MESSAGE #1187 A TIP FROM JOHN MCENROE
There are scores of players who can hit every shot in the book who never make it into a Grand Slam event. Those who make it are there because they are mentally tougher. They wanted it more.
-JOHN MCENROE
MESSAGE #1175 MINOR THOUGHTS
I know a minor league baseball player that pretends to get angry at the pitcher when he steps up to the plate.
In my eyes, that this is a minor league mindset.
Here’s what I think…
When you “hate” your opponent, it creates muscle tension and you don’t perform at your peak.
When sprinters train for competition, they run at about 80 percent.
Why?
Because when they run at 100 percent, their muscles constrict and they actually run slower.
Instead of “hating” your opponent, think of them as your teacher–someone who is pushing you to get better.
Have gratitude for your teacher and you will stay loose.
When you stay loose, you perform at a higher level.
Hating your opponent is a minor league attitude, and you can’t make the major leagues with a minor league attitude.
MESSAGE #1171 WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN THE PRESSURE’S ON?
Well, the Yankees were losing 3-0 in Game 1 of the ALDS versus the Minnesota Twins last night and they came back to win 6-4.
“The switch kind of turns on when the postseason rolls around over here,” says Yankee Nick Swisher.
That’s a winning mindset.
Most people fold when the pressure is on.
But the great ones get turned on by the pressure.
It’s a choice.
What will you choose?
MESSAGE #1170 SELF-FULFILLING PROPHECY
The other day I was getting ready to teach a young boy. Before we went on the court, I said, “This just might be the best lesson you’ve ever had.”
“I thought EVERY LESSON is the best I’ve ever had?” he responded.
I liked his answer.
So we went on the court and his energy level was exceptionally high, even in the warmup. We started hitting and he was totally focused and high-energy.
It truly was one of the best lessons he ever had.
And he created it in his mind first.
The problem with many people is that either they act how they feel or they think negatively.
And that’s what they get. It’s a self-fulfilling prophecy.
Does your day determine your attitude, or does your attitude determine your day?
MESSAGE #1157 YOU CAN DO IT
Jim Abbott threw a no-hitter against the Cleveland Indians on September 4, 1993, and he won the game 4-0.
AND Jim Abbott was born without a right hand.
Imagine what YOU can do…
Your only disability is in your mind.
MESSAGE #1141 THIS IS WHAT STOPS MOST PEOPLE…
I know something about you.
You want to become successful at something.
Perhaps it’s in sports.
Perhaps it’s in business.
Perhaps it’s in school.
I know something else…
The reason why most people do not become successful.
They don’t take action.
Knowledge is only good if you use it.
It’s the start that stops most people.
You know what you need to do, so don’t think about it, just do it.
With all the great athletes I have encountered, I noticed a quality that they all share.
They all do what they need to do, when they need to do it, whether they feel like it or not.
If you’re a runner, just start running.
If you’re in sales, just start making those calls.
If you’re a student, just start studying.
It’s that simple.
MESSAGE #1129 THIS IS HOW YOU DO IT…
PRACTICE AS IF YOU ARE THE WORST.
COMPETE AS IF YOU ARE THE BEST.
MESSAGE #1128 BUMPS IN THE ROAD…
It doesn’t matter what you do, or who you are…you’re going to encounter obstacles. On the field, in the classroom, in the boardroom and at home.
Someone once said that life was a series of problem-solving events. We can’t avoid challenges or adversity.
What we can do is change our reactions to them.
I believe that in every challenge, there is a lesson to be learned. You can use adversity to your advantage. Instead of being frustrated, be fascinated. Enjoy the pressure; enjoy the challenge.
That’s what winners do.
Act like a winner today!
MESSAGE #1126 A BREAKTHROUGH
Do yourself a favor and watch this!