Playing Present

Being present is a concept most of us have trouble with. The concept of being present applies to everyone; business professionals, parents, coaches or athletes. Amongst all of the possible distractions in our lives on a daily basis, the temptation for our minds to roam is highly likely. That is where you have to be mentally tough and must have razor sharp focus on the task you are performing that very moment in time.

The great players understand playing Present. What playing “Present” means is that whatever you have just done is not nearly as important as what you’re doing right now. Whether you have committed a turnover, or hit a three pointer to tie the game, it’s about what is next. Control what is currently controllable.

Just like shooting and ball handling, the skill of being Present can be practiced. It takes true mental toughness, but over time, you will be able to sustain focus and concentration throughout whatever chaos presents itself in the game.

A mental training exercise you can do is called "100." Find a quiet spot to sit and relax. Close your eyes. Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. When you breathe in, say "one." When you breathe out, say "two." Perform this exercise all the way to 100.

In the beginning, your mind will have all sorts of distracting thoughts. Your goal is to "Play Present," focusing only on breathing and saying the next number. Try to do this exercise every day when you first wake up or right before you go to sleep. It only takes a few minutes.

Here is a quote from Jay Bilas’ book, Toughness, “Move on to the next play: Tough players don't waste time celebrating a good play or lamenting a bad one. They understand that basketball is too fast a game to waste time and opportunities with celebratory gestures or angry reactions. Tough players move on to the next play. They know that the most important play in any game is the next one.”

If you want to take your game to the next level, or better yet improve your current position within the work place, focus on being present. Focus on what YOU can control in the PRESENT time. The past does not equal the future. Your details create success.

“Basketball is a complex dance that requires shifting from one objective to another at lightning speed. To excel, you need to act with a clear mind and be totally focused.” – Phil Jackson