NBA legend & logo Jerry West once said, “You can’t get much done in life if you only work on the days you feel good.”

It seems obvious. But just because it’s obvious doesn’t mean it’s easy. On a bigger scale, this is why most New Year’s Resolutions fail. At the time people make them, they are committed. However, for most, that commitment disappears with the feeling that inspired it.

Basketball players are no different. When the season ends, players commit to improving their game. And they are sincere in saying so. But then, the feeling fades, and the work never happens.

Most people (and players) let their feelings guide their actions. In other words, they work out on the days they feel like it.

And yet, if you want to be great at anything, you have to work continuously, whether you feel like it or not.

Don’t Feel Like Working Out? Do This Instead

So what should you do on those days when you wake up sore & tired and just aren’t feeling a workout?

Set a goal of 10 minutes. In some cases, that could be enough for a quality and compact workout.

(If you need a few short but high-quality workouts to get you started, here’s one for shooting and another for weak-hand development.)

That said, completing a workout isn’t the goal. Starting one is. Why?

• Most of the time, you’ll find that once you start, your energy and focus materialize, and you want to continue.

  In other words, your actions are leading your feelings. The ability to do that is a characteristic shared by high performers in every area.

What should you start with? I’d suggest something you like. Here’s why:

• You want to create the conditions most likely to make you continue training. You probably shouldn’t start with defensive slides!

  If you love shooting, start with shooting drills. When you get out there and start enjoying yourself, you’re more likely to stick with it.

Will this work 100% of the time? No, because pretty much nothing does. However, it’s a powerful mindset shift.

Instead of giving in and skipping your workout before you even start, you are getting in at least 10 minutes.

If you quit after 10 minutes, you still got that work in.

And if you don’t quit, even better.

Simply starting small usually leads to finishing big.

So the next time you feel too tired, sore, or unmotivated, have the mental strength to set those feelings aside and get on the court.

You’ll soon be feeling much better!

Want to Build Real Consistency This Offseason?

Reading about discipline is one thing… building it is another.

If your player struggles to stay consistent, the offseason is the perfect time to change that, and environment matters more than you think.

At Breakthrough Basketball Camps, players are put in a setting where:

• They’re motivated to work every day

• Coaches push them to stay consistent and focused

• Skills are built through structured, high-quality reps

• Confidence grows as they see real improvement

Instead of relying on motivation alone, players develop the habits and mindset needed to keep improving long after camp ends.

That’s why so many players leave camp better... and come back year after year!

Find a Breakthrough Basketball Camp near you and help your player take a big step forward this offseason:

Gain the Edge to
Stand Out on the Court

Breakthrough Basketball Camps help players improve their skills and decision-making while building the confidence to shine on and off the court. Trusted by over 150,000 players nationwide, our camps provide:

• Experienced coaches who know how to teach every level

• Skill development in shooting, ball handling, and all-around play

• Game-like situations that build confidence under pressure

• A positive, motivating environment parents can feel good about

• Beginner, Youth, and Advanced Camps - Ages 6 to 18

FIND A BASKETBALL CAMP NEAR YOU

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