On the TunneySide of Sports March 16, 2020 #787 Up Next… Developing a Mindset!
After further review… In the world of sports, the word mindset is often used. What do coaches mean when they encourage their athletes to create a mindset for winning? The first step in creating a positive mindset is preparation. It has been often said: “Failure to prepare is preparing to fail.” As kids in school, we often hated doing homework! Yet, as we grew older into our jobs, we found that preparation is so important.
As an NFL referee, it was vital that I studied the rule book and looked at film/videotape during the week in preparing for my next Sunday’s assignment. After 31 years in NFL refereeing, one would think it all becomes routine. Wrong! It became more important each and every year. The game changes. Players are different. Plays and procedures change. One must be prepared! Remember: Noah built the ark before it started to rain.
Preparation became important in my professional career as well. As a professional speaker, one might have an interesting topic and well-crafted, but if it doesn’t fit the needs and interests of the audience it probably will fall flat! Every speech, every audience is different. One must spend considerably much more time in preparation than in the length of the presentation.
Rod Dedeaux, former but now deceased baseball coach for 29 years and 11 NCAA championship appearances while coaching at the University of Southern California, would instill in his players this type of mindset before every game: “This is our field, our ball, our bat, and our game. We play to win it.” That’s creating a mindset!
Recently I was a guest on the podcast MindsetGo with host, founder, and trainer, Mark Altman where we discussed leadership development, change management, sales and networking among other topics related to mindset. Mindset is more than just in one’s mind. It also has to do with your body language. You need to show by your physical posture that you are confident in what you are doing.
Communicating with NFL coaches can be challenging. They may not only challenge your judgment, but also your personage. Officials must respect the position of an NFL coach, but also must be self-confident in their own right and not be intimidated. It’s all in one’s mindset!
Will you develop a positive mindset in all you do?
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
To contact Jim, go to JimTunney.com or email Jim@JimTunney.com. Jim’s books are full of inspiration and interesting stories. Please visit his online store to learn more.
Jim’s bobblehead ($30) and latest book ($20) “101 Best of TunneySide of Sports” are available at Jim Tunney Youth Foundation (501c3) P.O. Box 1440 Pebble Beach, Ca, 93953. Includes autograph and free S&H. Thank You!
Jim is available for speaking engagements on leadership and T*E*A*M Building. His books are available for $20 which includes shipping and tax. The Tunney Bobblehead is available for $30. Please visit JimTunney.com. Thank you!
