Rob Bell's Blog, page 19

June 23, 2017

You Can NEVER Do This Before An Important Competition


You Can NEVER Do This Before An Important Competition


You Can NEVER Do This Before An Important Competition

I was at an expo for my second ever marathon. I tried to get in and out of these expos very fast and off of my legs. However, I came across (and bought) these super lightweight sunglasses. They were sweet! The glasses that I had been training with were heavier, so I decided to run with these new ones during the marathon tomorrow.


I mean how different could sunglasses actually be?


Well about two miles into the 26.2-mile race, my brand new super awesome, lightweight sunglasses began to fog up. I tried everything I could, but they were completely useless most of the day. I had to put them on top of my head, but hey I did get to put them back on for the finishing pictures, so at least the cool factor was there (like that matters).


It’s sad to see too many athletes at all levels simply not have a solid, bulletproof routine, which unfortunately allows more variables (like mood) to affect their performance before an important competition. 


Professional actors have dress rehearsals for all-important competitions, so practice your routine. Advising that you don’t change anything on race day requires that we train how we are going to perform. We perform like we train!


A pre-performance routine means that you have set up the actions that you like to do before your performance. But, the physical actions are the easy part! There is no one size fits all for pre-performance routines.

Download 7 Awesome Ways to Crush Your Routine


The perfect routine is one that gets you mentally prepared and physically dialed-in for your performance. Staying calm and relaxed before any important competition is the goal. 


“The goal is to be physically loose and mentally tight”- Arthur Ashe




Dr. Rob Bell


Dr. Rob Bell is a Sport Psychology Coach. His company DRB & associates is  based in Indianapolis.  Some clients have included: University of Notre Dame, Marriott, and Walgreens. Check out all the books on Mental Toughness


Important Competition


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Published on June 23, 2017 03:28

June 9, 2017

Your Three Selves of Mental Toughness


Your Three Selves of Mental Toughness

Your three selves of mental toughness

Your Three Selves of Mental Toughness

People have talked about near death experiences and how their life flashed before them, and I’ve had two near death experiences, which were falling off of a cliff and a car accident, but my life never flashed before me.


Before I signed up to compete in a ½ ironman in less than 2 weeks, my life was shown before me.


We all have our own experiences, setbacks, shortcomings, hang-ups, and doubts.  But, we also all have our own mental toughness, successes, motivation, level of fitness, and accomplishments.


Too often, we only focus on the excuses and limitations why we can’t do something. These limitations are usually focused on our deficiencies and proof of how we aren’t good enough. They are always rooted in the past as well.


Before embarking to crush any goal or big decisions, you’ll look at your past, your present, and your future. Where have you been? Where are you now? And where are you going?


Our Past Self

A funny thing about confidence it that there is a nosy neighbor with confidence named doubt. Wherever doubt lives, it does so, rent-free. Doubt is a squatter!  



Wherever doubt lives, it does so, rent-free. Doubt is a squatter!
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Doubt always wants to hang out with confidence, but they simply don’t get along well. However, that doesn’t keep doubt from following confidence around wherever confidence goes.


It’s best to keep doubt as a neighbor rather than a roommate.


Everyone has doubts, even the best. This is normal, so just know that it is okay. What’s more important than the doubt entering your mind is that you determine how long you want to hang around with doubt. Do not allow the negative thoughts to stay around long right beside your confidence— rent-free.


The number one source of confidence is past performance. If we have done something before, then we can do it again. However, again, next to confidence is that awful roommate, past performance can also cause doubt.


Chances are that we have failed before. The failure provided feedback and an emotional connection to the pain. Perhaps that one failure or setback was so painful that it kept us from trying other challenges?


Or when we look back at our past self, maybe we see someone who has started things and journeys, but never really followed through or completed them.


Yes, you’ve had setbacks in your past, so what? Do you still let that event define you, or refine you? Does our past define who we are currently?


The answer is: only if we let it.


There’s one major question that we need to look at that will help determine our chances for success.


The question for your mental toughness is: Did you push yourself?


I believe that if you actually enjoyed working hard and pushing yourself (even if only a little bit) then you have what it takes to crush your goal.


I believe that everyone has the will to succeed; they just sometimes need the way.


If the past doesn’t provide the confidence and proof that you can crush your goal in two weeks, then merely don’t let it try and convince you that you can’t do something.



I’ve never competed in a ½ Ironman, so did my past provide the confidence I needed to finish the ½ Ironman with no training?


One of my strengths in my past has been the ability and drive to set a goal and reach it. I’ve run in a number of races before and have trained extensively for these. Some of my meager, yet personal accomplishments included a sub 20 minute 5k, a 3:23 marathon, a tough mudder, and a handful of ½ marathons and 10k’s. For a few years I also trained in the pool and managed to break 1:00 barrier in the 100 Freestyle. Since having kids, running my own business, and working with athletes, my priorities changed.  Oddly, these races often felt like another lifetime ago.


Again, our past may not always provide the confidence we like. However, one major setback and lack of confidence for me that I could not let define me was the bike. The reason I hadn’t signed up for these types of races previously is because of the bike. I biked as a kid all the time, but not as an adult. Heck, I didn’t even own a bike and haven’t ridden one in ten years. My past contained also a level of doubt.



Our Present Day Self

Next, we will have to check-in with and assess our present day self.




Motivation lives here. The grind lives here- in the present.
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 Motivation lives here. The grind lives here- in the present. 

Your present day self is fraught with obstacles and distractions. Most of these keep us comfortable. The difficulty will be to answer and take action on the following questions:


Do we possess the will to go for it? Are we willing to put forth the effort and sacrifice to get it?


These are the questions that only you can answer.



Could I finish the ½ Ironman? Would I injure myself? And more importantly, did I want to do it?


Assessing my present day self raised more questions than answers about the race.


More current self revealed I was not in any type of racing shape. My runs were maybe three times a week averaging 3/4 miles a run, and my swimming has been limited to maybe 1x a week. I still worked out five days a week and either ran, swam, or strength trained, but with no immediate goals. Working out was for fitness, sanity, and fun.



Our Future Self



We become whatever we are becoming!
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  We become whatever we are becoming!

Our goals are to improve 1% everyday.  If we focus on being just 1% better everyday, then we improve dramatically over a span of time.


One of the toughest things is being able to come up with a vision of who we want to become. Not what, but who? I want to become someone with no regrets and in the game. I don’t want to sit on the sideline of life and not go for it.



I once wrote down a list of 100 things I wanted to do before I die. Complete a full-Ironman was on this list. However, a ½ Ironman wasn’t on there. It was a mistake on my part because when writing down goals, most want to be President, but who wants to be Vice-President?  I also have an extreme love for my kids. I want to constantly model for them the importance of having a vision and the mental toughness to execute it.


Oddly enough, my future self may have been the biggest driving force for me signing up. It helped me answer the questions of: Could I do it? Yes, (I think so). Would I injure myself? (I don’t know). Did I want to do it? Yes, (I think so).



Dr. Rob Bell


Dr. Rob Bell is a Sport Psychology Coach. His company DRB & associates is  based in Indianapolis.  Some clients have included: University of Notre Dame, Marriott, and Walgreens. Check out all the books on Mental Toughness

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Published on June 09, 2017 02:54

June 2, 2017

Is Tiger Woods a Great Example of Mental Toughness?


Is Tiger Woods a Great Example of Mental Toughness?

tiger woods a great example of mental toughness



 Is Tiger Woods a Great Example of Mental Toughness?



“Mental toughness is more about what takes place off the field than on it.” — John Wooten
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“Mental toughness is more about what takes place off the field than on it.” — John Wooten


Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was asked at the end of his Hall of Fame career, when he had his number retired, who was the best player he ever played against?


Considering he played against some pretty awesome NBA’ers, the answer should have been a good one.


Except, Kareem paused and then answered, “Well, it would have to be ‘The Goat.’” 


He was referring to Earl Manigault.


The Goat was a player who honed his talent on and off the streets of Harlem at the famous Rucker Park.His talent level was legendary as well, at 6’2″, he would jump and pick quarters off the top of the backboard, and once even won a $60 bet by reverse dunking 36 times in a row.


He was not cursed with lack of desire or commitment, because he would practice hundreds of shots every day, even practicing with ankle weights on. It was what took place OFF of the field that ultimately mattered more…


Earl often smoked marijuana and got kicked out of his high school for an infraction. He played basketball in college, destined for greatness, but he struggled with the coach and was released from the team.


When he was back on the streets of Harlem, he slowly faded and began using heroin and ended up serving jail-time. That is why everyone knows Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, but no one knows Earl Manigault.



Is Tiger Woods a Great Example of Mental Toughness?  Look, NO ONE was better on the course than he. Just google Tiger Woods and Mental Toughness and you’ll get pages and pages of examples from his playing days.


At his peak playing days in the early 2000’s, Tiger Woods was so dominate that the most under-rated golfer was Tiger. NO OTHER athlete has transcended a sport like Tiger Woods did golf. Tiger Woods a great example of mental toughness on the course, but off the course is a different story.


Just because people have it “all” doesn’t mean they don’t still battle with demons. The better we become, the more important mental toughness becomes out of our office.


“You can’t build a great building on a weak foundation. You must have a solid foundation if you’re going to have a strong superstructure.” – Gordon B. Hinckley




Dr. Rob Bell


Dr. Rob Bell is a Sport Psychology Coach. His company DRB & associates is  based in Indianapolis.  Some clients have included: University of Notre Dame, Marriott, and Walgreens. Check out all the books on Mental Toughness


 

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Published on June 02, 2017 02:31

May 25, 2017

All Champions ADJUST Find A Way


All Champions ADJUST Find A Way

champions adjust

All Champions ADJUST Find A Way

In the fall of 2008, a 47-year-old businessman, divorced father of four went to his crack dealer. He was on a fourteen-day binge and was so bad off that his dealer actually refused to sell him any more until he got some sleep. It was this man’s low point.


After one final party binge about a year later, Michael Lindell quit alcohol and drugs. A success story in itself, but more impressive is that he grew a business empire from a drawing he sketched on his kitchen table.


One early morning after a night of pitiful sleep, he drew a sketch of a pillow with all sizes of foam that could be adjusted however a person would desire. He told his daughter “I’m going to create the worlds best pillow.” That evening MyPillow was created.


The journey for Lindell was not smooth, as his business since 2011 oscillated from extreme growth and successful infomercials to hemorrhaging money. At one point, he owed $30,000 to a fabric manufacturer with only a few days to pay or MyPillow would be forced to shut down. It was only after a chance meeting with an individual that was he able to get a meeting with investors and get the $30,000 loan with no collateral. He paid the manufacturer with just hours to spare.


MyPillow has become one of the top five telebrand products and has sold more than 26 million pillows with a workforce over 1,500 people. Michael Lindell’s dream is to become a $1 billion dollar company.


It’s not about the setback; it’s about the comeback!


A boat is off course 99% of the time. The way that a sailboat finds its destination is by tacking. A series of zigzagging maneuvers by a sailboat adjusting the sail back and forth to use the wind. Adjusting is how sailboats reach their final destination.




That’s how champions adjust. They just keep moving, making minor changes and course corrections…
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That’s how champions adjust. They just keep moving, making minor changes and course corrections along the journey.


One of the amazing things is that once Michael Lindell, now a Christian, shed his demons, he remained devoted to his own style and vision. His own infomercials and personality became a huge part of MyPillow appeal.


In all areas of life, champions adjust find a way.


Mental Toughness isn’t needed when things are going great. It is needed most when bad outcomes are happening, we are stressed and things are going wrong. How do we respond and adjust?



This is Just ONE way to Build Mental Toughness. If you are interested in learning more Mental Toughness Techniques. Check out RING THE BELL FOR Mental Toughness. 

Build Mental Toughness



Dr. Rob Bell


Dr. Rob Bell is a Sport Psychology Coach. His company DRB & associates is  based in Indianapolis.  Some clients have included: University of Notre Dame, Marriott, and Walgreens. Check out all the books on Mental Toughness- 

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Published on May 25, 2017 13:37

May 12, 2017

You’ll Need This Skill to Compete in Golf at The Next Level.


You’ll Need This Skill to Compete in Golf at The Next Level.

golf at the next level



Play golf at the next level? Take this skill with you!

The short game in golf won’t win anyone a championship, but not having a strong short game will lose it for you. The shots inside of 110 yards give or take (pitching, chipping, and putting) will make all of the difference in your ability to play golf at the next level. 


I spend the majority of my days involved with all different sports, even though golfers are most of professionals.  So, stay with me on this analogy, but the short game in golf is just like rebounding in basketball. 


If you have a team that rebounds effectively, on offense, they give themselves extra scoring chances and most of these are high-percentage shots. A team that is an excellent defensive rebounding limits teams to one shot, thus keeping their opponent’s score down. 


There are days offensively in basketball where the shots just do not fall; that’s basketball. BUT, if there is a team that crashes the boards, the law of averages states that those EXTRA shots eventually start to go in. 



The short game in golf is like rebounding, because if you can get up & down 70% of the time and make 70% of your putts inside 10 feet. Then you’ll have the skill to compete in golf at the next level. 


The short game in golf is DIRECTLY tied with the mental game. At the pro level, it might not be the #1 predictor for success, but it is the engine of momentum. Saving par can provide momentum, or that ill-timed three putt, can crush it. 


Some days your swing just won’t be there and you’ll miss greens. What will matter will be your ability to find a way and still get it in the hole. Getting up & down and saving par accomplishes you staying in the game. AND when those rounds happen when you are on your game and hitting 14 greens, getting up & down keeps your score low rather than throwing away your birdies. 



So what does it take to be a great rebounder? The same skill it takes to have a great short game. 


It’s all about mindset and attitude. It takes heart and passion. It boils down to how bad do you want the ball? Because great rebounders NEVER ask “was that my ball?” 



Because great rebounders NEVER ask “was that my ball?”
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The short game in golf is also about how bad do you want it? Are you willing and disciplined enough to wear out this part of your game?  You have to want success bad enough that you’re willing to do the things you simply don’t want to do. That’s the mental skill needed to play golf at the next level. 



YEAH BUT!


Trust me, coaches hate to hear that phrase from their athletes. 


Majority of players don’t want to work on rebounding and the short game because they are NOT sexy! 


Hitting the ball further is sexy. Carving a 6-iron in to a tight pin is sexy.  


But, your time is finite. You’ll have to devote your effort and energy towards becoming great at one part of your game. Hopefully, it’s saving shots!


Have you ever heard a coach say “we REBOUND the basketball too well?” No, just like you’ll NEVER hear a golfer say ” I work too hard on my short game!” 




Dr. Rob Bell


Dr. Rob Bell is a Sport Psychology Coach. His company DRB & associates is  based in Indianapolis.  Some clients have included: University of Notre Dame, Marriott, and Walgreens. Check out all the books on Mental Toughness- 

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Published on May 12, 2017 03:04

May 1, 2017

The First Step to Absolutely Crush ANY Race


The First Step to Absolutely Crush ANY Race

crush any race


The first step to absolutely crush any race

Our preparation matches our commitment.


This is the first step to crush any race is actually quite simple. It is so simple in fact, that it rarely gets mentioned as a possible barrier, but I have used it as a barrier and so have most people.


It’s signing up! 


If we don’t go all-in then we are in the way.  And we remain testing ourselves 


When we sign up for the race, we are now training ourselves for the event. It is a lot tougher to de-commit to something after we have invested time and money. We prepare because we are committed to race.


The sign-up page for races is a science. It stares at us with a timer clicking down and asking us to enter our information and our payment details. It is at this moment that the game is sometimes won or lost. It is like waking up in the morning and either hitting the snooze button, or just getting out of bed.


The many, many excuses about “why” we can’t sign up are most likely valid as well. But, after we sign up, the entire game changes. It is odd how our whole attitude and outlook changes the moment we sign-up for something, the moment we actually commit.


However, if we don’t sign up, we continue testing ourselves. Commitment is the first step to crush any race.


Burn The Ships

In 1519, the Spanish explorer, Cortês arrived to the Yucatan peninsula. He landed his 11 or so ships with 500 soldiers and about 100 sailors. He then ordered his men to “burn the ships.”


He did this because there were a few men who were rumored to be conspiring to steal a ship and sail back to Spain. Cortês knew the only way they were going to conquer was if they had no other choice but to conquer. If they wanted to return home, then they would have to use their enemy’s ships. Cortês needed everyone committed to the goal without reservation or chance of retreat. He allowed no easy out.




registration sites for races now have developed an ingenious way of separating you from your money.
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This “burn the ships” analogy is important because the registration sites simply offer you an out, a guarantee.


They offer you an option to recoup your entry costs (for a fee of course) if you cancel. At first glance, we may think that it is a great deal; I mean what if I get in a car accident a few days before or tear a hamstring?


Surely, being able to guarantee that I don’t lose money is good. Except, it is not. First, if you look closely, in order to retrieve most of your money you’d have to bail several days before.


If the race is less than a week away in most cases, your race costs won’t be refunded. Second, and most importantly, these race guarantees are appealing because we are geared toward protecting ourselves and avoiding danger. So, we mistakably choose the path of less resistance. If there is an out for us to take, we will take it. However, when there is no safety option for us to take, it forces us to commit.


Registering is the first step to crush any race. The only way out is through. When it comes to signing up for a race, burn the ships.



This is Just ONE way to Build Mental Toughness. If you are interested in learning more Mental Toughness Techniques. Check out RING THE BELL FOR Mental Toughness. 

Build Mental Toughness




Dr. Rob Bell


Dr. Rob Bell is a Sport Psychology Coach. His company DRB & associates is  based in Indianapolis.  Some clients have included: University of Notre Dame, Marriott, and Walgreens. Check out all the books on Mental Toughness- 

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Published on May 01, 2017 06:02

The first step to absolutely crush any race


The first step to absolutely crush any race

crush any race


The first step to absolutely crush any race

Our preparation matches our commitment.


This is the first step to crush any race is actually quite simple. It is so simple in fact, that it rarely gets mentioned as a possible barrier, but I have used it as a barrier and so have most people.


It’s signing up! 


If we don’t go all-in then we are in the way.  And we remain testing ourselves 


When we sign up for the race, we are now training ourselves for the event. It is a lot tougher to de-commit to something after we have invested time and money. We prepare because we are committed to race.


The sign-up page for races is a science. It stares at us with a timer clicking down and asking us to enter our information and our payment details. It is at this moment that the game is sometimes won or lost. It is like waking up in the morning and either hitting the snooze button, or just getting out of bed.


The many, many excuses about “why” we can’t sign up are most likely valid as well. But, after we sign up, the entire game changes. It is odd how our whole attitude and outlook changes the moment we sign-up for something, the moment we actually commit.


However, if we don’t sign up, we continue testing ourselves. Commitment is the first step to crush any race.


Burn The Ships

In 1519, the Spanish explorer, Cortês arrived to the Yucatan peninsula. He landed his 11 or so ships with 500 soldiers and about 100 sailors. He then ordered his men to “burn the ships.”


He did this because there were a few men who were rumored to be conspiring to steal a ship and sail back to Spain. Cortês knew the only way they were going to conquer was if they had no other choice but to conquer. If they wanted to return home, then they would have to use their enemy’s ships. Cortês needed everyone committed to the goal without reservation or chance of retreat. He allowed no easy out.


This “burn the ships” analogy is important because most registration sites for races now have developed an ingenious way of separating you from your money.


The registration sites simply offer you an out, a guarantee.


They offer you an option to recoup your entry costs (for a fee of course) if you cancel. At first glance, we may think that it is a great deal; I mean what if I get in a car accident a few days before or tear a hamstring?


Surely, being able to guarantee that I don’t lose money is good. Except, it is not. First, if you look closely, in order to retrieve most of your money you’d have to bail several days before.


If the race is less than a week away in most cases, your race costs won’t be refunded. Second, and most importantly, these race guarantees are appealing because we are geared toward protecting ourselves and avoiding danger. So, we mistakably choose the path of less resistance. If there is an out for us to take, we will take it. However, when there is no safety option for us to take, it forces us to commit.


Registering is the first step to crush any race. The only way out is through. When it comes to signing up for a race, burn the ships.



This is Just ONE way to Build Mental Toughness. If you are interested in learning more Mental Toughness Techniques. Check out RING THE BELL FOR Mental Toughness. 

Build Mental Toughness




Dr. Rob Bell


Dr. Rob Bell is a Sport Psychology Coach. His company DRB & associates is  based in Indianapolis.  Some clients have included: University of Notre Dame, Marriott, and Walgreens. Check out all the books on Mental Toughness- 

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Published on May 01, 2017 06:02

April 24, 2017

Mental Toughness for Golfers – TRAINING CAMP


Mental Toughness for Golfers – TRAINING CAMP

Mental toughness for golfers training camp
Mental Toughness for Golfers – TRAINING CAMP

Golfers looking to play your best when it matters the most? Schedule a one-one mental toughness training camp specifically designed to improve your preparation and game. We offer:



One on One training. 
Two days of difficult preparation designed to make you better.
Prepare more difficult than actual competition.
Complete Mental Game assessment.
Learn to apply specific mental and emotional toughness tools.
Set GOALS the correct way.
Develop practice and tournament preparation plans.
Body functionality and physical testing, complete with workout plan.
PLUS A YEAR MEMBERSHIP FREE to Ring The Bell for Mental Toughness




Dr. Rob Bell is a Sport Psychology Coach who has worked with multiple winners on the PGA Tour, Olympic Medalists, USTA national Champion, and has caddied on tour. Interested in learning more than Mental Toughness for golfers.  Check out RING THE BELL FOR Mental Toughness. 



Build Mental Toughness

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Published on April 24, 2017 09:23

April 14, 2017

(INFOGRAPHIC) 5 Simple Action Steps for Injured Athletes


(INFOGRAPHIC) 5 Simple Action Steps for Injured Athletes

action Steps for injured athletes


 


 


 


 


 


(INFOGRAPHIC) 5 Simple Action Steps for Injured Athletes

Grieve space-

Allow yourself to experience the pain of being injured. Set aside times to think about being sad/getting angry/ worrying/ etc. Then you can avoid these emotions at inopportune times (dinner, etc.)


 



This is Just ONE way to Build Mental Toughness. If you are interested in learning more Mental Toughness Techniques. Check out RING THE BELL FOR Mental Toughness. 

Build Mental Toughness




Dr. Rob Bell


Dr. Rob Bell is a Sport Psychology Coach. His company DRB & associates is  based in Indianapolis.  Some clients have included: University of Notre Dame, Marriott, and Walgreens. Check out all the books on Mental Toughness- 


action steps for injured athletes

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Published on April 14, 2017 02:45

April 3, 2017

The WRONG WAY to Win the Locker Room


The WRONG WAY to Win the Locker Room

win the locker room



A team locker room is a sacred place.


Basically, what is said there, when you leave there, leave it there.


Sorry, but here’s the wrong way to win the locker room.


NewBuffalo Bills Head Coach Sean McDermott felt that setting the tone of the locker room was important.


Agreed


Coach Sean McDermott is all about “culture” and leading by example. He’s a 3:30AM fitness guy. 


Agreed


He is a driven, hard-nosed, accountability coach whose locker room culture begins with him.


Agreed


Coach stated that “this is a business”, so he removed the pool table and video games from the locker room.
Disagree    

Download BONUS- Two Awesome Ways to Increase TEAM CHEMISTRY



Players don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care.


Hall of Fame coach, Bill Walsh, set up a fishing tournament amongst his players during pre-season. He stated, a “team that can laugh together, can get serious together.”


Hard nosed, two time Super-Bowl winning coach, Tom Coughlin, spent the very first day of a training camp by having a bowling tournament. He changed his tyrant approach because  he “wanted his players to see him as his grandchildren did.” 


Super Bowl Winning coach, Dick Vermeil was known for his “boot camp” practices and discipline, but only after he started to develop a relationship with his players did he finally reach the pinnacle.


Look, there is nothing sexier than discipline, accountability, hard-work, grit, perseverance, and a culture of excellence.




One does not get better by working less.
Click To Tweet



However, in order to win, coaches have to win their hearts as well. In order to do that, they need to win the locker room.


Here’s 5 ways to win the locker room

Download BONUS- Two Awesome Ways to Increase TEAM CHEMISTRY



Develop a TEAM culture-  

Every coach would agree that when you have players willing to fight for one another, there is nothing more powerful. Practices should be difficult and demanding, but developing team chemistry also takes place in between practices and games. You hang out so much together, that either bonds or cliques get formed in various ways. 


Developing a locker room where players can unwind, relax, be themselves, and hang-out is crucial. Who wants a locker room where players simply dash out after showering and changing?


A pool table or ping-pong table encourages players an outlet to bond over a competitive activity that is not directly related to their own sport. The Cornell basketball team that made the sweet sixteen and finished 29-5 all lived together and touted their Super Mario bros. and table-tennis competitions. 


Allow the players to take ownership-

Jeff Van Gundy allowed all minor decisions like where to eat, which music and movie to play on the bus up to the players. He granted them a voice in their own culture. 


Have a leadership council-



Teams and players that discipline themselves hold themselves accountable.
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In all pick-up games, kids self-govern themselves. You can’t break the written and unwritten rules of the court and expect to be welcomed back. A leadership council of players should make decisions on certain disciplines that coach doesn’t have to. That creates more ownership among players and takes more off of the coach. 


Orchestrate the cohesion-

Teams become cohesive over the task at hand (winning), or socially (togetherness). Ultimately, task-cohesion is king. However, these task-cohesive teams are only fostered through extremely strong peer-leadership.


Social cohesion is queen. Teams full of mutual respect for one another have more trust and uphold standards within the team. Usually, the best teams have BOTH task and social cohesion. These bonds can be enhanced through scheduled sessions intended to do so. 


Foster organic cohesion-  

Yes, it is a business. Winning is a habit. But, allow play to be a part of the culture. Allowing athletes to express themselves through free-play is as old as the cave-man days. We thrive on working hard toward a goal and also having fun along the journey. 



I’ve been in the team locker room at the end of a season with such tears of joy from winning, because they all knew of the effort and sacrifice and bond. I’ve been in the other locker room as well, that tears flowed because the loss was so heartbreaking because of the sacrifice and bond.


If you’re in the game long enough, these moments will happen. That’s life.


The way to a winning team locker room begins way before these moments of joy or heartbreak. It begins with the culture of the team and finding ways to win the locker room. 


 


Download BONUS- Two Awesome Ways to Increase TEAM CHEMISTRY


This is Just ONE way to Build Mental Toughness. If you are interested in learning more Mental Toughness Techniques. Check out RING THE BELL FOR Mental Toughness. 

Build Mental Toughness


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Published on April 03, 2017 07:24