Be A Dog!

Don't be a cat..

Limitless Dreams

Don't let anyone tell you it can't be done! YOU are in control of your goals!

It's Meant To Be Shared

From the outside, 1% success looks like a selfish act, but it's truly one of the most selfless things you can do. On your path to this next level, be a role model... an example of what can be done when passion, discipline, and commitment come together. Teach others, by your own example, what it looks and feels like to achieve more than once thought possible.

Share this exciting time with those around you. Help them see their own hidden potential. Write about it, talk about it, video your steps. Your personal roadblocks, once shattered, may help a stranger's potential roadblock never come to existence.

Look at your picture from THEIR point of view. How will their experience change after witnessing your amazing breakthrough? Lives will be altered, most of which you'll never hear about. Know this, though: Your passion for greatness will spark others' motivation for more.

1% success isn't for your touch only ... it's meant to be passed along. So, remember, during your many selfish moments of struggle ... a life will be touched tomorrow by your actions of today. As sweat and frustration show on your face, know it's this process that will ultimately affect the next person who dares to strive past his comfort zone.

It's easy to get lost in your own moments of achievement, often forgetting how decisions and actions will affect those around you. Never forget. You ARE an example. 1% is meant to be shared!

Go Get It!

It's Eric Thomas, the voice of "How Bad Do You Want It." I couldn't wait until Monday to post this. If you can't get pumped watching this, you never will. Listen to his words, feel his energy, and go reach your 1% success!

This Is Why We Compete...

It's 6:00 p.m., and game time starts at 7:00. I'm in the locker room getting changed into my uniform. The smell of the freshly washed #10 jersey creates an instinctive excitement I've had since I began playing basketball in 3rd grade. 9 years later, here I am getting ready to play in a Southern California All Star game with some of the best players in this part of the state.

I finish folding my khaki pants and dress shirt that was mandatory to wear to game nights, and put them in my locker. After putting on my uniform and sweats, I look down and notice I forgot to take off my dress socks. The nerves have officially taken over. This specific locker room is especially hot ... or I'm especially nervous. Either way, sweat is already pouring down my face in anticipation of tip-off.

I find a quiet spot in the corner to stretch and collect my thoughts. A few minutes into my routine, our center, Don MacLean, the eventual UCLA all-time leading scorer and NBA veteran, asks me to stand up. "Every time you bring the ball up the court, give it to me," he barked. This was how he introduced himself to me. We hadn't had a chance to practice together prior to the game, but he knew I was the starting point guard, and would have the ball in my hands the majority of game. I nodded o.k. in shock, then continued to stretch. 

All I could hear from inside the locker room was the crowd filling the gym. I was used to this type of pre game buzz, listening to the fans getting revved for the game, but tonight was different. Tonight's game is full of Division I college prospects, and a few NBA hopefuls. The crowd knows it, the coaches know it, and I know it. How will I handle it?

I Dare You...

"I need a backup plan ... just in case I fail."

That way of thinking guarantees you won't make it. I achieved the most success when I had nothing left to "fall back on." This type of desperation created a focus for me that would've been unattainable if a safety net waited below. When I had no other options, I took action I never would've taken. The backup plan would've taken away all need to achieve.

Not having a safety net was a bit scary, but it awakened survival instincts inside me I never knew existed. It's counterintuitive, I know, to create a plan of action without having a backdoor, "just in case..." Trust that you'll respond with detailed precision you didn't know lived inside.

Before making this type of commitment, you first must totally commit to the process in front of you. Getting bogged down in "what-if's" will kill all action. Becoming immersed in the excitement of the journey will free you from worry.

Backup plans eventually become your 'now plan.' Wanting to achieve isn't enough. As prior posts have repeated... "You must want success as much as you want to breathe." There must be a willingness to sacrifice all that gets in your way of attainment. Failure is never an option. When you create a backup plan, failure not only becomes a possibility, but it also becomes a probability.

Risk it. Dive off the cliff, not knowing how you'll survive the fall. Develop a plan of action on the way down, knowing you'll land successfully.

Tell Him He Can't ... Watch What Happens!

I wanted to post a day-in-the-life of Eric Magidson, a student and newfound friend, who's on a mission to qualify for the Nationwide Tour's Boise Open in late 2012. In this video, he replicates Tiger Woods' practice day. 

He's not "hoping" or only talking about "how cool it would be if..." He's taking massive action toward this goal. He's working with an amazing swing coach, Joey Pickavance, he's hired a golf specific physical trainer, and I'm helping reshape his mental approach. 

I asked Eric to "announce" his dream goal to the world on Twitter and post these type of videos, not only to make himself accountable, but also to face his past fears of naysayers' opinions. Confidence will grow every time he shares a piece of his journey. Follow his progress at http://twitter.com/@ericmagidson

It's Up To You...

I've received so much positive feedback on this video, I wanted to post it again... give a little weekend pump-up!

Details Matter

What does it look like? How does it smell? Is there a taste? Can you feel the texture in between your fingers? Is it painted with a specific color? Who will be the first person you call when it's achieved? Will there be tears or strictly laughter and excitement. Releif may take over, but will you forget how hard you worked?

Have you planned a celebration after you reach the end? Do you understand there's no such thing as the "end?" What needs to be done, that isn't now? Do you go to bed focused on what it looks, smells, and tastes like? When you wake up in the morning, is your mind consumed with attainment? What will you be wearing?

What strengths have become even stronger during this process? Have your weaknesses turned into strengths? Has your confidence graph shot upwards? How will your friends and family react when you give them the good news? Will you thank the naysayers for fueling your fire?

Right now, what's missing from the #1% equation? Why is it missing, and what will you do to change it? Are there excuses hanging around? If yes, when will they disappear? If no, congratulations ... that's a huge success in itself.

When you think about this amazing accomplishment, does your forehead sweat from anticipation? Do you need to wipe your palms off on your pants? Does your heart race and breathing get deeper? Are you losing sleep yet?

Details of your visual will either speed up the process, or create a holding pattern for your success. As always ... you choose!

To Want Isn't Enough

Pay close attention to Kevin's answer when asked about the "big prize." 

Who I Was...

I was afraid ... not only of failure, but also of success. Yes, success! I didn't fear the successful outcome itself, I was afraid of stepping out of my comfort zone that would lead me to the outcome. The unknown, even if potentially successful, was more frightening than sticking with what I knew ... average and mediocre.

I was angry ... not of negative outcomes, but more about not challenging myself, knowing it would lead me to growth. This anger affected all of my decisions, often becoming cycles of negativity, angering me even more. This cycle felt like a tornado, impossible to escape.

I was insecure ... about what you thought, they thought, and what I thought of myself. I felt insecure about my physical and internal makeup. I knew that you were talking negatively about me the second I walked in the room, and would continue after I left. The mirror - oh that damn mirror! It made sure I never broke loose from my mental handcuffs.

I lacked confidence ... not of what I knew, but of anything I didn't specialize in. Good wasn't good enough - great was the only answer. And because great is difficult to achieve, that lack of confidence was felt daily. Unfortunately, it affected all that i did, very often keeping me from experiencing necessary growth. I never understood confidence was a choice. I was a slave to it's sense of humor.

I was selfish ... I only cared about myself and what would further my specific situation. Your feelings didn't matter, unless it helped my cause. Being a professional athlete is a selfish path, but I didn't know (or cared to learn) how to turn off the switch at home. Self-absorbed was my way of thinking, speaking, and acting.

Good news: Who I was then doesn't dictate who I am now, or who'll I become tomorrow. I changed due to my unrelenting need for growth. I am 1%, in all sense of the meaning. You?

Are You This Strong?

Believe you can, period! The 1% don't need evidence before belief takes shape. 

What's Your Motivation?

What's going to get you out of bed at 5:30 to workout? What's going to give you the power to keep kicking in doors that continuously slam in your face? How will you keep throwing punches when it seems hopeless?

When I was training full time to become a world ranked tennis player, and my alarm startled me at 5:00 am, I would repeatedly ask, "Why am I doing this? It's 5:00 in the freakin morning." The only thing that got me out of bed and into my cross-trainers was my motivation. After reaching the top step of the local junior college stadium at sunrise, my muscles would tell my mind they couldn't take another step. My stomach would tell my mouth to get ready. Two legged squat jumps up countless number of concrete steps, sprint to the other side of the stadium, walk down, start over. 25 times up, over, and down. When that torture was done, I was still left with another 1 1/2 hours of a different, more difficult type of hell to live through. I was a professional athlete. Sacrifice, pain, and mental discipline was my reality. The only thing that kept me from quitting during these moments of fatigue and nausea was my motivation.

What kept me motivated was the opponent who was working harder than me, and who I would eventually have to compete against. I knew that if I quit, and he didn't ... I had no chance of winning. Every time I heard myself begging myself to stop, I visualized the 6'4" German stud who was waiting for me in the final round of the US Open qualifier, ready to take my head off. If I stopped my workout early, he would destroy me. I became so detailed with this visual, I actually cut out a picture of a German athlete's face, and taped it to my bathroom mirror. I had his sweaty mug burned into my memory. The fear of getting outworked at 5:30 in the morning was more motivating than the trophy and money that came from winning.

When I asked a student today what his motivation was, he couldn't answer. We quickly realized that his commitment wasn't taking shape because he hadn't tapped into that thought, emotion, or dream that would keep him working. He knows that he "wants," and "has to make it happen," but he doesn't know what drives him; what will allow him to kick the door open when it slams in his face. He hasn't created a detailed, emotional visual that will be his fuel when the inevitable pain strikes. He has some soul searching to do.

Your motivation for attaining 1% success needs to be palpable. It needs to elicit real life emotion and adrenalin the second you focus your attention on it. Maybe it's the frustration you felt growing up when THEY said you couldn't ever reach the highest level. Maybe it's the fear of failure. In an amazing interview Will Smith gave about the successful mindset (I posted it here http://CoachYourMind.com/2011/10/this-is-next-level-mindset.html), he talked about his fear of failing, and how this keeps him working harder each day. Motivation is different for everyone, but it's the glue holding your wants and actions together, and is what will keep you on that long term quest for 1% success.

Soar Past It All

Rise above all the garbage you face on a daily basis - from peer pressure, to those who say you'll never achieve your goals, to family who sell you short. Let the 99% stay right where they are, as you strive for more ... with a smile on your face the entire way! 

Invite Uncomfortable To Stay Awhile

On the tennis court today with a student, I pushed her past her normal comfort zone."You have to learn this shot if you want to play professionally." Her response: "But it feels too uncomfortable. I can't get used to it."

On the golf course today with a different student, I was helping him on the greens."Your visuals need to get much more detailed. You need to see and feel every ounce of these putts. Track each into the bottom of the cup." His response: "You're right. It feels uncomfortable, but that's o.k. because I know it won't last. I'll get this."

Between these two athletes, who's more likely to reach the next level in their career? The tennis player knew she needed to change in order to play at the highest level, but resisted because of HOW IT FELT. The golfer also knew he needed to change, but he accepted it as part of his process, and embraced the challenge. Two exact same situations ... two totally different choices of mindset.

"Uncomfortable" is a fact of life, when looking to attain more than average. Learning to be comfortable with being uncomfortable is crucial during these sometimes frustrating times. There isn't an easy way to achieve greatness, which is exactly why 1% find that level. The one's who do find it have learned to love, accept, and invite the uncomfortable. They actually need it in their life, because it's the one aspect that will propel them past the 99% average who are afraid of it.

The way you view change, and the inevitable feeling of frustration, is a choice only you and the mirror can make. There are only two paths to walk: Denial or acceptance. Either continue with the excuses of why it's too difficult, or invite uncomfortable to stay awhile.

Your choice of mindset will determine which level you reach.

Separation By Inches

The 1% who separate understand how small their margin of victory really is ... turn talent into skill.

Know The Facts!

Fact (noun): Something that actually exists; reality; truth

Fact: I can't do it.

Fact: I can absolutely get it done.

Fact: It's too hard.

Fact: Nothing will stop me.

Fact: It costs too much money.

Fact: I'll figure out a way to afford it.

Fact: It'll take too much time. I don't have that kind of time.

Fact: I'll make time.

Fact: If it was a good idea, someone else would've already done it.

Fact: I'm going to lead the way.

Fact: If I fail, everyone will say, "I told you so..."

Fact: Failure doesn't exist, as long as I'm putting in the hours.

Fact: I need a backup plan, just in case.

Fact: The backup plan will ultimately become my plan. Not allowed!

Fact: What if...

Fact: What's next?!

Fact: It's safer following the pack.

Fact: The 1% NEVER follow the pack. Separate only!

Everything you think and say is a fact. Better get your facts straight.

Mental Toughness - 1%

Love him or hate him ... he's unquestionably one of the most mentally tough athletes of all time, and is as close to M.J. as we've seen. The best-of-the-best separate themselves, not with their physical attributes, but with their minds - the ability to focus and persevere.  

I'm Sick And Tired Of It...

I want to share an email that a student sent to me after Tiger Woods won this weekend. Feel the emotion in his writing. It's this emotion that will allow his future to change. He's finally hit a place where the pain of mediocrity is stronger than the pleasure of that specific comfort zone...


Coach,

I'm so sick and tired of all the excuses! They do nothing for me. They're holding me back and not letting me be the player I want to be. I promise to never let those excuses take over my game again.

I can't. I would if. I'm too tired. I have too much homework. It's so unfair. I would've won if.

These all get in my way. I know, I know - I've chosen them by myself. I've chosen to make them #1 over just getting it done, but I'm done with all that now. I'm sick and tired of all the excuse-making (bleep)! 

After watching Tiger Woods make birdies on 17 AND 18 today to win the Chevron, a light went on in my head. He could've thrown in the towel after getting down by 1 with 2 holes to play, but he didn't. He stayed focused, didn't make any excuses for why he was losing, and drained two huge putts to win. If that was me, in my current mental state, I would've definitely lost. I'm sick of it!

From this moment on, coach, I promise to totally commit to the work we're doing, and never speak another excuse. If I'm playing bad, I'll face facts as to why, and fix them. If something unfortunate happens to me while I'm playing, I'll refocus myself, and stay in the moment. I now understand why you always say "It's never over, even if the fat lady does sing." 

Sincerely,

(Golfer, Division I college)

1% Mindset from this moment on!

There's Only One Way...

The 1% Mindset is always earned, never deserved. Reaching the next level in sport or life means sacrificing along the way, specifically the way we "used" to think. Focusing on Realistic goals or Backup Plans will keep us from achieving what we want. Being realistic and creating a plan, "just in case we fail," sounds smart, but is actually a killer of dreams.

1% is attained by risking what we're most afraid to lose: Our comfort zones. We must be willing to risk utter failure and embarrassment. Our comfort zone is our worst enemy, and does the most damage to our future.

Make a habit of setting daily goals that stretch your comfort levels. Doing this will prove that you're capable of much more than you realize. Self confidence will be enhanced, eventually establishing a deep hunger to continue leaping from that place of safety.

The 1% Mindset is created from our perception of situations. We're constantly faced with a choice to keep stepping towards success or stop and wallow in our short term setbacks. The perceptions of our individual situations will test the commitment of those steps, often making us feel inadequate. Our priority should always be focused on what we're thinking during these moments. Our thoughts propel the rest of the chain...

Thoughts > Emotions > Actions > Results

Every result is manifested through this link of events. The beauty of this equation is it never falls apart. It's always in order, and works perfectly. Unfortunately, we often unknowingly skip around, hoping to create desired outcomes without following the proper steps. Everything attained begins with one single thought.

The 1% Mindset is a way of living - a total immersion in the every day process of separating from the majority.