Rebounding in 2010....

I am once again turning my blog over to the writing prowess of my friend and writer, Joel Burke, who updated his blog with the most insightful writing about using 2010 to your fullest potential. Thanks Joel, for once again giving me lots to think about for the upcoming New Year!

What would be your personal top ten moments in 2009? Take a moment to write down one list that contains both the wins and losses! Then, begin to reflect on each one. What were you thinking and feeling with both the highlights and the low lights. What did you learn from each one? I would guess for most of you, 2009 has been a year of tough losses. In fact, you likely are suffering through a loss right now as the New Year begins.

In basketball, most games are won or lost by a rebound. However, for a rebound to happen, there has to be a missed shot! You may have had some missed shots in 2009, but be ready for a rebound in 2010! One of the most basics fundamentals in basketball when you shoot the ball is to follow it. In fact, there is a good chance you will get your own rebound from the missed shot!

Two of the best rebounders in NBA history were Elgin Baylor and Charles Barkley. They didn’t have the height or even the jumping ability, but they had a hunger and a desire to go get the ball after a missed shot!

In order to be a great rebounder in basketball and in life, we all need to have three skills. These skills are not about talent, but rather our attitude.

1. Aggressiveness

2. Positioning

3. Determination

Aggressiveness: The basketball term is to crash the boards. You’ve got to have the desire to go get the ball. In basketball and in life, you can’t expect the ball to bounce your way. You must go get it!

Positioning: This skill is setting you up for a rebound (success) by anticipating where the ball is going to bounce. Proper positioning and a little extra effort to get the ball will most often create a positive outcome!

Determination: This is purely an attitude that every missed shot is one you can turn into a made shot! You have “can-do” attitude of energy and emotion. This energy and emotion will not only help you succeed, but lift up those around you!

Yes, 2010 will likely be another tough year for all of us. However, I hope it will be a year for you to rebound from the missed shots of 2009! Now, go chase the ball!