Blog - Page 24 of 172

MESSAGE #1460 SECRET EQUATION

July 24, 2011/0 Comments/in Attitude, Effort, Focus, Goal Setting, mental toughness, Motivation, Performing Under Pressure /by admin

Remember this secret equation for peak performance…

E + R = O

Event + Response = Outcome

Much of success comes from our reactions in situations. If you lose a point or miss a shot, much of the time, it’s your reaction that will determine your results. Will you think a negative thought or a productive thought? Will you get frustrated or fascinated?

A friend of mine who plays in the Yankees organization once said that sometimes you may only have 70 percent of your game, but if you use 100 percent of that 70 percent, you can still win. The key is your response, or adjustments towards the event/situation.

We don’t have control over many of the events that occur, but we have total control over our response. As a result, we will have more favorable outcomes.

MESSAGE #1459 TEACHERS AND STUDENTS

July 23, 2011/0 Comments/in Effort, Focus, mental toughness /by admin

As a coach, I cannot make someone do something, I can only show them the way. When they have a breakthrough, and start getting the results they want, I couldn’t be happier.

Why? Because I know THEY did it. Many athletes believe that I did it for them, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. You create your results, by your ACTIONS. Here is another way to put it…

A Chinese proverb:
Teachers open the door… You enter by yourself.

MESSAGE #1458 THE CAPTAIN

July 22, 2011/0 Comments/in Attitude, Effort, Focus, Goal Setting, mental toughness /by admin

“It’s not that difficult to run; to give it 100 percent, it’s effort. You don’t have to have talent to give effort.”—Derek Jeter

MESSAGE #1457 HOPE

July 21, 2011/0 Comments/in Attitude, mental toughness /by admin

I love acronyms. When I spoke at TEDxPrincetonLibrary, I talked about HOPE (Hold On Possibilities Exist). Well next week is HOPE week for the New York Yankees. For them, HOPE stands for (Helping Others Persevere and Excel). Watch the video below on HOPE Week 2010. After watching this video, you will never complain again about anything in your life. Enjoy.

MESSAGE #1456 FREE ADVICE

July 20, 2011/0 Comments/in Attitude, Effort, Focus, Goal Setting, mental toughness /by admin

I recently received an email from a professional tennis player from Brazil. He couldn’t afford my mental toughness coaching sessions, so I gave him some free advice. Here’s what I told him.

Write down the following on an index card, keep it in your bag, and review before playing…

1. Take deep diaphragmatic breaths when you feel yourself getting negative, thinking too much, out of control, etc. This will lower your heart rate and keep you in the present moment.
2. Focus less on what you CANNOT control (line calls, results, spectators), and focus more on what you CAN control (your effort, strategy, targets, reactions).
3. Remember, full effort is full victory.
4. Thinking during practice is good; thinking during competition is bad. Just do it. Trust your preparation.
5. Act differently than how you feel; you can feel negative, tired or defeated, but you can still ACT confident and energetic.

Can you apply this to your sport, job or relationships?

I submit yes.