Smart pertains to the decisions you make every day.  Great players are consistent and are often recognized as “students of the game." When talent is equal, the competitor that is better prepared mentally has the winning advantage. Being Smart often requires only a little extra time and effort, but the results can be dramatic.

Strong pertains to your physical body and mental capacity. Toughness is a category of strength and as Alex Karras said, “Toughness is in the soul and spirit…not in muscles.” A laser focus on developing physical and mental strength provides a foundation to develop skills and techniques for maximum results in athletics and life.

Respectful pertains to respect for yourself, others, and your specific sport or occupation. When addressing their team, many coaches will reference Respect within their first ten words. Respect exposes your character by the way you conduct yourself in victory and defeat. Respect will also determine your standards of behavior and how you interact with your teammates, coaches, and other people in your life.

Commitment is best summed up by Pat Riley when he said, “There are only two options regarding Commitment. You’re either IN or you’re OUT. There is no such thing as life in-between.” Once you’ve made an All-In commitment to a team or cause, any scores, records, or individual honors will always feel like a hollow second place.

Honor is the ultimate referee in measuring your success and it encompasses all of the other four pillars. Honor implies being true to your personal values and ideals and being a person of integrity who can overcome fear and take action. Aristotle said, “You will never do anything in this world without courage. It is the greatest quality of the mind next to honor.”