1. Communication
What is it? Communication is the ability to take what is in your head and clearly put it into someone else’s head.
Why is it important? Many organizations see their members together every day in the same place. Because of the nature of Pickup the Ball and its members, we don’t have that luxury. For us to operate effectively, then, we need to be able to connect with you in other ways, and we need to be able to hear back from you. You may think that if you’re not going to be somewhere, you don’t need to let anyone know, but your response tells us something very important – you heard us, and you’re interested enough to let us know what is going on. Silence communicates too, and it usually sends a bad message. Learn to communicate well, and it will be a skill that you will benefit from in every other aspect of your life.
2. Passion
What is it? Passion is the love of something or someone that stirs you to excitement and action.
Why is it important? Passion is what drives us forward in our lives. We want to help you discover your passion, and pursue it. We know that most people define their lives as successful when they are engaged in the pursuit of their passions. So, go for it – no matter how crazy it may sound. Let us help you on that journey. Life is a lot more enjoyable when you have a reason to jump out of bed in the morning.
3. Standards
What is it? Standards are the set of expectations you have, for others, and for the world.
Why is it important? Far too often, our expectations for our lives are a reflection of what you have been taught. You should set standards for yourself that are independent of your upbringing and the things you have been exposed to in your life. Let your standards come from within. And make them high. You deserve to have high standards; expect and demand the most out of life, no matter what you have been told. If you don’t, no one else will do it for you.
4. Mindset
What is it? Your mindset is the reality you have defined for yourself based on your experiences in life.
Why is it important? No matter how old you are, you are too young to have set your mind permanently on or about anything. Keep exploring, asking questions, and experiencing new places and people. Be open to change and learning. Get outside your comfort zone. See things from a different perspective. The more of life you experience, the “bigger” your mind will be, and the less your mindset will restrict you from seeing the next opportunity. Life will give you enough limitations – don’t put them on yourself.
5. Budget
What is it? A budget is nothing more than a comparison between the resources you have available and the resources you consume.
Why is it important? We typically think of a budget as financial, and Pickup the Ball does strive to have their members understand their financial situation; to learn to save and live within their means. It is likely you will be exposed to specific budgeting skills at Pickup the Ball. But it isn’t restricted to money. We also need to be able to budget our time. You only have so much, so how are you going to use it? Budgeting helps us set priorities, which ensures we are pursuing the things that are most beneficial to us in our lives.
6. Goals
What is it? Goals are that which you wish to attain.
Why is it important? Pickup the Ball will expose you to specific goal setting strategies. You need to get facile with understanding how to set a goal and break it down into smaller tasks. This skill in your life, more than any other, will move your life forward in the direction and at the pace that you want. Without goals, you have no yardstick against which to measure the many decisions you need to make in your life.
7. Accountability
What is it? Being accountable means that you have to answer to someone for the things you do or say.
Why is it important? Generally speaking, people – especially young people – tend not to want to have to answer to anyone. But it is actually a healthy thing for us, to give someone else a voice in our lives when we do something that maybe we shouldn’t have done. It may sound strange, but there is great liberty in having transparency (the ability to be completely seen) with one or more people in your life – someone that won’t judge you, but will lovingly correct you, pray for you, and help you get back on track. It also means you are owning the mistake – you take responsibility. Pickup the Ball, and many of its members can be that for you. We want you to see this as a family – a family full of imperfect people, trying hard in life to be better, get better, and do better – helping each other on the way. When you make yourself accountable to someone, you give yourself a meaningful support system.
These words are used often in both formal and informal settings, and the concepts behind them are key to the purpose behind Pickup the Ball. These small words can have a big effect on your time with Pickup the Ball and the rest of your life.
