By Coach Ron Bushner
Intentionality, the practice of being deliberate and purposeful in our actions, is a transformative concept that serves as a bridge between achieving success in sports and in life. It entails making conscious choices and directing focused effort towards the attainment of specific goals. This principle is vividly illustrated by a personal story from my own experience playing basketball in the 6th grade, where my intentional approach significantly impacted my performance and overall experience. Furthermore, the significance of intentionality is reinforced by valuable insights from athletes who have harnessed this mindset to excel in their respective sports, as well as by psychologists who have studied the impact of intentional behavior on performance and well-being.
My 6th Grade Epiphany
In the 6th grade, I was a fairly skilled basketball player for my age. I could shoot, pass, dribble with both hands (I had a killer crossover because we watched a lot And 1 basketball mixtapes in those days), and I understood the game pretty well for my age. However, one skill eluded me: the left-hand layup. Despite my proficiency in other areas, I struggled with this specific move. I realized that improving this skill wouldn't happen by accident; I had to be intentional about it.
Determined to master the left-hand layup, I committed to practicing it consistently. Each day after school, I spent extra time outside at the court, focusing solely on my left hand. I broke down the movement into smaller parts, repeatedly working on my footwork, dribbling, and finally, the layup itself. It was a slow and often frustrating process, but over time, my persistence paid off.
About a month into my dedicated practice, I had a breakthrough moment during a rec league game. My family and coaches were astonished when they saw me confidently making left-hand layups. Even more surprising was that I began to purposefully drive to my left side, knowing that most defenders wouldn't guard me there, thinking I couldn't use my left hand. This unexpected strategy gave me a distinct advantage, allowing me to exploit the defense and score more effectively.
Intentionality in Basketball
My 6th-grade experience was a pivotal moment that taught me a valuable lesson in basketball: success is often the outcome of deliberate and intentional practice. This notion is echoed by the greats such as the late Kobe "Bean" Bryant, who was known for his legendary work ethic. Bryant once famously said, "Great things come from hard work and perseverance. No excuses." His career was defined by his meticulously planned practice sessions, often arriving at the gym before sunrise and staying long after others had left.
I always go back to the Michael Jordan the G.O.A.T.'s famous quote, "I've failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed," emphasizes the significance of intentional effort and the ability to learn from failure. Jordan's relentless practice habits and deliberate focus on improving specific aspects of his game set him apart.
The Psychological Perspective
Psychologists also emphasize the power of intentionality. Carol Dweck, a renowned psychologist known for her work on mindset, asserts that a "growth mindset"—the belief that abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work—is crucial for achieving success. In her book, "Mindset: The New Psychology of Success", Dweck explains that individuals who adopt this mindset are more likely to embrace challenges and persist in the face of setbacks .
Moreover, Angela Duckworth's concept of "grit," detailed in her book *Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance*, aligns with the idea of intentionality. Duckworth defines grit as the combination of passion and perseverance towards long-term goals. Her research shows that individuals who exhibit grit are more likely to achieve success, as they consistently apply themselves with intention and focus over time .
Intentionality in Life
The principle of intentionality extends beyond basketball into all areas of life. Whether pursuing academic goals, career aspirations, or personal development, being intentional about one's actions is key to achieving desired outcomes. Setting clear goals, making deliberate choices, and consistently putting in the effort can lead to significant improvements and success.
For example, students who intentionally allocate time for studying, actively seek feedback, and engage in focused practice are more likely to excel academically. Similarly, professionals who set career goals, develop relevant skills, and seek mentorship opportunities are better positioned to advance in their careers.
In conclusion, intentionality is a powerful force that drives success across various domains. My 6th-grade journey to master the left-hand layup demonstrated the value of deliberate practice and focused effort. This lesson is reflected in the experiences of legendary athletes like Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan and is reinforced by psychological research from experts like Carol Dweck and Angela Duckworth. By embracing intentionality, we can develop new skills, overcome challenges, and achieve our goals, leading to a more fulfilling and successful life.
References
1. "Kobe Bryant: Hard Work and Perseverance." The Players' Tribune. [link](https://www.theplayerstribune.com/articles/kobe-bryant-hard-work-perseverance)
2. "Michael Jordan: Learning from Failure." Biography. [link](https://www.biography.com/athlete/michael-jordan)
3. Dweck, Carol. *Mindset: The New Psychology of Success*. Random House, 2006.
4. Duckworth, Angela. *Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance*. Scribner, 2016.