Today's message is especially dedicated to Robert Gibson.
"1. Stress improvement, not perfection (or winning). 2. Don't take yourself too seriously; laugh at yourself and have fun. 3. Set attainable goals; reach them and then set higher ones. 4. Be positive, walk tall, smile often, don't complain or procrastinate. 5. Prepare purposely, but don't over train. 6. Remember-Sports is a game and meant to be enjoyable."
-DICK GOULD, Stanford University tennis
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
MESSAGE #518 PROCRASTINATION...
Today's message is especially dedicated to the great Ian Rubel.
What are you putting off doing?
Getting gas? Studying? Doing the dishes? Taking guitar lessons? Saving money?
"Oh, I'll get to that tomorrow."
We all talk a big game, but very few of us take action. The best ideas are often lost because of inaction.
Margaret Thatcher once said, look at some of your most satisfying days and you will see that they were not the ones that you sat around doing nothing but ones where you had so much to do and accomplished it all.
You may be putting something off because it may be a pain to do, but the truth is, if you postpone it, the pain will be even greater.
Here are some great quotes on the topic...
"Genius is the ability to put into effect what is in your mind."
-F. SCOTT FITZGERALD
PROCRASTINATION CLUB MOTTO:
"We're behind you all the way."
"My parents told me I'd never amount to anything because I procrastinated too much. I told them, 'Just you wait.' "
-JUDY TENUTA, comedian
"A small amount of action is exponentially more powerful than the greatest idea."
-ED TSENG
Think less, do more!
Thanks for reading.
What are you putting off doing?
Getting gas? Studying? Doing the dishes? Taking guitar lessons? Saving money?
"Oh, I'll get to that tomorrow."
We all talk a big game, but very few of us take action. The best ideas are often lost because of inaction.
Margaret Thatcher once said, look at some of your most satisfying days and you will see that they were not the ones that you sat around doing nothing but ones where you had so much to do and accomplished it all.
You may be putting something off because it may be a pain to do, but the truth is, if you postpone it, the pain will be even greater.
Here are some great quotes on the topic...
"Genius is the ability to put into effect what is in your mind."
-F. SCOTT FITZGERALD
PROCRASTINATION CLUB MOTTO:
"We're behind you all the way."
"My parents told me I'd never amount to anything because I procrastinated too much. I told them, 'Just you wait.' "
-JUDY TENUTA, comedian
"A small amount of action is exponentially more powerful than the greatest idea."
-ED TSENG
Think less, do more!
Thanks for reading.
Monday, December 29, 2008
MESSAGE #517 FOCUS ON THE RIGHT THINGS...
Have you ever felt the pressure of a big match? A job interview? An important exam?
Most people focus on that pressure when it arises. Then it gets worse and before you know it, that is all you can think about. How do you think these people perform? Not very well.
When the pressure's on, you have to step it up. Focus on your strategy instead of your potential result. This will help you stay calm and perform at a higher level.
Here's what tennis legend Rod Laver once said...
"Wipe everything out of your mind but the ball. Glue your eyes to it. Marry it. Never mind your opponent, the weather, or anything. Make that ball an obsession. If you can get yourself into that trance, pressure won't intrude. It's just you and the ball."
-tennis Grand Slam winner ROD LAVER
Register today for the Sports Psychology event of the year on Feb 21, 2009 in Princeton, NJ with Ed Tseng and John F. Murray. Email ed10s26@yahoo.com for a flyer and registration form.
Most people focus on that pressure when it arises. Then it gets worse and before you know it, that is all you can think about. How do you think these people perform? Not very well.
When the pressure's on, you have to step it up. Focus on your strategy instead of your potential result. This will help you stay calm and perform at a higher level.
Here's what tennis legend Rod Laver once said...
"Wipe everything out of your mind but the ball. Glue your eyes to it. Marry it. Never mind your opponent, the weather, or anything. Make that ball an obsession. If you can get yourself into that trance, pressure won't intrude. It's just you and the ball."
-tennis Grand Slam winner ROD LAVER
Register today for the Sports Psychology event of the year on Feb 21, 2009 in Princeton, NJ with Ed Tseng and John F. Murray. Email ed10s26@yahoo.com for a flyer and registration form.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
MESSAGE #516 SOURCES OF MOTIVATION...
In this month's tennis magazine there is a great article on Rafael Nadal and how he became so successful. His coach, Toni Nadal spoke on Rafa's sources of motivation...
"These are based on two things: First of all, his mental ability, just the way he is. Second, he has been working very hard since he was a kid. We practiced with some bad balls, bad court, bad bounces. So he learned. When something goes wrong for him, he doesn't blame the court, the bounce or the strings. He always blame himself for not doing better. So now he's a very tough person. Tough on himself. It helps him be stronger, mentally."
If you want to be like the great ones, you need to think like the great ones and do what they do. Your physical skills take a while to develop, but you can instantly improve today by having a winning mindset and giving your all in everything you do.
Thanks for reading.
"These are based on two things: First of all, his mental ability, just the way he is. Second, he has been working very hard since he was a kid. We practiced with some bad balls, bad court, bad bounces. So he learned. When something goes wrong for him, he doesn't blame the court, the bounce or the strings. He always blame himself for not doing better. So now he's a very tough person. Tough on himself. It helps him be stronger, mentally."
If you want to be like the great ones, you need to think like the great ones and do what they do. Your physical skills take a while to develop, but you can instantly improve today by having a winning mindset and giving your all in everything you do.
Thanks for reading.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
MESSAGE #515 THANKS-LIVING PART II
Yesterday I talked about thanksliving and one way that you can practice it. As promised, here are the second and third ways...
A second way to experience thanksliving is to give thanks ahead of time for whatever good you desire in your life. Feel as if you have already received this good. There is a law of life that can be stated in these words: "Thoughts held in mind will reproduce in the outer world after their own kind." In other words, we create our outer life according to the way we have created our inner life - with thoughts, beliefs and attitudes. Thanksliving will help us to create what we want. Thanksgiving is then seen not as an effect of something we have received, but rather the cause of some future good that will inevitably be drawn to us. Instead of postponing your good, satisfied feelings until after the fact, practice having the good feelings now. If what you desire is a more prosperous lifestyle, start feeling like a grateful, prosperous person today. Your attitude tends to draw prosperity to you like a magnet.
A third way to experience thanksliving - perhaps the most difficult, yet the most powerful of all - is to give thanks for your problems and challenges. By facing our challenges and overcoming them, we grow stronger, wiser and more compassionate. One of the best ways to learn mathematics is to be giving problems to solve. One of the best ways to prepare for an athletic event is to practice with a strong, competitive opponent. Adversity, when overcome, strengthens us. So we are giving thanks not for the problem itself but for the strength and the knowledge that will come from it. Giving thanks for this growth ahead of time will help you to grow through - not just go through - your challenges.
The mind has power to cause. Thoughts and feelings have creative power. An "attitude of gratitude" (ie., thanksliving) is attractive; it is a power that will draw more good to you.
(Discovering the Laws of Life)
Thanks for reading.
A second way to experience thanksliving is to give thanks ahead of time for whatever good you desire in your life. Feel as if you have already received this good. There is a law of life that can be stated in these words: "Thoughts held in mind will reproduce in the outer world after their own kind." In other words, we create our outer life according to the way we have created our inner life - with thoughts, beliefs and attitudes. Thanksliving will help us to create what we want. Thanksgiving is then seen not as an effect of something we have received, but rather the cause of some future good that will inevitably be drawn to us. Instead of postponing your good, satisfied feelings until after the fact, practice having the good feelings now. If what you desire is a more prosperous lifestyle, start feeling like a grateful, prosperous person today. Your attitude tends to draw prosperity to you like a magnet.
A third way to experience thanksliving - perhaps the most difficult, yet the most powerful of all - is to give thanks for your problems and challenges. By facing our challenges and overcoming them, we grow stronger, wiser and more compassionate. One of the best ways to learn mathematics is to be giving problems to solve. One of the best ways to prepare for an athletic event is to practice with a strong, competitive opponent. Adversity, when overcome, strengthens us. So we are giving thanks not for the problem itself but for the strength and the knowledge that will come from it. Giving thanks for this growth ahead of time will help you to grow through - not just go through - your challenges.
The mind has power to cause. Thoughts and feelings have creative power. An "attitude of gratitude" (ie., thanksliving) is attractive; it is a power that will draw more good to you.
(Discovering the Laws of Life)
Thanks for reading.
Friday, December 26, 2008
MESSAGE #514 THANKS-LIVING...
Thanksgiving leads to having more to give thanks for.
Thanksgiving is a creative force that, if lived on a continuous basis and not just for one day each year, will create more good in your life and more to be thankful for. Perhaps we could call this the life of thanksliving. Thanksliving is an attitude of perpetual gratitude that will draw good to you. It is based on the premise that "thanksgiving leads to having more to give thanks for." We have the power to create whatever we need in our life and this power, available to each of us because it lies within us, is the power of the mind.
Let's look at three ways to practice thanksliving. The first way is to search for the good and praise it. We tend to attract that which we give our attention to. Where your attention goes, your energy flows. A good idea can get even better as its possibilities for greater good are explored. The more good you can see and praise, the more you direct creative energy to positive results. Even in situations that at first appear difficult or unpleasant, see all the good you can. And bless the good you can see. Praise the good and watch it multiply.
(From Discovering the Laws of Life by John Marks Templeton)
Check back tomorrow for the second and third ways you can practice thanksliving...
Thanks for reading.
Thanksgiving is a creative force that, if lived on a continuous basis and not just for one day each year, will create more good in your life and more to be thankful for. Perhaps we could call this the life of thanksliving. Thanksliving is an attitude of perpetual gratitude that will draw good to you. It is based on the premise that "thanksgiving leads to having more to give thanks for." We have the power to create whatever we need in our life and this power, available to each of us because it lies within us, is the power of the mind.
Let's look at three ways to practice thanksliving. The first way is to search for the good and praise it. We tend to attract that which we give our attention to. Where your attention goes, your energy flows. A good idea can get even better as its possibilities for greater good are explored. The more good you can see and praise, the more you direct creative energy to positive results. Even in situations that at first appear difficult or unpleasant, see all the good you can. And bless the good you can see. Praise the good and watch it multiply.
(From Discovering the Laws of Life by John Marks Templeton)
Check back tomorrow for the second and third ways you can practice thanksliving...
Thanks for reading.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
MESSAGE #513 BACK HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS...
First of all, a very Merry Christmas for all of you celebrating.It is 2:34AM on December 25th and I just got back from my amazing Australia and New Zealand trip. I had a wonderful time and met some great people like magician and Houdini expert, Bernard Reid (pictured above with me and the great Melissa Sapio). If you recall, I did not post a message on December 9th because I was crossing the international date line and never experienced December 9, 2008. And my intention was to give you two blog entries for the December 24th because I actually experienced it twice, but our flight was delayed and didn't get home in time.
Some say that this is the most wonderful time of the year.
Many people like the holidays because they receive gifts. Others enjoy it because they get to give gifts.
My family decided long ago not to exchange gifts with each other (except for the kids) and instead we spend time together.
So if Santa doesn't bring you what you want this year, don't worry because they is still plenty to be grateful for.
Here are a few things on my gratitude list:
My friends
My family
My health
My dog
My car
My computer
My house
My clothes
My food
My opportunity to play/teach tennis
My opportunity to help others
My blog readers
My life.
When you focus less on wanting more possessions, and more on being grateful for all the wonderful things you already have, your whole world changes.
Life is beautiful...are you noticing?
Thanks for reading.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
MESSAGE #511
"The man who says it cannot be done should not interrupt the man doing it."
-Chinese proverb
-Chinese proverb
Monday, December 22, 2008
MESSAGE #510 MOMENTUM...
When you have momentum, it is easy to perform well. When you are in "the zone," it is easy to perform well. Anyone can perform well when things are going right, but it's the great ones that succeed even when things aren't going so well.
How do they do this?
Easily.
They just push through.
"If there is no wind, row."
-Latin proverb
Thanks for reading.
How do they do this?
Easily.
They just push through.
"If there is no wind, row."
-Latin proverb
Thanks for reading.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
MESSAGE #509 ARE YOU ON AUTOPILOT?
What is the first thing you do in the morning?
What is the last thing you do at night?
I would bet a large amount of money that it is almost always the same thing. We are habit-forming creatures. Most of what we do is automatic - unconscious.
When we are just going through the motions, we take things for granted, limit our improvement, and experience less satisfaction. How often do you have the same practice sessions?
I see people train the same way every single day. They can probably do it in their sleep.
This is not good.
What can you do?
Do one new or different thing in every activity you do, whether it's practicing your sport of instrument, studying, working, or spending time with friends/family.
Put the fork in your left hand when eating (if you are right-handed) or when someone asks how you are doing, tell them honestly, instead of the normal, "Good."
In other words...
STAY CONSCIOUS!
Thanks for reading.
What is the last thing you do at night?
I would bet a large amount of money that it is almost always the same thing. We are habit-forming creatures. Most of what we do is automatic - unconscious.
When we are just going through the motions, we take things for granted, limit our improvement, and experience less satisfaction. How often do you have the same practice sessions?
I see people train the same way every single day. They can probably do it in their sleep.
This is not good.
What can you do?
Do one new or different thing in every activity you do, whether it's practicing your sport of instrument, studying, working, or spending time with friends/family.
Put the fork in your left hand when eating (if you are right-handed) or when someone asks how you are doing, tell them honestly, instead of the normal, "Good."
In other words...
STAY CONSCIOUS!
Thanks for reading.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
MESSAGE #508 TIPS FROM A NEW ZEALAND GREAT...
Motivation
Fear is negative-desire is positive
Your mind is your brain-it is better than a computer
Attitude is a frame of mind
Simulation-put yourself into a situation when you last did it
Visualize-dream and know you can do it
Believe-confidence breeds success/winning
Self-esteem-know your own worth/ability/value
Goals, aims, targets-be better than the opposition; beat opponents
You must want to do it-power of positive thinking
Control-convert mental into physical actions. I’ll do the testing; I won’t be tested
Enjoyment
Robot-record and replay the good things
Never get tired-just pleasantly weary
Winning is being happy with your performance, even if someone else does it better
This motivation message was written by Sir Richard Hadlee and he carried it pasted on the inside of his “coffin” lid wherever he played. It is now displayed in the Hadlee exhibition at the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame, Dunedin.
Fear is negative-desire is positive
Your mind is your brain-it is better than a computer
Attitude is a frame of mind
Simulation-put yourself into a situation when you last did it
Visualize-dream and know you can do it
Believe-confidence breeds success/winning
Self-esteem-know your own worth/ability/value
Goals, aims, targets-be better than the opposition; beat opponents
You must want to do it-power of positive thinking
Control-convert mental into physical actions. I’ll do the testing; I won’t be tested
Enjoyment
Robot-record and replay the good things
Never get tired-just pleasantly weary
Winning is being happy with your performance, even if someone else does it better
This motivation message was written by Sir Richard Hadlee and he carried it pasted on the inside of his “coffin” lid wherever he played. It is now displayed in the Hadlee exhibition at the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame, Dunedin.
Friday, December 19, 2008
MESSAGE #507 GET BACK UP!
Last night I went to see an illusionist perform on the Diamond Princess. He was pretty good, but towards the beginning of his show, he messed up one of his tricks and the whole crowd noticed. He was clearly embarrassed and was not his usual self for the rest of the show.
What is the message here?
It's okay to make mistakes, but don't let it affect the rest of your performance. Pick yourself back up. You don't drown by falling in water. You drown by staying there. Shake it off and go on with the show. Then, after the show, think about how you can improve and get to work.
I have seen many tennis players make a mistake early in a match and continue to dwell on that mistake for the rest of the match. How do you think those players performed?
Poorly!
Fall down seven times, get up eight.
Thanks for reading.
What is the message here?
It's okay to make mistakes, but don't let it affect the rest of your performance. Pick yourself back up. You don't drown by falling in water. You drown by staying there. Shake it off and go on with the show. Then, after the show, think about how you can improve and get to work.
I have seen many tennis players make a mistake early in a match and continue to dwell on that mistake for the rest of the match. How do you think those players performed?
Poorly!
Fall down seven times, get up eight.
Thanks for reading.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
MESSAGE #506 BE DIFFERENT...
Most of the people in the world are like Pringles.
You know, the potato chip that comes in a can? They are all the same.
We, as humans, all do the same thing. We are mindless.
If you do what everyone else does, you will get what everyone else gets.
Just because your father is a doctor doesn't mean you have to be. Just because you're at the age that most people get married doesn't mean you need to get married. Just because all your friends play golf doesn't mean you have to.
Live the life you want. Create the life you want. Don't be one of the flock.
Most of us just do enough to get by, but the great ones differentiate themselves...
What will you do?
Not every-thing is for every-one.
Thanks for reading.
You know, the potato chip that comes in a can? They are all the same.
We, as humans, all do the same thing. We are mindless.
If you do what everyone else does, you will get what everyone else gets.
Just because your father is a doctor doesn't mean you have to be. Just because you're at the age that most people get married doesn't mean you need to get married. Just because all your friends play golf doesn't mean you have to.
Live the life you want. Create the life you want. Don't be one of the flock.
Most of us just do enough to get by, but the great ones differentiate themselves...
What will you do?
Not every-thing is for every-one.
Thanks for reading.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
MESSAGE #505 HANG ON...
"A hero is no braver than anyone else; he is only brave five minutes longer."
-RALPH WALDO EMERSON
-RALPH WALDO EMERSON
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Monday, December 15, 2008
MESSAGE #503
At the end of every day, which of the following do you say to yourself?
I'm glad I did...
or
I wish I had.
Thanks for reading.
I'm glad I did...
or
I wish I had.
Thanks for reading.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
MESSAGE #502 STAY IN THE PRESENT...
Many people go through life looking through the rear view mirror. They are always looking in the past. The key to reaching peak performance is staying in the present. Instead of thinking about past failures, think about how your actions today will help you improve your performance, relieve stress and make you happier.
You can think about the past, but don't live there...
Tomorrow's blog message from Tasmania.
Thanks for reading.
You can think about the past, but don't live there...
Tomorrow's blog message from Tasmania.
Thanks for reading.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
MESSAGE #501
The ship will be docking in Melbourne within the hour. We are supposed to go snorkeling with sea dragons, but the sky is overcast. Many people would complain that it should be sunny, but I'm going to have a great time regardless. It's all perception.
Last night the seas were rough and our 8:15 show was cancelled. I didn't mind because we saw a pretty good comedian.
You can take any situation and turn it into a positive, but it's up to you.
Make good mental choices today...
Thanks for reading.
Last night the seas were rough and our 8:15 show was cancelled. I didn't mind because we saw a pretty good comedian.
You can take any situation and turn it into a positive, but it's up to you.
Make good mental choices today...
Thanks for reading.
Friday, December 12, 2008
MESSAGE #500 STRESS RELIEF...
I have a feeling someone reading this message has been stressed.
Perhaps you were stressed about your sport, your job or your relationship.
Stress is the biggest killer in the world.
So how can you decrease stress in your life?
I was just meditating on my balcony on the Diamond Princess Cruise Ship. I was looking out at the ocean. The blue water was crashing alongside the ship with a calming sound. The air smelled fresh. I had gratitude for everything I have in my life, the good and the bad.
What can you do?
Meditate.
Listen to some calming music or sounds of nature.
Be grateful.
Watch some comedy.
Work out.
I know what you're thinking, I don't have the time...
Well guess what?
If you're too busy to make time for relaxation...
You're too busy!
Thanks for reading.
Tomorrow...Snorkeling with sea dragons in Melbourne.
Perhaps you were stressed about your sport, your job or your relationship.
Stress is the biggest killer in the world.
So how can you decrease stress in your life?
I was just meditating on my balcony on the Diamond Princess Cruise Ship. I was looking out at the ocean. The blue water was crashing alongside the ship with a calming sound. The air smelled fresh. I had gratitude for everything I have in my life, the good and the bad.
What can you do?
Meditate.
Listen to some calming music or sounds of nature.
Be grateful.
Watch some comedy.
Work out.
I know what you're thinking, I don't have the time...
Well guess what?
If you're too busy to make time for relaxation...
You're too busy!
Thanks for reading.
Tomorrow...Snorkeling with sea dragons in Melbourne.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
MESSAGE #499 ONE PERSON CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE...
Do you think one person can make a difference?
Tonight I went to see Kate Ceberano and the Sydney Symphony at the Opera House. It was a great show with over 75 people performing on stage. If one person was off, the whole concert would have been ruined.
Can one person make a difference?
Absolutely.
If one person on your sports team doesn't perform, the team will suffer. If one person on your team at work doesn't perform, the team will suffer.
Help do your part and give your all in everything you do.
TEAM: Together Everyone Achieves More...
as long as there is a
Total Effort from All Members.
Tomorrow's message from aboard the Diamond Princess Cruise Ship...
Thanks for reading.
Tonight I went to see Kate Ceberano and the Sydney Symphony at the Opera House. It was a great show with over 75 people performing on stage. If one person was off, the whole concert would have been ruined.
Can one person make a difference?
Absolutely.
If one person on your sports team doesn't perform, the team will suffer. If one person on your team at work doesn't perform, the team will suffer.
Help do your part and give your all in everything you do.
TEAM: Together Everyone Achieves More...
as long as there is a
Total Effort from All Members.
Tomorrow's message from aboard the Diamond Princess Cruise Ship...
Thanks for reading.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
MESSAGE #498 G'DAY...
G' day from Down Under! How you going?It was about 80 degrees here in Sydney yesterday...Summer. It is currently December 10 @ 2:08PM in New Jersey and December 11 @ 6:08AM in Sydney. Very strange.
I settled in to the Four Seasons yesterday, walked around the Rocks area, had lunch at one of the top 50 restaurants in the world, and took a tour of the Opera House.
There were many blog messages I could have created from yesterday, but I'm only going to talk about one...
Exceed Expectations...
If you read my book, you know about this one. Do a little bit more than what's expected. On court, in class, at work, in your relationships.
This is my first time staying at a Four Seasons and I am impressed. How many times have you checked in to a hotel in the morning and your room wasn't ready? That's pretty much always the case. Well, our room was all ready for us. The service is top- notch here, from housekeeping and the staff to all 34 sparkling floors. There is a roof-top pool, full-service fitness room and spa and a few restaurants. Anytime you go near a door, someone opens it for you. Everything is the best here and that's why they are the Four Seasons. That's why so many people stay here.
Do I need this type of service? No, but that's not the point.
The point is that you have to be better than everyone else. If you put a certain quality in your work, people will see that. What would you rather drive, a Rolls Royce or a Kia?
If you are the first to get to practice and last to leave, do you think that your coach won't notice that? If you hustle more than everyone else on your team, do you think that your coach won't notice that?
If you talk to your teacher after class and talk about the topic of the day, they will notice.
How about applying this to work? Relationships? Playing music?
We live in a society of "good enough to get by" so if you do just a little bit more, you will stand out from the crowd and be one more step closer to peak performance.
Greatness does not lie in doing something once. Greatness lies in doing something consistently.
Today: markets near Chinatown, harbor cruise and show at the Opera House.
Cheers!
Thanks for reading.
Monday, December 8, 2008
MESSAGE #497 WORK HARD, PLAY HARD...
Today's message is especially dedicated to all my blog readers in Australia and New Zealand.
One of the key concepts that I teach and live by is balance. It is even a chapter in my new book.
You need to work hard and you need to play hard.
You need to be intense, and you need to be relaxed.
You need to eat healthy foods, and need to have a cheat day once in a while.
You need to be organized, but you need to do nothing once in a while.
So I believe in balance, that is why I am leaving in less than 10 minutes to hop a flight to Australia and New Zealand until December 24th. I will be spending three days and two nights in Sydney, then get on a ship and cruise to Melbourne, Tasmania and a few stops in New Zealand.
Because I will be flying over the international date line, I will never see December 9, 2008...
Next blog message from Down Under...
Thanks for reading.
One of the key concepts that I teach and live by is balance. It is even a chapter in my new book.
You need to work hard and you need to play hard.
You need to be intense, and you need to be relaxed.
You need to eat healthy foods, and need to have a cheat day once in a while.
You need to be organized, but you need to do nothing once in a while.
So I believe in balance, that is why I am leaving in less than 10 minutes to hop a flight to Australia and New Zealand until December 24th. I will be spending three days and two nights in Sydney, then get on a ship and cruise to Melbourne, Tasmania and a few stops in New Zealand.
Because I will be flying over the international date line, I will never see December 9, 2008...
Next blog message from Down Under...
Thanks for reading.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
MESSAGE #496 THIS IS WHAT IS HOLDING YOU BACK...
Do you want to know what is holding you back?
I'll tell you.
The thing that is holding you back from getting the results you want is...
Your belief as to what is attainable.
Let me explain. Most of us believe that greatness is reserved for the select few, but this is false. Greatness is waiting for all of us, if we want it badly enough and if we believe it is possible.
We often don't realize, but we are our own worst critics. We say, "That was a stupid thing to do," or "I'm not coordinated," and that becomes part of us. Have you ever been somewhere where a person was singing a song over and over again, and then it became stuck in your head for the rest of the day?
What we tell ourselves and how we see ourselves works the same way. If we keep putting ourselves down, it will stick with us. We need to pick ourselves up instead of beating ourselves down.
How can you fix that?
Easy...repeat the following affirmation every morning and night.
"I am whole, perfect, strong, powerful, loving, successful, happy, healthy and harmonious."
Better yet, write it on an index card. Keep it on your bathroom mirror so you can read and look at it every day, first thing in the morning and last thing at night.
Thanks for reading.
I'll tell you.
The thing that is holding you back from getting the results you want is...
Your belief as to what is attainable.
Let me explain. Most of us believe that greatness is reserved for the select few, but this is false. Greatness is waiting for all of us, if we want it badly enough and if we believe it is possible.
We often don't realize, but we are our own worst critics. We say, "That was a stupid thing to do," or "I'm not coordinated," and that becomes part of us. Have you ever been somewhere where a person was singing a song over and over again, and then it became stuck in your head for the rest of the day?
What we tell ourselves and how we see ourselves works the same way. If we keep putting ourselves down, it will stick with us. We need to pick ourselves up instead of beating ourselves down.
How can you fix that?
Easy...repeat the following affirmation every morning and night.
"I am whole, perfect, strong, powerful, loving, successful, happy, healthy and harmonious."
Better yet, write it on an index card. Keep it on your bathroom mirror so you can read and look at it every day, first thing in the morning and last thing at night.
Thanks for reading.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
MESSAGE #495 HERE'S THE SECRET...
Today's message is especially dedicated to the great Ian Rubel.
Recently, I have spent quite a bit of time with Bob Ryland, the first black professional tennis player. In our conversations, we talk about playing and teaching tennis, the experiences he's gone through, and life.
Mr. Ryland has seen it all. He lived through segregation before Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King and Malcolm X. He has coached some of the best players in the world. Earlier this week, Bob and I were sitting at his kitchen table in his apartment overlooking the New York City skyline when he told me the secret.
"You gotta work hard. If you want to become as good as the Williams sisters, you have to train like the Williams sisters. They are not more talented than everyone else, they just work harder. And don't give up."
So you have to put in the work. There is no substitute. Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard. There's plenty of talented people out there, but it's the ones that work hard and keep going that succeed.
"Arthur Ashe wasn't a great player. I wasn't a great player. Ivan Lendl wasn't a great player. We just worked hard," said Mr. Ryland.
Pete Sampras said the accomplishment he is most proud of is finishing number one in the world, six years in a row. He said, "To me, greatness lies in going out there day after day and getting the job done."
So work hard at practice, at work, at school, but remember something else that Bob Ryland said...
"Have fun!"
Thanks for reading.
Recently, I have spent quite a bit of time with Bob Ryland, the first black professional tennis player. In our conversations, we talk about playing and teaching tennis, the experiences he's gone through, and life.
Mr. Ryland has seen it all. He lived through segregation before Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King and Malcolm X. He has coached some of the best players in the world. Earlier this week, Bob and I were sitting at his kitchen table in his apartment overlooking the New York City skyline when he told me the secret.
"You gotta work hard. If you want to become as good as the Williams sisters, you have to train like the Williams sisters. They are not more talented than everyone else, they just work harder. And don't give up."
So you have to put in the work. There is no substitute. Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard. There's plenty of talented people out there, but it's the ones that work hard and keep going that succeed.
"Arthur Ashe wasn't a great player. I wasn't a great player. Ivan Lendl wasn't a great player. We just worked hard," said Mr. Ryland.
Pete Sampras said the accomplishment he is most proud of is finishing number one in the world, six years in a row. He said, "To me, greatness lies in going out there day after day and getting the job done."
So work hard at practice, at work, at school, but remember something else that Bob Ryland said...
"Have fun!"
Thanks for reading.
Friday, December 5, 2008
MESSAGE #494
Today's message is especially dedicated to the great George Henry and all the coaches, student-athletes and parents in the tennis program at the PAL of New York City, Harlem Armory.
Watch the video below and try NOT to be motivated.
Watch the video below and try NOT to be motivated.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
MESSAGE #493 LEARNED HELPLESSNESS
Today's message is especially dedicated to the great Bob Ryland.
In India, they tie the leg of a baby elephant to a stake in the ground so that it stays within the length of the rope. This rope is strong enough to keep the baby restrained, so it eventually learns that it cannot go any further and gives up.
As the elephant grows up into a massive creature, it could easily break free from the rope, but doesn't because it has been previously conditioned.
People are the same way. Psychologists call it "learned helplessness," which means because of certain past events, we think that we are helpless and do not have the power to change our circumstances.
But this is false. It's all psychological.
So what's holding you back?
Do you know what is keeping you from starting your own business?...picking up the guitar?...improving your serve?...or travelling more?
I'll tell you what, it's YOU!
Don't be an elephant, break the rope!
You don't have to be great at the start, but you need to start to be great.
Thanks for reading.
In India, they tie the leg of a baby elephant to a stake in the ground so that it stays within the length of the rope. This rope is strong enough to keep the baby restrained, so it eventually learns that it cannot go any further and gives up.
As the elephant grows up into a massive creature, it could easily break free from the rope, but doesn't because it has been previously conditioned.
People are the same way. Psychologists call it "learned helplessness," which means because of certain past events, we think that we are helpless and do not have the power to change our circumstances.
But this is false. It's all psychological.
So what's holding you back?
Do you know what is keeping you from starting your own business?...picking up the guitar?...improving your serve?...or travelling more?
I'll tell you what, it's YOU!
Don't be an elephant, break the rope!
You don't have to be great at the start, but you need to start to be great.
Thanks for reading.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
MESSAGE #492 A DAY WITH A LIVING LEGEND...
Bob Ryland, the first black professional tennis player.
Bob's wife Nancy said he couldn't put the book down!
New friends. Notice the photos of Bob and Arthur Ashe in the background.
A wonderful gift from the great one.
So yesterday I spent the day with Bob Ryland. I don't know where to begin. It's amazing enough that he was the first black professional tennis player. But he was also Arthur Ashe's hero. He coached the Williams sisters, and travelled around the world as Bill Cosby's personal tennis coach.
I went to Mr. Ryland's apartment on the Upper West Side of New York City to talk about the book he wants me to help him write. I hit the record button on the brand new bright white digital recorder as the 88 year old tennis legend talked about his life, on and off the court. He brought me back in time to his early days in Alabama around the 1920s. He was called racist names and frequently saw blacks "strung up" in the trees outside his front door while walking to school in the morning. He really had to sit in the back of the bus, and if it was too full, he had to either stand or get off. They had separate bathrooms and water fountains for blacks. And in college, the black players had to wait until night to sneak into the dorms to sleep. The white boys on the tennis team went into the shops to get them food and brought it to them. And yes, he almost got killed several times.
I have read about those days in the history books, but Bob Ryland lived those days. If Bob was a bitter man, I probably wouldn't blame him, but he says, "I'm just a regular guy. I overcame adversity and became better because of it."
Bob has coached the Williams sisters and told me a secret. "They weren't more talented than everyone else, they just worked harder. 6am to 6pm was their workout schedule." So if you want to become a great tennis player, just train like a great tennis player.
So Bob knows the importance of overcoming adversity and how hard work beats talent, but the thing that really stuck with me is that Bob really is just a regular guy.
I asked him what the most important lessons he has learned in his life and he said: be a good person, listen, and smile.
He didn't mention anything about tennis...a regular guy?
I don't think so.
None of my blog readers should ever complain that their life is tough.
" 'Game. Set. Life.' can help you accomplish whatever you want in life and teach you how to stay ahead of the game, concentrate, focus, and give you confidence. I wish I had read this book when I was playing."
-BOB RYLAND, December 2, 2008, New York City
Thanks for reading.
Checkout "Game. Set. Life." in The Daily Racquet in Hawaii...
http://dailyracquet.typepad.com/my_weblog/2008/12/index.html
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
MESSAGE #491 CONFIDENCE
"A lack of confidence is just your body reminding you that you haven't done the work."
-RON GRAINGER
Now get to work...
Thanks for reading.
-RON GRAINGER
Now get to work...
Thanks for reading.
Monday, December 1, 2008
MESSAGE #490
Moses and St. Peter were playing golf in heaven, as they sometimes did in their spare time.
Moses teed off with a smooth, practiced swing and sent the ball rocketing down the fairway and onto the green. He smiled inwardly, knowing that St. Peter would have a hard time matching that first shot.
When St. Peter addressed the ball, he did so a bit hastily, and his drive hooked sharply toward the trees. Moses could barely conceal his amusement. The first hole was going to be his by a number of strokes.
But then, from out of nowhere, an eagle swooped down above the fairway, reached the hooking ball just as it was about to disappear in the greenery, and snatched it in its beak. The eagle then flew off toward the green, circled above it, and dropped the ball neatly in the cup.
"All right, Pete," said Moses grimly, "are we going to play golf, or are we going to fool around?"
Moses teed off with a smooth, practiced swing and sent the ball rocketing down the fairway and onto the green. He smiled inwardly, knowing that St. Peter would have a hard time matching that first shot.
When St. Peter addressed the ball, he did so a bit hastily, and his drive hooked sharply toward the trees. Moses could barely conceal his amusement. The first hole was going to be his by a number of strokes.
But then, from out of nowhere, an eagle swooped down above the fairway, reached the hooking ball just as it was about to disappear in the greenery, and snatched it in its beak. The eagle then flew off toward the green, circled above it, and dropped the ball neatly in the cup.
"All right, Pete," said Moses grimly, "are we going to play golf, or are we going to fool around?"
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