The Canvas Is Waiting

It's too easy to fall into the trap of rolling out of bed, going through our daily routine, and accomplishing nothing of true meaning. We may even wake up, focusing on what we want, yet never achieve anything due to the lack of commitment needed.

Wanting vs. Commitment to doing: Night-and-day difference!

Recently, I found myself walking along this same, simple, habit-formed path... working hard, yet resultless. The amount of hours I was putting in masked the fact I wasn't achieving what I wanted. Something was missing from my daily equation. That "something" was a detailed, long term picture of what I needed the results to look like. I fell into the quicksand of hard work. The more I thrashed, the quicker I sunk. Long hours, staying up until 2 am, just weren't going to be enough. I needed to refocus my mind on the picture I was trying to paint.

I WILL...

It looks like this...

We've all been taught that long hours will beget positive results. "The more I practice, the better I'll play." This advice is flawed. It's true, we do need to work at our craft in order to improve, but more efficient practice is the key, and actually reduces the time needed to practice. Taking it a step further, when practicing correctly, we won't be able to put in an over abundance of hours because we'll be too fatigued, physically and mentally.

The most important factor in achieving anything out of our comfort zone will always be our mindset. What will we create from this day, and what are we willing to sacrifice in order to grab ahold? This detailed picture will ultimately affect and construct the long term result we're searching for.

Make a conscious decision to commit to a detailed mental picture of your desired outcome. Before attempting to make improvements, this mindset must be locked in place in order to maximize your potential. Having a fuzzy, "it would be nice if" attitude will never allow your greatness to surface. Next level success lives in all of us, but it's waiting for a specific path to walk along. It needs this passion and discipline to be visualized before it can materialize.

Tonight, when you go to bed, take a few minutes to see exactly what you'll have in the future. Feel the sensations that come from achieving those goals. Make it real in your mind. When you wake up the next morning, repeat that mental picture, making it a habit of success.

Design a path for yourself. Don't allow your day to be shaped by thoughtless steps. Take back the control you have over your passions! Paint a picture in your mind, and watch what the canvas gives you in return.

Trust Me... It Is!

"It can't be this simple."

"It IS this simple."

"What if..."

"No what-ifs. Only do's. Do when you wake up. Think about doing when you go to bed. Wake up and do even more."

"It can't be..."

"It IS!"

Pressure... Don't Believe The Hype!

What is pressure?

Pressure: Verb
To force (someone) towards a particular end; influence.

Pressure: Noun
The exertion of force upon on surface by an object, fluid, etc.

Where, in any definition, does it say that pressure is a negative or something to be afraid of? We've been taught to believe that we must fear pressure; avoid it as much as possible. And if we DO face it head-on, we must do our best to "handle" or "deal" with it.

Last night on Twitter, I was asked what comes first... pressure or anxiety? For 99% of us, pressure is always first, as anxiety is the result of one's definition of pressure. My goal as a teacher is to completely eliminate all anxiety and fear linked to pressure, simply by redefining the word. Pressure, and the emotion associated, are completely separate from each other.

Pressure's simply a moment of potential consequence... a moment we've been taught to connect negativity to. Unfortunately, we've had years of unconscious linking, selling the "truth" that pressure is a naughty word. Why is it bad? Why do we look at these moments as times of potential failure?

Pressure is not an emotion. It doesn't create a reflexive, physical reaction in our bodies. What causes this physical and emotional backlash is our mental reply to the pressure. Fear, anxiety, doubt, and hesitation aren't synonymous with pressure, yet most connect them all, combing them in one lump sum.

Pressure is a point in time, giving us two options:

1) Embrace the potential positive outcome, understanding these times will ultimately define us.

2) Focus on the negativity that may or may not result.

It's literally this simple.

I can name countless number of people who have fallen victim to the pressures of their specific situation. Why? Because they've allowed the imagined negativity of the moment to overtake their thinking. If, instead, they focused on the power and success that could result, maybe their outcomes would've been different. Concentrating on the "negative what-ifs" during stressful situations is instinctive and habitual. Our brain does this as a defense mechanism. It doesn't want us to feel the pain of failure, so it focuses it's attention on fighting it, ultimately making it manifest. By definition, a habit is something we cement into our unconscious by repeating over and over, so conversely, creating new habits must be accomplished in the same fashion.

Redefine pressure, and consciously engross yourself in the process of creating this new habit. Make these occasions of pressure work for you. They don't have to make you feel anxious, scared, or doubt yourself. The 1% know how powerful these moments of consequence are, and only focus on the success of the situation.

Pressure... what does it mean to you?

If I Only Knew Then...

During a recent playing session, I caught myself thinking about my past, almost as if time paused for a moment. As I was explaining how to take his strengths to the next level, I experienced a powerful flashback, taking me to a time where I needed the same advice.

I was born swinging the tennis racquet and making jump shots. At two years old, I was rallying over the net with my dad. Andre Agassi wasn't doing that until he was five, to put it into perspective. Numerous articles were written about how I was going to be the "next huge thing," etc. On the basketball court, I played point guard on traveling All Star teams from third grade on. My mom and dad handed me some wonderful DNA, to say the least. I had the physical talent to be top 10 tennis player in the world, and play college basketball almost anywhere in the country.

So then... why did I end up in junior college for a year?

The answer is why I created Coach Your Mind, and why I understand, so deeply, what my students are feeling: I never had a mentor guiding me, helping me see what could be if I pushed past my own comfort levels. There wasn't anyone teaching me how to overcome the fears and doubts that paralyzed me. My ego was in charge at all times, never allowing me to feel free during competition. Sure, dad was always there, giving me good advice, but he was d-a-d... what did he know?!

My physical abilities were a gift, and helped me reach a high level, but that eventually ended! Raw talent wasn't enough!

I needed a vision. I lacked the understanding of how powerful my thoughts and actions were. I needed someone who would push me further than I believed, or even wanted to go. My entire youth, I was told how good I was, which is great when it's coming from family, but no one from the outside stepped in and kicked my butt to another mental level. My mind was focused, but wasn't discipline. It could concentrate for long periods of time, but wasn't expanded past mediocre beliefs. I never learned what it meant to separate myself from the pack; to become the 1%!

If I knew then what I know now... a statement I hate, and one I'm shedding from my daily thoughts. My biggest goal is to help my students never have to lean on that crutch; help them KNOW NOW!

Flash into the future, and look back on today. What could you have accomplished? How could you have pushed harder? What did you need to do in order to separate from the pack? Why aren't you doing all of those things NOW?!

Don't repeat my mistakes. Read this, think about it, and take action. You have an advantage I never had. Because of today's technology, there are an unlimited amount of mentors for you to grab ahold of... you have no excuses! You're not allowed to say, "If I only knew then..." You DO know.

Separate from the pack. Become the 1%!!

It's Not Magic

Next level success has reached a few of my students lately- almost at the same time. All time best scores have occurred, personal best records, and goals met that were once thought "unrealistic." As I sit here writing, I think back to the days each one of them said things like, "It would be nice to become great, but it's going to be really tough... maybe even too tough. I'm not sure if I have what it takes to achieve such lofty goals." 

Without exception, they all had reservations about being able to touch the places I guaranteed they'd reach. They were all excited about beginning, but natural fear and doubt lived inside, mainly from past beliefs. Thinking back to where they were then, compared to today, I can't help but pump my fist a little in celebration. 

The recipe for their success wasn't a magic pill they took with water twice a day. It wasn't blind faith, where they closed their eyes and hoped for greatness. Next levels entered their lives because they were unwilling to accept anything less. They became immersed in the process of figuring out what made them tick, and used that knowledge to propel them forward. They called and/or texted me daily, asking questions or simply sharing milestones. They went to bed thinking about how to improve the next day, and woke up doing whatever it took to make it happen. 

They believed before they were shown evidence!

Amy was a scared girl two years ago, believing she was destined for average. Her lack of self belief manifested itself through temper tantrums and a cold-blooded stare that could scare the devil. She went from a girl who "participated" in sports, to a hardcore athlete! Before we compete against each other now, I have to stretch for 30 minutes, and pray that I'll walk away without a limp. She made a decision to commit to the next level, and is now reaping the rewards. As a result of her newfound confidence, she'll forever be called an All American!

John was angry, to say the least. He was mad at you, me, and all of them. He was frustrated that his potential wasn't being reached, but didn't know how to change it, angering him further... and the cycle went round-n-round. After making a decision to immerse himself in a future successful mental picture, he realized that potential. After seeing it happen before it happened, and believing it WOULD happen, he shot his personal best score on the golf course, surpassing it by 8 strokes. He's currently reevaluating  his long term goals, knowing he can go bigger and better. 

When I met Karen, she wanted to lose 80 lbs., but didn't think it was possible. This mindset was paralyzing because the want was so great, but the lack of belief was even greater. This left her in a "state of stuck," not allowing her to move. Imagine yourself trying to walk head first into a 50 mile an hour wind. This was her daily existence. After creating a mental picture of 100% success, and a belief that it absolutely WOULD happen if she acted every day, she shed 75 lbs., and is on her way to running a half marathon. Creating new mental habits was her key to becoming 1%.

It's not magic. It's commitment, discipline, and a willingness to become immersed in the process!

One Simple Question...

As I was thinking of topics to write about, I began focusing on lessons I recently had and personal battles I grind through daily. No matter the student or the issue I was having, it always came down to two simple, yet powerful words:

NOW WHAT?!

These two words changed my life. They made me look at every challenge through hopeful eyes. They gave me power, knowing I had the choice to take a stand. Now What only gives us two options... quit or fight, period!

I challenge you to stop at every crossroad and force yourself to look at those words. What are you going to do when you fall on your face? Will you stay down, hoping someone will lend you a hand, or take the risk and try again? How will you handle short term success? Will you let down and settle for what you already have, or parley it into bigger and better?

NOW WHAT?!

These words give you options. No matter your road blocks, you have two directions to choose from. What's it going to be? Ask the question and find out.

Dare To Be 1%

Becoming the 1% means doing whatever it takes to separate from the pack. The elite instinctively understand that if everyone's doing and saying (it), something must be wrong. If the entire pack is walking (this) way, it must not be special. It's counterintuitive, yes, but next level success is born from the ability to look left when everyone else is looking right.

There's only been one Michael Jordan - uniquely intense, competitive, and hyper-focused under pressure. He's my 1% prototype. There have been many great players before and after him, but none that compare to his all around determination and will to dominate under maximum pressure. All of this, from a player who FAILED to make his high school varsity team as a sophomore. MJ had no doubt he'd be special, even after his coach's rejection. Was he born with it? Who knows. Did he work for it? Absolutely!

Pre 2009 (and front nine 2011 Masters) Tiger Woods also encompasses what it means to be at the top of the 1% food chain. His ability to, not only dominate an entire tournament field, but also physically and especially mentally prepare more intensely, separated him from the pack. His dad, an unofficial mental coach, prepared Tiger as early as 10 years old. Every practice session, he'd work on Tiger's mental game, knowing this would be the key to his greatness. Everyone has a great swing, he helped young Tiger understand... yet not everyone has a strong mind when the pressure's screaming at them during competition. When the current Tiger Woods finds that instinct that's laying dormant inside, he'll prove once again what a dominant role the mental game plays while attempting to separate from a physically talented field.

Are you listening to the majority, as it relates to your own greatness? Keep searching for that person standing alone on a platform preaching new, better, and different. Maybe... just maybe his words and actions will lead you down a unique path... a 1% path!

True Confidence

"I can't set that goal until I know I'm good enough to achieve it."

This is what most people tell themselves. Unfortunately, this thought process is backwards. Without the lofty goal, we'll rarely become good enough. It's simply another example of waiting for evidence before one chooses to believe. Key word: CHOOSE!

We all have the ability to choose whether or not we believe in ourselves. Self belief is a decision we make, yet most only decide to make that decision after positive results. The best-of-the-best, no matter the field, don't wait for evidence before they make this conscious decision to have unyielding self belief and confidence. They know with every ounce of who they are, success will show it's face. And furthermore, they understand the stronger and more consistent this belief, the more success they'll eventually taste.

There are three types of confidence:

1) Fake Confidence: This person struts around, acting as if he owns the place. He'll try and make you believe he thinks he's the best, period. He goes home at night, looks in the mirror, and only sees weakness.

2) Dependent Confidence: This is where most live. We only feel good about ourselves when things are going well. The moment they make a downward turn, all confidence is lost.

3) True Confidence: This is our ultimate goal. It's the type of confidence we should have, simply because of who we are as humans. This confidence comes from deep inside... almost as if it were instinctive. True confidence can't be shaken or lost, and doesn't live for results. It understands results will simply be, and are completely separate from self belief. Of course, good results can build and enhance this confidence, but it doesn't rely on it's existence.

"I came in last today, but I still totally believe in myself!"

"I've never experienced this type of losing streak before. I'll keep working and putting in the hours. I still totally believe. Nothing will stop me!"

"Everyone thinks I should quit. No one believes I'll make it. I will absolutely succeed... no matter what it takes!

-True Confidence

How many of us can say we have this type of self confidence? If yes, then how much "losing" will it take before we stop believing in ourselves? If we have an answer for the last question, we need to work harder to achieve True Confidence. 

We choose to believe or not... no one can take it away. What an incredibly powerful weapon!

He Sees And Feels His Future!

The first step to reaching any goal is creating a long term mental picture of what we want, then work backwards to present day. If we can see and especially FEEL this picture, we're more likely to acquire these goals.


I recently began working with Curtis, a college golfer, with dreams of playing on the PGA Tour. Our first assignment was to create a detailed, long term future visual of what he saw for himself. This is what he wrote... amazing stuff:

The picture is clear as day in my mind. I can see, feel, and create every emotion and part of the routine and attitude I am creating.

The day starts early, at 6:30, I’m up stretching four hours before the first round of the  2017 Masters . It’s my second season on tour and I’ve made a few cuts and cashed some checks in the first few events. I’ve just come off a great rookie season where I’ve risen to 50^th in the world. . It’s been a good long road, and my development has been a gradual, steady, consistent one. I’ve made the jump from a steady DII player to a Canadian Tour/Hooters player, played a few other big tours around the globe, and have finally made it to the biggest stage.

After the stretch/warmup with my trainer, I leave the fitness room at the house we are staying at. I’m calm, relaxed, and confident throughout the morning and seem to always do things at a slower pace on tournament days. There is an article in the newspaper about my rookie success thus far in the season, but I don’t read it. I don’t like to pay any attention to the media, and just worrying about the things that I can control.

After breakfast, my parents, and my caddy, head to the course to meet the rest of my team. The town is buzzing with the Masters hype, and I can feel it as we pull into the gates of Augusta National. As we pull into the player’s parking area I can see the crowds gathering around the range. I part ways with the family and head towards the range with my caddy, one of my best friends. We are approached by a lot of friends and fans and I quickly say hello and continue to the range. On tournament days, I am very focused and structured so work needs to be done.

We head inside the ropes and step out onto the sprawling green practice tee, surrounded by grandstands and groups of fans. My caddy sets down the bag and heads off to grab some stuff for the round. This is my first tournament round at Augusta and I’m more than ready for it. I’ve visualized the whole day several times and know every detail of my game plan. I’m very confident in myself and my game, and know that if I take care of my own routine, it’s hard to beat me.

Soon after, my coaches meet me on the range and watch me warm up. I work my way through my routine, feeling every shot and the tempo that I want to create. I watch as each ball makes its way through the sky and towards my target, time after time. However, I’m not worried about where the ball is going, and only thinking about tempo and getting loose. The sun is shining and it’s starting to heat up as I begin winding down the session. I’m feeling a little bit more nervous as I hear some of the crowd noise and gallery on the way to the putting green. 

I have felt these nerves before and thrive on them. They are why I play the game. I love this feeling and know that I am a player that always excels under them. I’m concentrating on my breathe and begin to feel myself getting calmer and more relaxed. Tournaments are not won or lost on the first day, and I know I’ll stay patient no matter what happens in the first few holes. I stroke a few putts on the perfect greens that all seem to find the back of the hole. I see the line and feel the speed that they need to be on, and don’t see anything else but them going in.  After a few lag putts and a last minute chat with my coaches, I head through the gallery to the first tee.

I recognize some friends and family in the crowds, but it’s game time now. My only focus is on my game and I know it’s at the best shape it’s ever been. My swing is compact and on plane, my short game, which has always been my strength, is great, and I feel like I could get it up and down from anywhere on the course. My putting has always separated me from the rest, and I feel as though I always hit putts where I want to hit them.  I’m feeling confident and it shows in my body language. I’m walking tall and confident towards the tee, head up, aware that all the other players are looking at me. I notice some other players, some famous spectators, and good looking girls in the crowd, but let it all pass. Everything begins to disappear around me as I’m only thinking about my process and seeing what I want.

I take a few more deep breaths and feel myself getting looser and more relaxed. The announcer calls my name with an applause. I nod to the crowd and begin my routine. I take a few deep breaths as I tee up the ball, step backward 2 steps and feel the position and tempo I want to make in the swing. I can see the ball flight, flying towards my spot on the fairway, and can already hear the applause. I line up my intermediate target spot, complete my setup, one last look at the target, and attack. The ball feels light on the clubface and rockets towards the middle of the fairway. It’s hit perfectly…I hold the finish and nod once more to the applauding crowd.

Here we go… time to attack and play fearlessly. This is what I have worked for, and I know I am ready to win!

Curtis

(Future Masters winner)

Make The Decision

It can't happen until you say it can.

It won't happen until you say it will.

What's holding you back?

Fear?

Doubt?

Others' expectations?

Go deep inside.  Figure out what it's going to take to make the decision...