Sticking to the Fundamentals

I came across a book by Michael Jordan recently. After reading it, I noted that music is similar to sports in that we're competing with ourselves, just as much as we are with "the game". Here are thoughts on being a good "player", whether it's a sports player or a musical instrument player:

A good player or a good team can lose a call to an umpire or referee, but never the whole game. 

A good player may be paused by a bad or iffy call, but the key to good playing is to maintain: stay scrappy, keep moving, look for open passes, look for assists, look for collaborations, keep doing what you do best. 

Keep doing what you've practiced. Keep doing what you've learned. If you keep doing these things, you are a good "player". You might get pushed back by a bad call here or there, but you'll achieve more by sticking to the fundamentals.

Suggested Reading: http://www.amazon.com/Cant-Accept-Not-Trying-Excellence/dp/0062511904