Sports help us find the zone…on and off the court

I remember the first time I found the coveted zone. It was middle school (junior high) and we were playing a pickup basketball game indoors. I don’t remember much that happened before the game. In fairness it was decades ago BUT, I remember very vividly the feeling.

Everything clicked for me: shots fell, defensively I was focused, the game slowed and ironically I remember NOT remembering anything else that day — not homework, school drama, or circumstances at home. For that period of time, I remember focusing purely on the game and time didn’t exist.

I remember getting home and bragging to my family. I called my friend Andre to confirm that I indeed scored all of our team’s points. In my mind it was easily 40 but since we were only playing to 33, I’m inclined to believe Andre who calmly but supportively reminded my dad and I that it was a “solid 20 points.”

That feeling of zoning out, or being “in the zone”, is something that just about every dedicated athlete has experienced at least once and it forever changes your perception of the world and maybe more importantly — oneself. As the MLB, NBA, NHL, and other leagues rev back up following their COVID-19-prompted hiatus, detractors have argued that sports are a “distraction” to the very real societal challenges we’ve faced and are still facing in this unprecedented year.

Of course, on the one hand, they’re right. People who could be investing and organizing on behalf of criminal justice reform, voters’ rights, or providing for disenfranchised communities during the pandemic, will now be off working, coaching, and playing in their respective sport.

On the other hand, the commitment to their respective craft is a reminder for us all to pursue the best version of ourselves. These athletes (and the coaches, trainers, and staff that make events possible) are chasing after that special zone where perfect synchronization of mind and body transforms mortals into superstars and dream-chasers into champions. And in this way, as inspirations, maybe sports are exactly what we need in this time.

Any college recruiter will be happy to tell you that sports help people reach new levels of personal ability, build teamwork and relationship skills, and potentially provide free rides at a school that otherwise will cost you 50 years of debt and multiple loan consolidations.

Of course, this is not an endorsement of the NCAA or any professional leagues — especially not those trying to force the hands of athletes to play and abandon their families/principles during these unprecedented times. NO ONE should have to choose between safety concerns and feeding their families or being able to continue their education.

This is however, an endorsement of every athlete, every coach, trainer, and staff worker that is reminding us to chase the zone. In this way, the return to sports isn’t a mere distraction. It’s a beckon call for many people to get back to focusing on our aspirations.

When spectators — young and old — witness their favorite teams in action, they’re not just absorbing entertainment but also inspiration…inspiration to focus on our goals and to aspire for those moments where we are the best versions of ourselves.

So whether that means focusing on knocking out spreadsheets, stock options, or convenience store purchases, sports can be the needed reminder to aspire for better — to get into the zone.

I anticipate the incoming Twitter retort will be “if you need sports to remind you to work at being a better version of yourself, you suck”…or something of the sort. My retort to the retort is simply this…you’re right. If your self-help books, therapist, or divine emotional superiority has made you immune to ever losing sight of your aspirations and inspirations, I apologize for wasting your time. I hope you can bear with the rest of us lower mortals a little while longer before you transcend to a place where we hold you back no longer.

For me however, and I’m sure a lot more, seeing the men and women who help remind us to strive for the best version of ourselves is meaningful and more than a pastime. To you and on behalf of many, I say thank you for helping me remember to find the zone.

James Randolph is an American Author, Editor, & Journalist / @Mr_Red_Eyes