation and performance in sports.


Takeaways

• Athletes often impose unrealistic expectations on themselves.
• Perfectionism can lead to anxiety and decreased enjoyment of sports.
• Healthy motivation is about wanting to play well, not needing to be perfect.
• Self-worth should not be tied to performance in sports.
• Recognizing the difference between 'I have to' and 'I choose to' can reduce pressure.
• Listing successes can help shift focus from mistakes to achievements.
• Compassion towards oneself is crucial for mental well-being.
• The fear of failure can hinder performance and enjoyment.
• Understanding the real consequences of mistakes can alleviate pressure.
• Consistency and effort are more important than perfection.

Stan discusses the nature of true confidence, emphasizing that it is not about being loud or flashy, but rather a quiet, deep-seated belief in one's abilities. He highlights the importance of preparation and hard work, illustrating that confidence stems from the hours of practice and dedication put in, even when no one is watching. The conversation also touches on the example of successful athletes like S. Curry, who embody this principle of internal confidence built through effort.

Takeaways

• True confidence is not loud, it's quiet.
• Internal belief in your ability is key.
• Confidence comes from hours of practice.
• It's about knowing you have hours of work.
• The confident player is the one who puts in the work.
• It's not about making the shot, it's about deserving it.
• Preparation leads to true confidence.
• Seppancurry exemplifies hard work and confidence.
• Loudness does not equate to confidence.
• Confidence is deep and internal.