Tiger Woods Interview
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I’m not a huge fan of golf, but I am a fan of Tiger Woods. I love his mentality. He’s a true winner, who doesn’t settle for anything less. And this interview really shows that. You should watch it, even if you’re not a golf fan. There are lots of great lessons and insights into the mind of an amazing sportsman.
The ending of it really shows what he’s all about, and what I really like about him. His got great self confidence and belief in himself - but he’s not arrogant - and he’ll never settle for anything less than what he wants.
“The greatest thing about tomorrow is I will be better than I am today.”
What are you doing to ensure that you’re going to be better tomorrow than you are today?
[?]Tags: golf, mentality, Sports, tiger woods, winning
Maintaining a light grip
Apr 19, 2008 Sports
I’m finding more and more life lessons in pool. I think it’s because it’s very much a mental game. But I digress.
In pool, you need a light grip on the cue stick. Yes, the grip is very personal, but in general, any instructor or book will advise a light grip. I’m not sure the exact reason, but I think it’s to ensure that the cue stick follows its natural path when you stroke. If you grip it too tightly, it’s more likely that the cue stick will jerk and move off its natural path.
Sometimes in life, trying to have too much control isn’t good. Sometimes the more you try to force something, the worse it’ll go. It might be better to just lightly guide it, and let it take its course.
One prime example of this is in business/pr today, especially with social media. You can’t force the conversations. You can’t stop all negative reviews. If you try to, it’ll just make things worse. The best thing you can do is work on your brand, be a part of the conversations, and let the rest happen. Same for your personal brand.
Sometimes the most natural option is the best one.
[?]Tags: brand, control, Conversation, natural, pool
Speed of Recovery
Mar 22, 2008 Sports
I haven’t written about soccer or Arsenal in a while, and with the big match against Chelsea coming up, I thought I’d do so. One thing that’s been said a lot about Arsenal is the pace of the defense. Because Arsenal’s defenders are so fast (among the fastest in the league), the team is able to play higher up the pitch, putting more pressure on their opposition, and supporting the attack more. Basically, the speed of the defenders allow them to do a lot more going forward, knowing that even if they get caught out, they are likely to be able to chase back.
So the question I have for you today is, how fast can you respond to setbacks? If you’re able to respond and adapt quickly, the rewards will be great, in my opinion. It allows you to innovate more bravely, to try more things and take more risks.
A pretty obvious lesson, perhaps, but one that needs to be addressed. Are you able to adapt and respond to setbacks quickly? If not, how can you improve in that area?
[?]Tags: arsenal, defense, innovation, response, setbacks
Who are you asking?
Feb 17, 2008 Sports
There’s been a lot of controversy lately about the English Premier League and the proposed 39th round of matches. They’re thinking of having an extra round of matches played overseas, to further the global brand, and allow fans worldwide easier access to at least one of the games. It’s an interesting proposal, in my opinion, but it’s not the proposal itself that I want to focus on.
The most interesting thing so far has been who’s been talking about it. The policy makers are the ones making the most noise about it (the leaders of the different associations - FIFA, UEFA, the FA, etc). The managers have said a bit. But I haven’t read much about the players’ thoughts on it. And while the fans have naturally had their say on forums and the like, I haven’t seen anything about fans being approached by officials.
I don’t know about you, but I definitely find it ironic. The ones that are (arguably) the most affected (the players), and the ones to whom the proposal is geared (the fans) haven’t been approached. And the policy makers and the people at the top are arguing so much over it.
For once, I think David Beckham said it really well, that they should “ask the fans, ask the players and go from there”.
Asking your customers (the people most affected by the policy) would seem to me to be the most logical thing to do, in any business decision or proposal. What do you think?
[?]Tags: business, customers, David Beckham, EPL, feedback, premier league
Golf - Lessons for Life
Feb 16, 2008 Sports
Jon Percepto from Eclectic Commons shares with us the Philosophy of Golf in 95 Words.
I’m not particularly a fan of golf, but I have to admit, Jon’s post got me thinking.
Most of the challenges are against the environment. It’s not a direct competition to try to stop and defeat another, but more a competition to see who deals with the situation better. And as Jon said, it’s about reading the terrain, adapting to deal with the situation.
Resembles life quite a lot, doesn’t it?
[?]Tags: adapting, environment, golf, life, philosophy
Keeping calm
Feb 7, 2008 Sports
Emmanuel Adebayor is an Arsenal striker who has improved a lot this season.
The biggest area of his game which has improved - in my opinion, at least - is his composure in front of goal. He used to rush his shots. But now, he’s a lot more calm when under pressure.
Another prime example of being calm under pressure is Eduardo (another Arsenal striker). He’s a real natural finisher, and when presented with opportunities, he takes as much time as he needs. He’s never rushed, and keeps calm no matter how many other players are around him.
I could probably list more examples, but I think the point is kind of clear. You can have all the talent in the world, but the ability to keep calm under pressure is what will allow you to make the most of that talent.
How do you keep your calm when placed under pressure?
And on a side note, you’ve got 3 more days to win a copy of Seth Godin’s latest book - “Meatball Sundae”! Click here for the contest details, and also check out the other entries so far.
[?]Get on with it
Feb 4, 2008 Sports
Yesterday’s Arsenal - Manchester City match demonstrated a really good lesson. It was 2-1 to Arsenal, and Manchester City were pushing forward for the equalizer. On a quick counter attack late in the game, Arsenal scored a third, to seal the win. Adebayoor broke away, played the ball, and was brought down. Play went on because the ball went to Fabregas, who continued the move. Adebayoor just got up, and supported the move. The ball broke to him, and he scored.
He could have very well stayed down, and asked for the free kick, or feigned injury. It was a foul, after all. But he didn’t. He got up, got on with it, and scored.
I think that’s something we all can learn. Sometimes we get knocked down. Sometimes unfairly. We can stay down and complain about it. Or we can get up, and get on with it. If you do the latter, you’ll probably be rewarded for it.
It’s a tough thing to do, and something that I’m learning myself. But it’s a worthwhile lesson, I think.
How do you bring yourself to just get on with it when circumstances go against you?
[?]Tags: adebayor, arsenal, circumstance, determination, manchester city
