A couple of weeks ago we went on a family vacation. There were lots of cool activities where we were but honestly the best memories were just doing simple things like eating together and playing games.
One night in particular we went to a gymnasium where they had all sorts of games – table tennis, foosball, volleyball, basketball, etc.
After playing different games for a while we ended up messing around with a basketball.
While my kids are pretty active, they really haven’t played much, if any basketball.
We began playing “keep away” where I would dribble around and they would try to get the ball from me.
They got a huge kick out of me bouncing the ball around their backs, through my legs, etc.
Once we settled down, my daughter Alyssa (8) said something I’ll probably never forget.
Looking at me with her soft blue eyes she said, “Dad, can you teach me how to dribble?”
I was honored and began teaching her the basics that I learned 30 years ago – Use your finger tips, bend at the elbow, etc.
It took her a bit but she started to get it. At first she would mess up right away but in a few minutes she was able to bounce it 10 times.
I guess I wasn’t too shocked when after just a few minutes she said, “OK now I want to bounce it through my legs like you.”
“Slow down,” I told her. You just started learning. Once you get really good at these basics we can work on the fancier stuff. Thankfully she nodded in agreement.
It got me thinking that we all do that to a certain extent.
We want to get to the next level before doing the necessary work. We want results yesterday. We over complicate things. I’m the same way.
In fitness, this plays out with people looking for the perfect diet or fitness program.
How about just starting to drink more water, taking a vitamin, or going for 3 30 minute walks per week. Once you learn to do a basic dribble, you can then go between your legs and behind your back.