I debated for a couple of weeks on what topic to share with readers of this first addition of All Things Northern Kings. I flip-flopped a few times, but kept came back to something I can talk and write about from the heart: passion.
Here’s a definition: Passion, Noun
- any powerful or compelling emotion or feeling (such a love or hate)
- a strong or extravagant fondness, enthusiasm or desire for anything:a passion for music
I’ve watched players with a great passion for their sport find ways to “keep going” when others would find reasons to not push through to the “next level”. Passion is the key ingredient to success in any endeavour, whether it be athletics, your hobbies, or your career.
When I’m in the gym coaching, I see parents glowing with passion for their children to “be the best they can be”.
But what I find most exciting is when young people discover their passion for a craft, and begin to do the work or activity for themselves.
An example of that is the young person you see in this Instagram post:
I think he would go all day if he had the chance.
Sometimes he’s the smallest person in the gym. But when you watch him play or shoot, you can see him stand 7 feet tall. (His parents are probably hoping he gets to be that size too.)
So why discuss passion?
It’s something I think every person needs and benefits from — not just in sports, but in life. It’s the one thing I try to pass on to each athlete that enters my gym, and it’s something that parents can help to infuse into their children. This can have a huge impact on their development. In fact, passion might be the most important component to enable a person to accomplishing their goals.
OK, I know … it sounds great, but HOW to do develop it?
Here’s where we all have to be a little creative. It starts with returning to the basics. And it’s simple.
Show up and care.
Be passionate about your children and their interests. Really, truly care about the person they are, the things catch their attention — even if those things don’t particularly interest you.
My hope is that this short article will help to spur different conversations within your household about what your children are focused on within the world of basketball and beyond.
Simple questions are often all it takes to open a new world of dialogue with a child. “What did you think of that?” “Why do you like it?” Or, “What made you pick that?” Diving into and exploring the answers will take you both on an adventure you never saw coming. And it’s an experience which may, ultimately, help deepen and drive their passions forward.