Every basketball player knows the feeling. The clock is running low and the score is tight. The back and forth game could go either way. Then it happens…

You turn the ball over and the opponent scores. Another bad pass leads to a quick three pointer for the other team. You’re now behind and the clock keeps ticking. Even worse, the opponent starts to play pressure defense….

Timeout? We don’t have one of those. So, what to do?… “Walk the ball up the court,” shouts your coach from the sideline.

Do what? Take the full 8 seconds to bring the ball up the court. Catch your breath, assess the defense, and call the play. Then, back to full speed.

Why should life be any different? A crazy schedule or a bad meeting… with another meeting coming up. How do we limit compounding mistakes – especially, when we don’t have a coach to shout from the sideline?

Take a breath or maybe a walk. But, be ready to remind yourself…. “walk the ball up the court.”

NH.