Example logo
Welcome back to The 90%!
"Ninety percent of sports is overcoming failure. The great ones don’t let it define them." – NFL Hall of Fame coach Bill Walsh.
Perspiration

The golf world is still buzzing about Rory McIlroy's victory at the Masters. McIlroy's quest for the green jacket certainly exemplified the Bill Walsh quote above. But perhaps the most quietly impressive moment came from the tournament’s last-place finisher, Nick Dunlap. After opening with a 90—one of the worst scores in Masters history—he returned with a gritty 71 the next day. Where some might have withdrawn out of embarrassment, Dunlap chose resilience over retreat. He honored the game, the tournament, and himself by showing up and finishing strong.

Stories like these are what make the Masters unforgettable. But beyond the players, Augusta National Golf Club itself is a masterclass in performance. Whether it's the understated concessions, pristine bunkers, world class practice facility, or the tournament itself, everything is executed with a clear commitment to simplicity, consistency, attention to detail, the pursuit of perfection, confidence, patience, and exceptional hospitality. Could Augusta increase its profit margins? Absolutely, but as Dan Tramontozzi puts it, "Augusta shows us that when you commit to experience over urgency, when you prioritize emotion over extraction—you build legacy." Whether you lead a team, run a business, or coach athletes, Augusta’s example is clear: excellence is a choice, repeated daily.
Inspiration

Adrian Wojnarowski—better known as Woj—built his career on breaking NBA news. But last fall, he made headlines himself by walking away from a $20 million contract with ESPN to take a $75,000 job as the men’s basketball general manager at his alma mater, St. Bonaventure. His first major move? Signing one of the most unconventional prospects in college basketball: Joe Grahovac.

Grahovac’s story reads like fiction. He didn’t play high school basketball. He didn’t grow up watching the sport—his family didn’t have cable. He barely completed high school coursework, with no plans for college. Instead, he drifted between construction jobs and slept in his truck, chasing one thing consistently: his love for pickup hoops at 24 Hour Fitness. Along the way, the 5'7" freshman became a 6'10" 19-year-old. Video of him playing eventually reached the coaching staff at Fullerton College, and the door cracked open.

At Fullerton, Grahovac’s growth—on and off the court—accelerated. “He wants feedback. He wants to be coached. And he’s very smart. You don’t have to tell him things a bunch of times,” said head coach Perry Webster. After a fall showcase, Webster received a text from Woj. And when Woj showed up to Grahovac’s first game of the season, he was shocked to be the only recruiter in the gym.

As their relationship developed, Woj saw something deeper: “Joe is about the work. Joe is about the team and his teammates first.” Despite late interest from Power Four programs, Grahovac stayed loyal to St. Bonaventure. Now set to debut in the 2025–26 season, Joe Grahovac may just be Woj’s greatest scoop yet—and a reminder that talent paired with humility, work ethic, and loyalty still matters.
From Sleeping In His Truck to D1 Basketball Commit -- Meet Joe Grahovac
Preparation

As May approaches and the pace of school life accelerates, it’s worth pausing to reflect on the Swedish concept of lagom. It translates as “just the right amount”—not too much, not too little. Balance, moderation, and quiet contentment are the hallmarks of lagom. Think of it as the Goldilocks mindset.

This season often tempts us to overcommit—to squeeze in one more event, say yes to one more obligation, or outdo the person next to us. But there’s power in restraint. There’s wisdom in simplicity. And there’s freedom in choosing enough over more.

When the calendar fills, remember: sometimes the best choice is the one that preserves your peace.
The Swedish Concept of Lagom
If you found this helpful, please share it with others.

Missed an edition? Check out the archives.
Work with Mark
Let's connect on social👇
website social link x social link instagram social link linkedin social link facebook social link
You received this email because you subscribed to our list. You can unsubscribe at any time. 

9325 Garden Springs Ave
Las Vegas, NV 89149
USA
Powered by EmailOctopus