Status Updates From Mi Filosofia Del Triunfo

“I’ve always tried to lead by example…but a leader has to earn that title…you have to gain the respect of those around you by your actions. You have to be consistent…those around you have to know what to expect. They have to be confident that you’ll be there, that your performance will be pretty much the same from game to game, particularly when things get tight.”

“When you understand the building blocks, you begin to see how the entire operation works…it sounds easy, but it isn’t. You have to monitor your fundamentals constantly because the only thing that changes will be your attention to them. The fundamentals will never change.”

“I don’t care what you’re doing or what you’re trying to accomplish; you can’t skip fundamentals if you want to be the best…but some guys don’t want to deal with that. They’re looking for instant gratification, so maybe they skip a few steps…you can get away with it through the early stages, but it’s going to catch up with you eventually.”

“When we started winning championships, there was an understanding among all 12 players about what our roles were. We knew our responsibilities and we knew our capabilities…it’s a selfless process, and in our society sometimes it’s hard to come to grips with filling a role instead of trying to be a superstar. There is a tendency to ignore or fail to respect all parts that make the whole thing possible.”

“You have to stick to your plan. A lot of people try to pull you down to their level because they can’t achieve certain things. But very few people get anywhere by taking shortcuts.”

“If you’re trying to achieve, there will be roadblocks. I’ve had them; everybody has them. But obstacles don’t have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it.”

“I’ve always believed that if you put in the work, the results will come. I don’t do things halfheartedly. Because I know if I do, then I can expect halfhearted results…but that’s how a lot of people approach things. And that’s why a lot of people fail.”

“I can accept failure. Everyone fails at something. But I can’t accept not trying.”

“Failure always made me try harder the next time. That’s why my advice has always been to “think positive” and find fuel in any failure. Sometimes failure actually just gets you closer to where you want to be.”

“I set goals—realistic goals—and I focus on them. I ask questions, I read, I listen…I’m not afraid to ask anybody anything if I don’t know. Why should I be afraid? I’m trying to get somewhere. Help me, give me direction. Nothing wrong with that.”