It’s Okay; I Have a Note from…(The Art of Priority: Part Deux)

…A note from your mama. Ohhhhhhh! Just kidding but seriously we’ve all had a note from someone and that’s no big deal right? The note from an authority figure suggests or requests immunity from consequences. Let’s pull one such excuse from…our bank of memories. You’re out late on a Sunday because it’s your cousin’s birthday and throughout the night you have momentary grisly thoughts of homework looming overhead. You know  that with every minute that passes and every touchdown you throw on “Madden 2008 (PS3)” your probable need for an excuse in class tomorrow is increasing. You know (knew) that you’re going to be too tired to wake up an hour early to do homework that was assigned on Friday. So, humbly, you request that one of your parents/guardians writes you the golden reprieve. “Deliver me,” you say “from the tyranny of education. Save me oh parental figure from this sultan of a teacher who is merciless and without pity. Write with your eloquence the pardon on papyrus that I might live to turn in a late assignment for full credit.” And what-da-ya-know. (Angelic music) It appears. you march into your classroom almost as proud as you would be had you actually done the assignment. But to your chagrin, the teacher reads the note and is not sympathetic. Your plan has been foiled. 100 HW points off for you buddy.

I have the privilege of starring as student nemesis on a daily basis. I’m also a coach and the excuses come fast and furiously. You’ve heard the expression that excuses are like _________________. It’s absolutely true but they never seem to go out of style and the irony is that most students and athletes I talk to all want money. They don’t want to eat Chalupas for all eternity. Not only money but their whims include family and the kind of life that certainly requires preparation.

I wanted to quit my college basketball team so badly in 1996 but couldn’t find the “note”. Basketball was a priority, too much of one sometimes, but I just couldn’t justify missing practice simply because I was unhappy. I don’t know why showing up to practice was a priority but it was. 3-to-3 1/2 hours sometimes and seemingly for nothing but that’s how it is when you have a passion. It clings to you.

The 6ixthman lesson here is simple:

#1 THROW YOURSELF INTO THE HARD TASKS if you’re serious about succeeding professionally. Example: Condition your body during times of the day when the weather is warm. Figure that weather won’t be ideal when you compete in a game situation.

#2  LIVE WITH NATURAL CONSEQUENCES. Don’t expect teachers, coaches even parents to accept your failure to perform. The less you practice the less exceptional you are. Sacrifices have to be made regularly in life.

#3 STOP MAKING EXCUSES TO YOURSELF AND OTHERS. If you usually “have a note” (excuse) your priorities become very clear and you are not serious about success.

I’ve learned and am learning that when you attempt to master the Art of Priority, it’s the most public thing you can do as you reveal your commitment to character. In other words, are you the person that you need to be en route to your profession?

“A little less conversation, A little more action”– Elvis Presley