Steve Hawes played 10 years (1974-84) in the NBA for the Houston Rockets, Portland Trail Blazers, Atlanta Hawks, and Seattle Supersonics, scoring over 5,000 points and grabbing over 4,000 rebounds. Before that, Hawes starred at the University of Washington and is still ranked as their sixth highest scorer and rebounder. His nephew, Spencer Hawes, currently plays for the Los Angeles Clippers and honors his Uncle Steve by wearing the same jersey number.

When athletes focus on effort, Hawes says it “simplifies things” and eliminates worries or overall anxiety. If focus stays away from negative external factors outside of an athlete's control, athletes can maximize their potential. Hawes urges all athletes to shed the negatives that hold them back and focus only on a "work-centered" mindset and things they can control that allow them to succeed in sports and life. Even if athletes don't win the game, this positive work ethic sets them up for overall success.

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