ARE YOU CONTAGIOUS?

When we hear the word “contagious” we often envision something that can be transmitted from one person to another through some type of contact.

In basketball, there are very few things that are contagious. For example, Talent, Experience and Size aren’t contagious to other teammates. No matter how hard you try to infect a teammate with your talent, it just won’t happen. No matter how hard you try to infect a younger teammate with your game experience, it’s not gonna happen.

However, there is one thing you do have that is not only contagious to your teammates, but can cause a severe infection if not carefully treated, it’s your attitude.

Your attitude, whether it be good or bad, is extremely contagious and it can have a major impact on your teammates accordingly. A player with a great attitude can lift up a team just as easily as a player with a bad attitude can tear an entire team apart. The bad attitude could be diagnosed as anything from laziness and short-cutting in drills to constant complaining or cussing when the coach is out of range to hear it.

A player with a bad attitude spreads petty jealousy, resentment and division among their teammates. And a bad attitude never heals itself if left alone. It must always be treated and cured. A bad attitude will fester and can ruin a good team.

Watch your thoughts, for they become words.

Watch your words, for they become actions.

Watch your actions, for they become habits.

Watch your habits, for they become character.

Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.

4:13