Lesson 10 The Practice: Golden State Style
“Joy comes through the satisfaction of re-engaging in your sport in a way that nourishes you as a person.”
I’m a huge fan of Steve Kerr and feel fortunate to have been a student-athlete at the University of Arizona during the same time he played. Not only is he an exceptional basketball player and coach (9 NBA Titles and 1 Gold Medal), but he’s also one of the best humans I know.
Kerr’s journey into mindfulness began during his time as a player with the Chicago Bulls, where he learned from renowned mindfulness teacher George Mumford. Mumford, who has worked with countless Olympic and professional athletes (including all of Phil Jackson's championship teams), helped Kerr embrace mindfulness long before it became mainstream.
When Kerr became head coach of the Golden State Warriors, he instilled four core values into the team's culture—principles they practice, play by, and live by every day:
1. Joy
Kerr emphasizes that joy is perhaps the most crucial value. As he says, "We play better when we are having fun." Joy fuels everything else—it enhances performance and creates a sense of ease and flow on and off the court.
2. Mindfulness
Mindfulness, for Kerr, means being fully present and aware of the moment. It’s about appreciating the opportunity to play and staying grounded in gratitude. This awareness leads to a more focused, positive, and centered mindset.
3. Compassion
Compassion—toward yourself and others—is vital. It helps players navigate adversity, handle mistakes with grace, and maintain a supportive atmosphere for the team. Compassion fosters resilience and connection, both in sports and in life.
4. Competition
Kerr views competition as a healthy opportunity, not as a pressure-filled contest. It’s a way to assess how well you’ve prepared—a feedback loop rather than a do-or-die test.
While all four values are integral, today, let’s focus on joy and compassion—two essential components for mindfulness and success.
“Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day. ”
Joy: Playing with Ease and Flow
As Kerr points out, we play better when we are having fun. Joy unlocks better performance. Tennis—and any sport—can easily become stressful and results-driven. When we focus too much on winning or playing to avoid losing, we often tighten up, leading to frustration and underperformance.
Approaching the game with joy is about more than just having fun—it’s about fostering a relaxed mental state that allows you to perform at your best. Joy brings lightness and curiosity to your play. When you enjoy the process, your body moves more freely, your strokes become more fluid, and your focus sharpens.
Shifting your mindset toward joy creates a ripple effect: the game becomes less about perfection and more about presence and flow.
“You are never really playing an opponent. You are playing yourself, your own highest standards, and when you reach your limits, that is a real test.”
Compassion: The Key to Self-Improvement
Compassion, especially self-compassion, is critical in tennis, where mistakes and challenges are inevitable. Many athletes believe that being hard on themselves is the only path to improvement. But research tells a different story: self-compassion—not self-criticism—is the more effective route to growth.
Self-compassion allows you to recover quickly from setbacks, stay motivated, and build a healthier relationship with your performance. It’s about recognizing that mistakes are part of the learning process and treating yourself with the same kindness you’d offer a close friend.
Research shows that people with higher self-compassion tend to:
Stay more confident and motivated after setbacks.
Take greater responsibility for their mistakes.
Engage in healthier behaviors and self-care.
Cope more effectively with challenges.
Build stronger, more caring relationships.
Self-compassion also reduces negative emotions like anxiety and shame while increasing happiness and resilience. When you’re kind to yourself, you create a foundation for improvement, both on and off the court.
“A real sign of progress is when we no longer punish ourselves for our imperfections. ”
On-Court Tip:
When you make a mistake on the court, try talking to yourself the way you’d talk to your best friend. Instead of criticism, offer encouragement. Imagine what your most inspiring coach would say, and let that advice shift your mindset.
As George Mumford wisely says: “Don’t be hating on yourself.”
Self-compassion doesn’t mean letting yourself off the hook for mistakes—it means acknowledging your imperfections with kindness and moving forward with the belief that you can improve.
“Comparison is the theft of joy.”
“Life is going to throw you curve balls and it’s how you deal with them and your attitude and your work ethic.”
