Tell me how you’re feeling – are you excited and anxious when the Division I basketball assignments are released? I know I am. My planning goes into overdive this time of year with the adrenaline of assignment time. Call me crazy if you like, but I LOVE this time of year.

Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Nothing great has ever been achieved without enthusiasm.”

Assuredly, I experience the full emotional roller coaster that comes with this profession like everyone else. I absolutely despise the lull from July to September between camp season ending and contracts beginning. But, man-o-man, I love when things pick up and I start accepting games and begin the challenge of getting from one game to the next. With fewer and fewer flights available these days, the scheduling of the planes, trains, rentals, and hotel rooms is quite a sudoku.

As an independent contractor, I think of this time of year a little like Christmas, where every game is a present. It’s like every time I go to the assignment site and it is says, “new assignment,” I think of the movie “Sleepless in Seattle” where Meg Ryan opens her computer and it says, “You’ve Got Mail.” She just smiles. That’s me when I log into my assignment sites. I just smile.

I believe you could say the way I look at this time of year is a good indication of the person I am in other areas of my life, as well. I tend to find joy in every situation and, if at all possible, make every moment fun. [I am “orange” in the True Colors personality assessment]. Feel free to remove any mirrors if you don’t like what I say next, but I believe your attitude when accepting assignments is a direct reflection of who you are as a partner, friend and person.

Today’s blog is a reminder to check yourself. Check your attitude, and remember we are very blessed to be a part of this profession. Every game you receive is a blessing, and you should be grateful – no exceptions. No game is ever guaranteed, and tomorrow is not promised. So “check yo self before ya wreck yo self” — a little Ice Cube reference for your pleasure.

Now go check your assignment sites. It’s kinda like Christmas in September!