Ask Sir Charles

Q. I don't want to sound like a self-help book, but I don't really trust anybody who hasn't failed at something in life, at least once. What sort of failures of your own have you learned from?

–Failing in Fishtown

A: Dude, I fail at something most everyday. Nothing major, because I am pretty close to perfect, but who doesn't have some sort of setback just trying to get through daily life? Like you, I believe people need to learn from failures or shortcomings and try to better themselves from the experiences. I grew up poor in the South. It wasn't a failure on the part of my family, it was a condition of our lives. That experience taught me I didn't want to be poor the rest of my life. I had emerging talents as a young athlete that made it possible for this poor 'Bama boy to go to college and then grab onto the dream of a lifetime by becoming a professional athlete. I saw a lot of stupidity in the NBA. Guys who made a lot of money had nothing left and nothing to move on to once their playing days were over. That gave me all the perspective I needed, 'bro.

Q: For years, I've had trouble sleeping. I imagine it was pretty important when you were playing, so what's your advice on how to get a good night's sleep?

— Restless in Reading

A: Trying not to take too many elbows to the head from Oakley or Mahorn. Seriously, I've heard people say, "Oh, it must be so easy being a pro basketball player. You only play 48 minutes and make all that money." Let me tell you, it ain't easy. With the travel, practice, mental and physical preparation, interviews, distractions and then the 4-5 hour total-game experience it's a wonder an athlete can sleep at all. Then you get to do it all over again the next day. For me, the most important factor in getting a good night's sleep was getting into a routine. Your mind and body know when it's time to go to sleep. Just follow their lead. If that doesn't work, try watching fly-fishing on one of the sports channels.