I was fortunate enough to get an advance copy of Patrick McEnroe’s new book, “Hardcourt Confidential,” which comes out in stores June 8th.
In this book, McEnroe talks about his twenty years on the pro tour as a player, coach and ESPN commentator.
I loved the stories of Agassi, Connors, Johnny Mac, Sampras, Federer, Nadal and others, especially the mental side of the game. Here is an excerpt from one of Patrick McEnroe’s matches when he was on tour…
Let me go back to 1991, before we leave Australia, to finish the story of my best run in singles at a major event. In the semis, I had Boris Becker by a set and I wrangled my way to a couple of break points early in the second; I could have gone up 4-2 if I converted either of them. But somewhere in there I clearly remember saying to myself, Shit, I could be in the Australian Open finals…
And that’s exactly when the wheels started to fall off — and Becker was too good a player not to jump in and help finish the job.
So folks, mental weakness happens to the pros, too.
Do I recommend this book?
Yes.
In fact, if you are in the Princeton area on June 12 at 3pm, Patrick McEnroe will be doing a book signing at Barnes & Noble MarketFair. See you there.
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Just because the three birds decided to fly off, doesn’t mean they did.
What are you putting off doing today?
Remember…Motivation is not a feeling, it’s an ACTION.
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Here is one of my favorite children’s Memorial Day poems…
What Heroes Gave
by Roger Robicheau
Each donned their uniform to be
Defenders of our liberty
Their mission sure, their spirits bright
Guard freedom’s home, be brave to fight
One final day each faced their call
Each gave their best enduring all
We’ll never know what they went through
But know they loved this country true
Deep down inside we should all feel
What heroes gave, their cost so real
We must stay thankful, grateful of
The gift of freedom through their love
Their loved ones bore the gravest pain
What we can’t know, some now sustain
To God I pray their pain will cease
And each will find long-lasting peace
Remember this from year to year
What heroes gave – shan’t disappear
We’ll never let their special day
Their time for honor slip away
These brave fought for a nation free
If not for them, where would we be?
HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY EVERYONE!
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Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude.
-THOMAS JEFFERSON
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Today’s message is especially dedicated to the great Warren Bobrow, food critic/blogger.
Think back to the best match you ever played.
Notice how you didn’t have many thoughts going on in your head?
You just did it.
Now think back to the worst match you ever played.
Notice how you kept thinking things like, “why do you keep missing that shot?!” “what’s wrong with you?!” “you stink!”
There’s a secret formula for peak performance…
P = P – I
Performance = Potential Minus Interference
You have all the potential in the world already inside you.
If you can subtract the interference (fear of failure, focus, results, other people, pressure, what you’re eating later, etc), you will perform at the highest level.
I know what you’re thinking, how can I get rid of the interference?
There are many ways, here’s one:
Do what Pete Sampras used to do…
Focus on where you’re going to serve and where you’re going to hit the next shot.
That’s it.
Simple but effective.
For a free 10-minute mental toughness consultation for athletes, salespeople, students…anyone that wants to reach peak performance, email or call 609.558.1077.
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Brandon Laird is one of the top Yankee prospects. He currently plays for the Double-A Trenton Thunder and is leading the league in RBIs.
The other night, Laird hit for the cycle (single, double, triple, home run), including a walk-off home run (above) to win the game.
I was in the press box for that game, in fact, I spent some time with Laird before the game. I knew he was a top prospect, but what impressed me most was his character and attitude. Below are the highlights from our conversation.
Brandon Laird is 22 and comes from a baseball family. His brother, Gerald, is the starting catcher for the Detroit Tigers.
I started out by asking Laird about the best home run he ever hit.
“It was in a playoff game in high school, extra innings and I got a first pitch fast ball and just put a good swing on it.”
The key word is just. He “just” put a good swing on it. Laird and I talked about how peak performance happens when we have very little mental interference. You’re not thinking about your technique, your last at-bat, what people will think if you have a bad game or “what am I eating later?”
ET: Do you ever get nervous before games?
BL: I do. But then I take a couple deep breaths and tell myself that I’ve been in this situation before.
ET: Who is your favorite player?
BL: Growing up I was a big Chipper Jones fan and now I like Alex Rodriguez, as well.
ET: How did you get to this point in your career?
BL: Hard work.
ET: What do you know now that you wish you knew when you were younger?
BL: A lot. The scouts at how well you do, but they also look at how poorly you do. If you go 4-4, that’s great, but if you can go 0-4 and still contribute on defense, be a leader and bounce back the next game, that’s even better.
ET: How is your nutrition?
BL: I actually started eating really well and lost about 25 pounds and it is definitely giving me more energy and helping me play at a higher level. It wasn’t easy, but I stuck to it.
Laird also shared with me the fact that he didn’t even make varsity in his first year of high school. “You can’t control that – you just have to go out and play your game and focus on the things you can control.”
Derek Jeter and Pete Rose also gave Laird some great advice (watch the video below).
As you know, after my conversation with Laird, he went out on the field and became only the second person in team history to hit for the cycle.
I could tell just by talking to Brandon that he had the right mindset and that he will go far. In fact, I gave him a copy of my book and signed it, “See you in the Bronx, Ed.”
Brandon Laird is a great player, but more importantly, he is a great person.
Watch the video below for part of our conversation…
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In this video blog, Ed reports from the Mrs. G’s VIB (Very Important Blogger) event at the Trenton Thunder. Checkout the exclusive interview with Yankee prospect, Brandon Laird, who hit for the cycle in the game (including a walk-off home run).
Tonight I will have a press pass for the Trenton Thunder (Double-A Affiliate, New York Yankees) game with some VIBs, Very Important Bloggers, including Hillary Morris and Debbie Schaeffer. I hope Warren Bobrow will be there because he is a food blogger and I am a foodie.
I have the honor of interviewing a player in the locker room before the game and then will be live streaming from the press box. And yes, I will have a video blog tomorrow.
So have a great day everyone and let me leave you with one of my favorite baseball quotes by the great philosopher, Yogi Berra…
Slump? I ain’t in no slump… I just ain’t hitting.
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Today’s message is especially dedicated to the great Rob Polishook, performance coach and founder of Inside the Zone.
Trust is key ingredient in any relationship, whether it’s on a sports team, a business team or a relationship team. I know when I coach tennis players and when I coach people in mental toughness, trust is the key. Nobody can do it on their own – and trust is essential to success. Let me tell you a story…
Once upon a time, Fire, Water and Trust were walking in the woods.
They started planning what they would do if they got separated.
Fire said, “Look for the smoke – that’s where I’ll be.”
Water said, “Look for the green grass and flowers – that’s where I’ll be.”
Trust said, “You’d better not lose me because if you do – you might never get me back again.”
