As quickly as you can go 4-1, you can go 1-4. And the whole objective is not to get too high and not to get too low. It's one thing to tell somebody that and explain it, but it's another thing to really buy in, to have felt that and understand what it means to stay even-keel. That's what you have to be in this league.
Interpretation
Maintain balance and composure regardless of success or failure.
Sue Bird emphasizes the importance of emotional stability in competitive environments, highlighting that extremes in feelings—whether from winning or losing—can disrupt focus and performance. To truly thrive, one must internalize the concept of staying even-keeled and recognize that both triumphs and setbacks are part of the journey.
In practice
Sharing this quote during a sports team's motivational talk after a win or loss.
A lot of us players, if you were to ask them, feel like they have to play overseas. Why? 'Why not? Might as well do it while I can.' For a while, I felt that way - I've got to make the most money that I can. Now, do I feel like I could still play overseas? Absolutely. But I don't feel that pressure anymore.
All of the teams in this league that have won multiple championships, they didn't come out the gate winning. Sometimes you have to take those hits to understand what it takes to win.
Homophobia hurts our league. Racism hurts it. Sexism hurts it.
I have spoken words of hope. But only of hope. Hope is not victory.
Solvitur ambulando . . . it is solved by walking.
When people jump on your mistakes, don't hide from them; let people know that you're human, too.
Is a diamond less valuable because it is covered with mud? God sees the changeless beauty of our souls. He knows we are not our mistakes.
Look at the weaknesses of others with compassion, not accusation. It's not what they're not doing or should be doing that's the issue. The issue is your own chosen response to the situation and what you should be doing. If you start to think the problem is "out there," stop yourself. That thought is the problem.
Grace is something you can never get but can only be given. There's no way to earn it or deserve it or bring it about anymore than you can deserve the taste of raspberries and cream or earn good looks. A good night's sleep is grace and so are good dreams. Most tears are grace. The smell of rain is grace. Somebody loving you is grace.
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