The winning spirit by Joe Montana

Author:Joe Montana [Montana, Joe]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Leadership., Achievement motivation., Motivation (Psychology), Teams in the workplace., Football -- Coaching -- Philosophy.
ISBN: 1400064449
Publisher: Random House
Published: 2005-05-15T00:00:00+00:00

Part Three

Keep the WinningSpirit Alive

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THE PRACTICE AND APPLICATION OF TIME-TESTED PRINCIPLES FOR PER-

formance excellence keep the winning spirit alive. All of us can at-tend a workshop, read a book, listen to a tape, or otherwise betemporarily inspired, then forget most of what we learned. Apply-ing and practicing the principles daily will anchor our learning anddeepen those lessons.

The five principles in this section offer more ways to implementwinning behaviors and habits into our everyday lives. The winningspirit doesn't show up just in big games or during a championshiprun but in simple daily actions, too. Success is built on small winsas well as big ones.

There will be days when it is difficult to muster enough energy tobe our best. We may be tired or frustrated or in a bad mood. Theremay be unforeseen circumstances and distractions, setbacks andinjuries. Professional or personal issues may arise. Nevertheless,these are the times when it is most important to push onward andstay focused. We do not want to give in to a belief that we arevictims of circumstance. Even in our darkest hours and toughestchallenges, we must give it everything we have if we wish to suc-ceed.

The winning spirit is kept alive by living and performing in themoment, visualizing success, finding the support of a coach andinner circle, making a personal commitment to excellence, livinga disciplined life, affirming our truest values—all while believingin our ability to achieve our goal.

PRINCIPLE #12

Perform in the Moment

GREAT PERFORMANCES OCCUR IN THE PRESENT, NOT IN THE PAST OR

future.

Although recalling positive memories of past performances andvisualizing future ones can be useful, the best state of mind to bein is the present. When we focus our attention into the present, weemit a field of energy that translates into power and command. Weproject calmness, poise, and confidence. We become aware ofwhat is happening and what we need to do.

As basic as it sounds, the principle of being in the moment isnot taught in schools or at work, although some college and pro-fessional sports teams espouse it. Some disciplines such as yoga,meditation, and relaxation training help. When we were young,we all knew how to live in the moment. Should you ever forget,watch young children playing. You see young bodies and mindsfully engaged in the here and now, not concerned with yesterdayor tomorrow.

Living in the present moment can be relearned and practiceddaily. Relaxed concentration is crucial to living in the moment.Staying in an aware yet relaxed state of mind gives us the mental,

emotional, and physical focus to allow things to flow naturally, sowe can become immersed in the here and now

Living in the present allows us to relax under pressure. Thechances of a terrific performance increase for an individual orteam maintaining relaxed, moment-to-moment focus during apressure situation. Most coaches and players know this to be true,even though not enough teams consciously practice the art.

The Chicago Bulls, during their record-breaking championshiprun, were an exception. Bulls coach Phil Jackson hired a mindful-ness coach, George Mumford, to work with his players. Jacksonand Mumford had both studied Eastern philosophies and practicedmeditation for twenty-five years.

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