You're doing yourself a disservice if you're not building your

In the grand theater of life, where we are each tasked with playing our part, there are few things more vital than preparation and strategy. Sean McDermott, a modern coach in the world of sports, speaks to the timeless principle of building a strong foundation in order to achieve success. He declares: "You're doing yourself a disservice if you're not building your roster and your team to give yourself a legitimate chance to score 21 points." In this seemingly simple statement, there lies a deep truth that applies not only to sports, but to life itself: success is rarely achieved by chance. It requires deliberate effort, careful planning, and the strategic development of all the pieces that will help you achieve your goal.

This principle of preparation and strategy is as ancient as the art of war itself. The great generals of history, such as Alexander the Great and Napoleon Bonaparte, understood that victory was not merely a matter of courage or talent—it was about building the right forces, ensuring that every element of their army, from the foot soldiers to the cavalry, was aligned with a singular goal. Alexander’s success was not simply due to his own bravery, but to his strategic brilliance in assembling the best forces for the challenges he faced. Just as McDermott emphasizes the importance of building a team capable of scoring points, the ancient warriors knew that greatness was achieved through unity, discipline, and preparation—no man can succeed alone, and no team can thrive without the right members in the right positions.

Consider the ancient story of King Leonidas and his 300 Spartans. Though vastly outnumbered at the Battle of Thermopylae, their success was not just due to their courage, but to their meticulous preparation and the strength of their collective resolve. Leonidas, understanding the limitations of his forces, strategically chose his battleground, ensuring that the narrow pass of Thermopylae would favor his small, but fiercely trained, army. Each Spartan was chosen for his strength and discipline, and together, they formed a unified force capable of standing against an overwhelming enemy. This was a team built for success—not by mere chance, but through wisdom and strategic foresight. McDermott’s words echo this ancient wisdom: the chance of victory requires building a team capable of meeting the challenges ahead.

This idea of preparation for success also rings true in the rise of great empires. The Roman Empire, at its height, was a model of organization and discipline. The Roman legions were not simply powerful because of their individual soldiers, but because of their superior training, their effective leadership, and their unified vision of conquest. The Romans understood that the strength of their empire lay not in isolated acts of bravery, but in the collective might of a well-structured, well-prepared army. Likewise, in modern life—whether in business, sports, or personal growth—the lesson remains the same: success is not achieved by chance but by building the right team, by developing the skills and resources necessary to achieve one’s goals.

For us, as individuals seeking success in our own lives, the lesson is clear: we must surround ourselves with those who complement and enhance our strengths. Just as McDermott urges his team to build their roster with the right players to score 21 points, we must also build the right conditions for our personal success. This means cultivating our own talents, seeking out mentors and partners who will help us grow, and ensuring that we are prepared for the challenges ahead. Whether we seek success in our careers, our relationships, or our personal growth, the process of building is essential.

The lesson that McDermott imparts is not only about preparation for a single goal, but about a philosophy of life. In the pursuit of any worthy cause, whether it be athletic achievement or personal fulfillment, we must continually ask ourselves: Are we building the right team? Are we preparing for success? Just as a sports team cannot expect to win by relying on the raw talent of a few, so too can we not hope for success without thoughtful preparation, effort, and teamwork. Success comes when we align our strengths with our goals, and build the necessary structures to achieve them.

So, let us take McDermott’s wisdom to heart. Build your team—whether it be through developing your own skills, surrounding yourself with trusted allies, or creating the environment that supports your growth. Do not wait for chance or fortune to decide your future; instead, take control by building the foundation that will ensure your success. As the ancients knew, and as McDermott reminds us, preparation and strategy are the keys to turning ambition into reality. When we invest in building the right conditions for success, we give ourselves the best possible chance to score our own 21 points, and to reach the heights we dream of achieving.