Everyone loves a good Cinderella story. However, the Cinderella of fairy tales wasn’t an underdog. She was only counted out by those who stood to gain from holding her back. Cinderella was a victim of circumstance. Once set free she soared, stole the show, and ran off with her prize. What can your team learn about fulfilling their own Cinderella story?
Olympic athletes are supported by a team of sport psychology professionals devoted to helping them be mentally prepared for the demands of Olympic competition. At this level, every detail matters. The difference between Gold and missing the medal stand can be fractions of a second. The slightest loss of focus, moment of hesitation, or being a little too anxious can make a huge difference. Without question, Olympic athletes must be mentally tough.
In our microwave society athletes want to see immediate results. When they look at the rankings, draft boards, and young superstars, they think success came overnight. Coaches might be preaching, “focus on the process,” but athletes are judged by results.
Sports fans witnessed history in this year’s October Classic. The Chicago Cubs broke their 108 year World Series Championship drought. They did so in dramatic fashion and displayed all that we love about sports on the biggest stage in baseball. While there was certainly exceptional play on the diamond, I am most interested in what the Cubs have done behind the scenes to build a championship organization. I believe every team can learn something from how the Chicago Cubs select, train, build, and field their team.
In today’s athletic environment there are more opportunities to compete than ever before. Who should athletes be competing against? What kind of competition will further their growth and development best? These are the questions parents, coaches, and athletes are facing.
You’ve probably heard that we get better at what we focus on. This is why we practice. This is one reason we keep team and player stats. However, showing up to practice everyday doesn’t guarantee improvement. Even working hard is not enough if the focus and intensity of practice is off target.
Oklahoma Sooner’s senior guard Buddy Hield was awarded the Naismith trophy, given to the NCAA men’s top player of the year. However, Buddy’s talent on the basketball court has been work in progress. As a freshman you wouldn’t have guessed his trajectory, but his insatiable desire for mastery has served him well. This mastery mentality is shared by the best athletes in the world. It is a mentality that starts early and is never satisfied.
Nearly half of Americans will embark on a new set of goals this week (i.e. New Year’s Resolutions). According to the stats, the vast majority of people who make resolutions will fail to reach their goals – 92%. Furthermore, 24% fall short year after year. That reminds me of the definition of insanity (doing the same thing and expecting different results). Are you one of these people? If so, you likely have a flaw in your achievement strategy. If you’ve struggled to achieve your goals, allow me to show you how to overcome the most common stumbling blocks.
For 800 years have I trained Jedi,” Yoda explained to an impatient Luke Skywalker in Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back. In honor of this week’s release of Stars Wars: The Force Awakens, I thought it best that we all sharpen our mental edges through the wisdom of Grand Master Yoda. Much can we learn to toughen our minds if listen we will to Yoda’s instruction.
We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act but a habit.”
This quote from Aristotle is one of my favorites. Habits form the foundations for how we live, work and play. Whether or not we’re intentional about them, our habits shape who we are becoming. Where are your habits leading you?
