What's Next
– Monday Mindset –

Today’s Monday Mindset: What’s Next

I had the opportunity to spend time with my former university coach, Tom Kieswetter from the University of Waterloo. I spent five years with him as a player and an additional five years with him as an assistant coach.

He shaped my life in profound ways, more than I could even begin to describe. Not just as a player but by believing in me, by giving me opportunities, by supporting me throughout my journey, but even more so as a person, and the lessons he taught me, the things he modeled.

And I want to share one concept he taught to me that I’ve never forgotten.

It’s the concept of what’s next.

When I got injured throughout my career, each time he said to me, “Mano, what’s next? You’re injured. You can’t play in the games for the next period of time. How are you going to bring something to the team, even though you’re hurt? What’s next?”

If I didn’t do well on a test and I came into his office and shared that with him, he’d say, “All right. What can you learn from it? And what’s next?”

If the team had performed poorly and we lost a game or had a string of games, he always brought us back to, “What’s next? What can you do next? What’s your next best action?”

I’ve never forgotten that concept. I apply it to every aspect of life – any setback, challenge, disappointment. I learn from what happened but then I apply the concept of, what’s next?

Instead of just looking back, look forward, what can I do in the present and the future? I’m so grateful for this concept.

Coach Kieswetter, I know you’re watching. I want you to know, I love you. I’m so grateful for you. You have had such a huge impact on my life, on our family. I couldn’t imagine having a better coach and mentor than you. I will forever be grateful. I think of you often. So thank you.

And to all of you watching, remember, put into practice, what’s next?

That’s your Monday Mindset.