My appreciation for sports has grown over the years, and it’s always impressive to watch championship teams. 

What’s remarkable is when you realize what it took to get there.

During the March Madness NCAA basketball tournament, one of the head coaches commented on own team’s development: “Water the roots, and not the leaves.”

Coaches spend years recruiting, training, investing and growing a body of young, inexperienced players. And it could take a decade before it all comes together.

And on players: the best coaches don’t just focus on the best “leaves” for now, but the promising “roots” for later.

Love this analogy on our own lives too: What fundamentals can you pour yourself into that will sprout success in 5 years?