POWER. The capacity or ability to direct or influence the behavior of others or the course of events.

PRECISION. The action or process of carrying out or accomplishing an action, task or function.

PERFORMANCE. The quality, condition, or fact of being exact and accurate.

As definitions, the above three provide very little in the area of what it takes to create a breakthrough in performance. They do give us a place to begin an inquiry into what it takes to provide a person the tools that allow for satisfaction and extraordinary results.

I am clear that to be great takes concentrated effort, but does it require to do so at the expense of family, friends, spirit and health? My love of the athletes I have coached on my basketball teams and those who have allowed me to contribute to them through the workshops I have led is unconditional, unabiding and the source of my greatest joy.

To see the struggle, that is almost guaranteed in our lives, disappear for a few minutes or longer because I could shed a little light at the end of the tunnel is amazing. Even more so to see the light of self-worth appear in their eyes. There is power and magic in that and I wouldn’t trade a moment of that for anything else.

I hope I will be remembered as a person who gave, loved and played the game of life well. Despite countless mistakes, failures and yes, some successes, I never quit. I know that what I have said are just grains of sand but they are my grains.