Sometimes, to achieve your potential, you must first travel through some discomfort. Knowing this ahead of time, can possibly make it easier when adversity does arise–knowing that it’s part of the process. However, some of the most difficult challenges to overcome, are the mental barriers we place on ourselves and our team.
Let’s take the famed John Wooden as an example. Wooden was convinced that his UCLA team would never win a National Championship, based on the dated facilities they were using. They were without a home court, and were sharing the practice facility with other teams.
In the 1964 season, his team made it to the Final Four, yet lost by two points, to the eventual champion. It was this, which made him believe that they could win with the way things were. He studied all of his notes from the years he had been coaching at UCLA–aiming to find how he could improve the team’s chance for success. He realized that they had practiced too hard and over-conditioned, heading into the NCAA tournament. This left his players burnt out. He also simplified the playbook, leaving only a few variations to the offense and defense. Within two years, they won their first National Championship. The first of what would be ten, in twelve years. Wooden noted that once he got over his mental barriers concerning the facility, everything changed. His style of communication toward his players and coaches, and intensity in practice changed, because he now knew he could win, regardless of the circumstances.
What are your mental barriers? What do you need to overcome, to really step up to your goals? Let’s approach them together with an energy that you’ve never had before. Sign up for a free consultation, and we will help you to overcome your mental barriers so you can perform your best.
Sincerely,
Donny Mateaki
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