Sacred Hoops

1. Mindfulness and awareness are crucial for peak performance in basketball and life

The secret is not thinking. That doesn't mean being stupid; it means quieting the endless jabbering of thoughts so that your body can do instinctively what it's been trained to do without the mind getting in the way.

Mindfulness in action. Phil Jackson emphasizes the importance of being fully present and aware in the moment, both on and off the court. This state of mindfulness allows players to react instinctively and make split-second decisions without overthinking. Jackson introduced meditation practices to the Bulls, teaching players to focus on their breath and observe their thoughts without judgment.

Benefits of awareness:

• Improved focus and concentration
• Better decision-making under pressure
• Enhanced ability to read the game and anticipate opponents' moves
• Reduced anxiety and stress during high-stakes situations

By cultivating mindfulness, players can tap into their full potential and perform at their best when it matters most.

2. Selflessness and teamwork are the foundations of success on and off the court

Good teams become great ones when the members trust each other enough to surrender the "me" for the "we."

The power of unity. Jackson emphasizes that true success in basketball comes from players working together as a cohesive unit, rather than relying on individual talent alone. He implemented the triangle offense, which required players to constantly move and make decisions based on the actions of their teammates.

Key aspects of selfless teamwork:

• Trust in teammates' abilities
• Willingness to sacrifice personal glory for team success
• Open communication and shared decision-making
• Recognition of each player's unique strengths and roles

By fostering a culture of selflessness, Jackson created teams that were greater than the sum of their parts, leading to unprecedented success with both the Chicago Bulls and the Los Angeles Lakers.

3. Leadership is about empowering others and creating a supportive environment

What I've learned as a coach, and parent, is that when people are not awed or overwhelmed by authority, true authority is attained, to paraphrase the Tao Te Ching.

Invisible leadership. Jackson's approach to leadership focused on empowering players to think for themselves and take ownership of their roles within the team. He created an environment where players felt supported and encouraged to grow, both as athletes and individuals.

Elements of empowering leadership:

• Encouraging player input in decision-making
• Providing constructive feedback without undermining confidence
• Fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement
• Recognizing and nurturing each player's unique strengths

By stepping back and allowing players to develop their own leadership skills, Jackson created teams that were resilient, adaptable, and capable of performing at the highest level even in his absence.

4. Embracing change and impermanence leads to growth and adaptability

In Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind, Suzuki Roshi writes that when we "cannot accept the truth of transiency, we suffer."

Flexibility in the face of change. Jackson emphasizes the importance of accepting and adapting to change, both in basketball and in life. He draws on Zen philosophy to illustrate how resistance to change often leads to suffering and stagnation.

Benefits of embracing impermanence:

• Increased resilience in the face of setbacks
• Ability to adapt to new situations and challenges
• Openness to learning and growth opportunities
• Reduced stress and anxiety about the future

By teaching his players to embrace change and view challenges as opportunities for growth, Jackson created teams that were able to evolve and succeed even as key players came and went.

5. Managing ego and anger is essential for maintaining team harmony

Anger only breeds more anger and eventually fuels violence—on the streets or in professional sports.

Emotional intelligence on the court. Jackson recognized that uncontrolled ego and anger could be destructive forces within a team. He worked to help players manage their emotions and channel their competitive drive in productive ways.

Strategies for managing ego and anger:

• Encouraging players to focus on team goals rather than personal glory
• Teaching meditation and mindfulness techniques to improve emotional regulation
• Addressing conflicts openly and honestly within the team
• Modeling calm and composed behavior as a coach

By helping players manage their emotions and ego, Jackson created a more harmonious team environment that allowed for better communication and cooperation on the court.

6. Visualization and meditation techniques enhance focus and decision-making

Visualization is the bridge I use to link the grand vision of the team I conjure up every summer to the evolving reality on the court.

Mental preparation for success. Jackson introduced visualization and meditation techniques to help players improve their focus, decision-making, and overall performance. These practices allowed players to mentally rehearse scenarios and prepare for high-pressure situations.

Benefits of visualization and meditation:

• Improved ability to stay calm under pressure
• Enhanced decision-making skills
• Increased confidence in one's abilities
• Better preparation for various game scenarios

By incorporating these mental techniques into their training regimen, Jackson's teams were able to perform at their best when it mattered most, often outmaneuvering opponents in critical moments.

7. The journey and process are as important as the end result

When I learned to shift my focus—two steps forward, one step back—from winning and losing to my love of the game, the sting of defeat began to diminish.

Embracing the process. Jackson emphasizes the importance of finding joy and meaning in the journey, rather than focusing solely on the end result. This perspective allows for a more balanced and fulfilling approach to both basketball and life.

Benefits of focusing on the journey:

• Reduced pressure and anxiety about outcomes
• Increased enjoyment and engagement in daily activities
• Greater resilience in the face of setbacks
• Continuous learning and growth opportunities

By teaching his players to appreciate the process of improvement and teamwork, Jackson created teams that were more resilient and capable of sustained success over time.

8. Compassionate leadership fosters trust and brings out the best in others

Compassion is where Zen and Christianity intersect. Though I still have reservations about the more rigid aspects of Christianity, I have always been deeply moved by the fundamental insight that love is a conquering force.

Leading with heart. Jackson's approach to leadership emphasizes the importance of compassion and understanding in bringing out the best in others. He draws on both Zen Buddhist and Christian teachings to illustrate the power of compassionate leadership.

Elements of compassionate leadership:

• Listening to and understanding players' perspectives
• Providing support and encouragement during challenging times
• Addressing conflicts with empathy and understanding
• Recognizing and nurturing each player's unique strengths and potential

By leading with compassion, Jackson created a team environment where players felt valued, supported, and motivated to give their best effort both on and off the court.

9. Balancing individual talent with group consciousness creates a winning team

What I was missing was spiritual direction. The unfulfilled legacy of my devout childhood had left an emptiness, a yearning to reconnect with the deeper mysteries of life.

Harmonizing individual and collective. Jackson sought to create teams that could leverage individual talents while maintaining a strong sense of group consciousness. This approach allowed for both personal growth and team success.

Strategies for balancing individual and team:

• Encouraging players to develop their unique skills within the team framework
• Fostering a culture of mutual respect and appreciation for diverse talents
• Creating opportunities for players to shine while contributing to team goals
• Emphasizing the importance of each player's role in the team's success

By striking this balance, Jackson's teams were able to achieve a level of synergy that allowed them to consistently outperform their opponents and achieve unprecedented success.

10. Learning from failure and accepting defeat are crucial for long-term success

Losing is as integral a part of the dance as winning. Buddhism teaches us that by accepting death, you discover life. Similarly, only by acknowledging the possibility of defeat can you fully experience the joy of competition.

Growth through adversity. Jackson emphasizes the importance of learning from failure and accepting defeat as part of the journey towards success. This perspective allows for continuous improvement and resilience in the face of setbacks.

Benefits of embracing failure and defeat:

• Increased resilience and mental toughness
• Opportunities for learning and growth
• Reduced fear of failure, leading to more confident performance
• Greater appreciation for success when it is achieved

By teaching his players to view losses as learning opportunities rather than devastating failures, Jackson created teams that were able to bounce back from setbacks and achieve long-term success.

Last updated: January 23, 2025