"Sometimes what you say to yourself matters"

 

In advance of July 4, I thought it would be appropriate to reflect a bit about ourselves, especially what we say...not to them but to ourselves. Our own independence is what drives us.

A recent article by Jeff Haden, Contributor Editor of Inc., titled "11 Phrases Intelligent People Say Every Day (and So Should You), made me pause. Why? Because our thoughts as leaders who empower student-athletes start with our thoughts and actions. As we all think about accomplishment, it sometimes begs for us to shift our perspectives and think about what's important to us...our values. 

So, as leaders we want to see opportunity, want choices and options, so we lead with power and commitment. 

These 11 phrases from Jeff offer a moment, as I said, to pause, ready them, and decide how they could affect you. 

1. "No one else is willing to do that, so that's what I will do."

2. "I will answer the question that wasn't asked."

3. "Hey, that wasn't so bad after all."

4. "I can't do everything today, but I will take one small step."

5. "I should just be quiet."

6. "I won't care what other people may think."

7. "I'll show you."

8. "It's not perfect, and I'm fine with that."

9. "I should have done better."

10. "I will recognize a person who doesn't get enough recognition."

11. "If nothing else, I can always do more."

Happy July 4th!

 

Dustin Johnson...“can’t close on Sunday”

 

Fried Egg reported on Dustin Johnson's major win....Redemption Song

Well...Dustin Johnson did it.  Obviously, he's a great player who has all of the skills.  But he became his own leader...overcoming his inner gremlin..."can't close on Sunday". He had all the earmarks of things blocking him..mental and emotional worries demonizing him by having the ambiguity of a shot penalty looming for six holes, social...what would the press and family and friends think, geographical...a course that demands your whole you otherwise you'll sink.

Players like Dustin just had it in him to overcome his victim mentality and find a way to think about the opportunity..with a bit of rationalizing and fresh perspective, he climbed his mountain of opportunity.  Great example of an athletic leader who shifted his attitude and coached himself to victory!!

 

Ali

Articles in this Sunday’s NY Times Sports Section… “As a Butterfly Or as a Bee, Ali Made An Impression”, “A Profile in Courage, Significant Beyond Any Sport”, “From Blockbuster Fighter to a Country’s Conscience”, “Foils and Friends Bound By Respect”.

All of a sudden, I was struck by the significance of this man. Not that I had before, but in death, it made me pause. Athlete, father, leader, advocate, mentor or whatever word you attach to him, it works!

As a coach of athletic leaders, Ali wore the badge of authenticity, indicative of leaders! He was who he was. Always true to himself, said what he wanted and regardless of the outcome, it worked! It made history, it made the man. It shaped our culture.

We often say that the more conscious you are, the more aware and more powerful. That’s a leader. Life holds options and opportunities. No matter how much Ali battled, he was powerful. Because we believed him…whether we agreed or not, he became etched in our psyche. He used his stress of “I’m right, You’re wrong” or “you’re ignorant”, when referring to Joe Frazier”as a powerful belief mechanism. It was his perspective because he always wanted something more, not needing something more. Big difference.

The Most Likely Triumph in the History of Team Sports – Leaders are Born!

So history has been made by Leicester City. No team in the Premier League has beaten the odds, 5000-1, in such resilient, unlikely fashion. Small budget, new coach, little belief by fans, and a history of underachievement. Isn’t this a recipe for a disaster?

Yet, the leader in Leicester City prevailed. No not just the owner and the coach but the players. They possessed an energetic presentation of a leader. Their energetic profile of belief, fun, attitude, acceptance from their inner both as individuals and as a team organization showed up. In spite of the external stimuli: storied teams with great records, more heralded players, fan bases that are unequaled, and huge payrolls, a culture of “who said we can’t” showed up reflecting a perfect alignment with their values. Wow, what a score!

So, it’s a story for the annals in all of sports. But, it begs for one question: Why can’t this happen again…soon! Leaders are born every day when you’re aware of who you are! Bring it! 

What should I do?

 

Katy Ledecki in NY Times, 4/17...http://goo.gl/VjnEe0.

The big question as her Dad asked is "imagine carving out time for studies." She laughed.  All leaders like Katy would want to become aware of their values that show up in their activities, goals etc. The bigger questions: "how important are college studies"? How does she honor her values in all that she is doing? However she decides, she will make her decisions with conviction and commitment to who she is. That's a leader!