Alan Stein, Jr.

Down big in the NBA Finals, Jalen Brunson doesn't flinch — he resets. Asked why the Knicks stay so comfortable when they're trailing, his answer was two words: "Next play."

@nyknicks @NBA @ESPNNBA @NBATV @espn

Culture Killers:

Rewarding the person who stays latest without examining what they accomplished.

People will learn to demonstrate hours instead of effectiveness.

Culture Killers:

Department goals that reward people for making another department's job harder.

Check what your incentives are encouraging.

According to psychologist Daniel Goelman, Emotional Intelligence (EQ) makes up 65-75% of the likely success of business executives, compared to their Intellectual Capacity (IQ) which only makes up 25-35%.

The 3 Traits of Winning: Preparation. Execution. Adaptability.

Whether you're an athlete, a leader, a salesperson, or an entrepreneur... winning consistently requires three things:

1. PREPARATION: Put in the unseen hours. Master the fundamentals. Build the habits. Do the work before the work. Preparation doesn't guarantee success, but a lack of preparation significantly increases the likelihood of failure.

2. EXECUTION: Preparation means nothing without application. When it's time to perform, you have to deliver. Trust your training. Focus on what you can control. Be where your feet are. And consistently do what you know needs to be done... especially when you don't feel like doing it.

3. ADAPTABILITY: No matter how well you prepare or execute, things won't always go according to plan. Circumstances change. Obstacles arise. Adversity strikes. Winners don't waste time wishing things were different. They adjust, recalibrate, and respond. They embrace a Next Play Mentality.

Here's the key:

Preparation gives you confidence.

Execution produces results.

Adaptability allows you to sustain success.

You need all three.

Because winning isn't about having a perfect plan or experiencing perfect conditions.

It's about consistently preparing to the best of your ability, executing what matters most, and adapting to whatever comes next.

Prepare. Execute. Adapt. Repeat.

That's how you Raise Your Game.