I have a pretty good collection of sports and leadership books from over the years, many of which I do pull out from time to time and look at things I bookmarked when going through them back in the day. Sometimes they ring hollow given the advancements in the world today, but more often than not the author, and usually with help from an amazingly talented co-author, delivers points that hold the test of time.
Given his latest career renaissance and love affair with all things New York basketball, I took a look at several of Rick Pinto’s books with the award winning writer Bill Reynolds over the years, and I cam back to a quote from one of those early on books, “Success is a Choice,” that continues to be even more relevant today in a world where every second seems to be pulled in a different direction, and those tasks which can be the more arduous can get shifted into procrastination mode.
“Tackle the difficult things first in the morning; make changes in the way you network. Treat everyone with respect and dignity. This stops you from cynicism and negativity. End your day with that same attitude you started. Renew your contract with a day well completed.”
As a morning person I fully agree with getting the little things done early. I find if I don’t the day gets out of hand and even on the quietest of days those little things…notes, birthdays…get lost in the mix. I am also a believer in not putting off the worst news until later…something isn’t published, a deserving person doesn’t end up on a coveted list, you misprioritized something…get it out and confronted early, don’t let it linger. If someone has a difference of opinion, carefully craft the message and the response early. While some people put off the bad news and hope no one notices…they always notice. Don’t avoid, address. It clears the air and gives you a bigger runway for success.
The last part of the quote is about renewal and reinvention. While I am not sure how much Coach Pitino has had to reinvent himself…he adjusts, he learns, and he listens, that’s what good coaches and teachers do with those around them, as do great marketers and leaders…he has reframed and reacted positivity to a marketplace that is decidedly different from what he has been successful at in the past. In a time when coaches and administrators are running from the volatile world of college athletics, for now Rick Pitino has readjusted and in the words of the great Walt Frazier…is surviving and thriving with the Johnnies.
As with any successful person, the man has his detractors for sure. However the lessons in print from decades ago still hold true, and getting things out of the way early and starting fresh and fun, has its advantages.
Let’s see how they hold up in March, but a revisit of a book from the past kept bearing fruit as we turn the calendar. Get it out of the way early, the rest of the day is better.
