The one thing that you can't teach, coach or buy is...

HUSTLE. 

It is virtually impossible to teach, coach or buy this state of mind.  You show me someone who can, and I'll show an entire NBA team that has floor burns. But let's stay on track...Hustling whether in sports or in life is about a desire to want "it" more.  The "it" is defined by the individual who has that burning desire.  It burns soooo much that they will stop at nothing to attain it. 

As I watch the NBA playoffs, I can't help but notice some players get a "pass" for not hustling, while those that do virtually get overlooked.  This ultimately reminds me of the consummate hustler...Mark Madsen  (even though as a kid, Kurt Rambis was THAT hustler).

With all the talent in the NBA there is absolutely NO reason that Mark Madsen or Kurt Rambis should be employed...none.  But yet there they were.  Mark for over 9 years and Kurt 14.  Why?  How is it that two individuals who are limited physically can stay in a league this long when the average NBA career is 4.7 years?

HUSTLE

All it takes to succeed in life as well as sport is the desire to do what the next man/woman won't.  As the case with Mark and Kurt, they were willing to sacrifice their bodies for the greater good of the team.  In turn, the team rewarded them with a roster spot.  It's really that simple.  The desire to dive on the floor, grab rebounds, take charges, run back on defense and make their teammates better in practice manifested itself into long careers (by NBA standards).

This term of "hustling" also translates into the "real world".  If you're not willing to go the extra mile (doing what others won't do), then you should never be surprised when your results match your outcome.  It's really as simple as this, work your tail off, reap the benefits...simple.

Just remember, a little bit of hustle (no matter if you think they were scrubs or not) allowed two physically ungifted players to last longer in a sport than the average player...Just sayin'...