For those of you who are rabid college basketball fans, this past weekend was as good as it gets. Four days packed with buzzer-beaters, upsets, great wins and yes, disappointments. March Madness certainly lived up to its name as every game was on display using four television networks. New batteries for the remote are in order.

Having coached the game of basketball for 25 years I have a certain technical interest in watching every game. What offense or defense are they using? What coaching strategies are employed? What are the talent levels of each player and team?

What I want to talk about, however, is pertinent to every human being in every walk of life. What happens to us when winning comes down to being determined. You know the point where it could be slipping away or we begin to turn it around to produce the win. This also includes those contests that were tight from wire to wire, beginning to end.

My observation is that when faced with survival, losing in other words, one of two things happens. We either make a greater team effort or we lose sight of our team and it is all about concentrated individual effort. Neither guarantees a win or a loss. What gives us the best chance to win?

Our best opportunity is provided with a team effort. Of course, you say. Everybody knows that. Yet, what I see more often that not is the opposite. I see more individual effort, players trying hard and struggling. Sometimes what I see occur is players just disappearing from the action. Scorers become passers; rebounders become spectators, etc., etc. I am sure you get the picture.

Isnt this exactly what happens out in the world? A person has a problem, a perceived threat. Do they gather their friends and family around them? Do they let people know they are struggling and ask for support?

Too many times the answer is no. We try hard. Everything is effort and struggle. Sound familiar? We become self-absorbed and our team suffers. Work-team, family, special projects team; take your pick.

When we feel pressured, we go out of relationship with who we are. If I have forgotten who I am, can I even come close to knowing who you are?

Oh, most of the time we get through the rough patches. We make it to the next day, week or month. Is merely making it and just surviving the type of life you want? What is the quality of life you want and deserve?

Gather your team around you. Let them know what is going on. Ask for their support even when you arent sure you need it. Trust me, you need it.

Did someone just murmur, œWhat team?

If you did and you dont have one, start building your team. Family, friends, colleagues at work, mentor, coaches, experts in your profession, doctors/health care professionals and anyone else you value. Let them know what you are up to, your commitments and intentions.

As in March Madness, the best team will win. On April 4th, that will be decided for 2011 in college basketball. Your personal team supports a lifetime adventure. Dont leave home without it.

To support your adventure get your copy on-line of my latest book. It is titled œThe Art of Losing”Coaching Athletics and Thriving in a Made-for-TV World. You can find it on lulu.com or at Amazon.com