Analyzing the Smaller Things
An unsaid football principle: It is difficult to be consistently good when the team you play for has inconsistent strategies, tactics and line-ups, and then performs inconsistently on top in terms of execution.
Demanding consistency in an environment that cultivates inconsistency is unwise.
How do you build that consistency?
You start small, but keep working on something and grow over time. However, you shouldn’t stop doing the little things that have brought you here.
In life we can become so absorbed with routine that we disregard the ‘smaller’ things that actually benefit us: the extra bottle of water, the 30-minute walk everyday, etc. Yet, because these are relatively smaller actions there’s no direct consequence of not doing them; it’s something that’s eventually felt over time because just like the benefits are built up over time so are the consequences. There’s no direct harm in following these footsteps of routine therefore we don’t view them as problematic. So, we frequently engage them as we don’t see the darkness ahead of us. Rather, we see a path upon which many stand, mingling with one another and so we join in.
For example, what starts off as the abandonment of water ends up as an addiction to sugary drinks which leads to type 2 diabetes, tooth decay and more. The diabetes and decay don’t just happen randomly. Rather, it’s the result of long-term bad habits. It is important to understand all sides of the decisions we make and analyse the smaller things, the ‘why’ of anything. However, this path of smaller, detailed analysis must be pursued if there is something viable to be discovered at the end of the tunnel. There’s only so much light you can see at the end of a dark tunnel.
In some ways, this relates to Manchester United this season. They didn’t start the season well and used systems (routines) that disregarded defensive solidity. They used irresponsible frameworks such as the 4–3–3 → 4–1–5 and, of course, the 4–2–3–1 → 4–2–4. However, there were signs that they weren’t doing well whilst there was little change. They persisted down the path even though darkness pursued them. It eventually took a huge event — losing 5–0 to Liverpool — to shock them into action. It followed a similar process to life.
We need to reflect on ourselves and establish whether we’re slipping down the wrong paths. We need to look at our routines and correct them so that we attain long-term benefit even if we sacrifice immediate gain.
Why did I start my blog with a generalized football principle?
The Mavericks have provided a platform that cultivates consistency. From this I have seen myself demanding more of myself; to become better. The people here make you want to give more; push your limits; you don’t want to let them down.
No one rises to the occasion; they fall to the level of their training. To get better at anything you shouldn’t disregard the small things. It’s the smaller things that combine to make the bigger things so even if an action is deemed small it should never be deemed insignificant.
“Don’t belittle the small things; the mountains are from rocks.”
