The group I’ve been playing basketball with on weekends has grown as of late.
And a lot of the additions to the group are much better than me.
If I’m not careful, this could make me want to stop playing.
But, if I’m mindful, this will continue to have zero impact on my playing long-term.
Because what I have to remember is that I’m not there to be the best basketball player (I gave up that dream when I got cut from my middle school basketball tryouts decades ago). I’m there for the killer plyometric workout and connection.
And so I use the presence of increased talent and experience as motivation to practice and learn… and do my best to channel my inner golden retriever the rest of the time and run around, jump up and down, and just be happy to be there.
…An excellent strategy, I must say, when learning anything new while in the midst of talented and experienced practitioners.