Confidence, a core tenet of mental toughness, has long been heralded as essential for an athlete’s optimal performance. Research confirms what many coaches already know, confident athletes dream bigger, work harder, think more effectively, and cope better with the stresses of competition.
I once heard that the hardest person to lead is yourself. I’d never seen leadership in that way. However, since that day, I have proven the concept to be true. I am my toughest leadership challenge. Others have said you must first lead yourself before you can lead others. So, are you leading yourself well? Where do you start?
High performers are often praised for their mental toughness, attitude, sound decision making, and ability to produce results. How did they get that way? How did they develop a championship mindset? One defining characteristic that separates the good from great is an individual’s ability to master his or her thinking. Specifically, high performers think on purpose. Our thinking drives our performances. If we can master our thinking, we’ll be well on our way to cultivating excellence.
Athletes crave peak performance. Once they’ve tasted playing at their best, they search for ways to recreate those performances time and again. However, few reflect on the underlying factors that drive them to be their very best. Coaches can help facilitate the self awareness necessary to increase an athlete’s ability to perform closer to his or her peak more consistently.
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.
When is the last time you felt rejuvenated? Perhaps it was as long ago as last summer’s beach vacation. Without a regular rhythm of rejuvenation, we feel worn out, run down, stressed, and maybe even a little depressed. That’s not how you want to feel this Christmas! Allow me to share some tips to rejuvenate and reenergize your mind, body, and spirit this holiday season.
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.
If your organization is like most, leaders are focused on year end reviews, inventories, or reports. As another year comes to a close we enter a time of reflection and evaluation. If you stop evaluating after reviewing your bottom line, sales numbers, and direct reports, you are making a huge mistake. Let me explain.
Nervousness can sabotage an athlete’s performance, but it doesn’t have to. The difference is in how an athlete interprets nerves. Do they view the symptoms of nervousness as helpful or harmful? As a coach, you can empower athletes to embrace their nerves and use them to their advantage.
Thank you” is an oft overlooked phrase that has the power to transform both our minds and our bodies.
I keep a simple thank you card on my desk. My wife gave it to me exactly one year ago. Every now and then, I read it again and smile. It means much more to me than the words on the card. It kindles gratitude in me, as well as fond memories and warm feelings.
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