Think of some of the all-time greatest athletes in the sport you play.  As you think about these people, reflect on the characteristics they possessedthat made them so legendary.  While most likely these athletes were physically gifted, I'll bet it was their mental approach to the game that truly made them outstanding. For example, one such superstar was Michael Jordan.  Michael was blessed with quickness and jumping ability to help him excel, but Michael's biggest strength was his mental game.  Jordan held a mental edge over his opponents throughout his entire career.  It was his mental toughness that propelled him to numerous individual awards as well as six NBA championships. How was Michael so mentally tough?  More importantly, ask yourself what did Michael do from a mental standpoint that I can incorporate in my game?  Five things truly set Michael apart from his competition.  Please rate yourself on the following characteristics as you read them over.

Committed - Michael made a commitment from his college days on that he was going to push himself to be the best.  He was self-motivated enough to put in all the long hours it would take to perfect his game - whether or not a
coach was watching him.  Over his career, he continually developed new aspects of his game as well as took care of his body in the weight room. "I had locked in, committed to my goals.  I've always believed that if you put in the work, the results will come.  I don't do things half-heartedly." How committed are you to being the best athlete you can be?

Competitive - Michael is probably one of the most competitive people who has ever lived.  Whether it was basketball, cards, or golf, Jordan had an intense desire to win.  Opponents quickly learned not to challenge Michael
with trash talk because he would take his game to another level and embarrass them. Competitiveness really encompasses two things - a strong desire to win as well as hating to lose.   "I always had the ultimate goal of being the best.  I feel that if I am considered one of the best players in the game, then I have to prove there is a reason for that."  How
competitive are you when you are challenged by coaches, teammates, and opponents and how badly to you hate to lose?

Confident - Michael had supreme confidence in himself and his abilities. Even when he might have had an off night, he still wanted the ball at crunch time.  Jordan's confidence was earned by all the hard work he put into his game.  Michael was also confident because he focused more on the positive things he wanted to achieve instead of fearing failure.   "I never
looked at the consequences of missing a big shot.  If I'm jumping into any situation, I'm thinking I'm going to be successful."  Are you the type of athlete who wants to perform when the game is on the line?

Leader - Michael Jordan was the undeniable leader of the Bulls.  He held his teammates to a higher standard and made sure he walked his talk.  If any of his teammates dared to slack off or disrupt the team (Dennis Rodman), Michael quickly and effectively addressed the issue often before coach Phil Jackson had to.  Michael earned the respect of his teammates
because of his commitment, competitiveness, and confidence.  "The second I let down, particularly if I'm perceived as the leader of my team or my company, I give others an opening to let down as well.  If the person out front takes a day off or doesn't play hard, why should anyone else?"  Are you willing to be a leader on your team by your words and actions?

Team Player - Finally, despite all of his individual accomplishments, Michael eventually learned that the true measure of any player is how well he can contribute to the team's successes.  Instead of bemoaning his teammates shortcomings, Michael learned to make his teammates better by maximizing their strengths and allowing them to play important roles.  He
changed his focus from "me" to "we."  "Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships."  Are you willing to sacrifice your personal stats so that the entire team can be successful?

If you are looking for ways to improve your commitment, competitiveness, confidence, leadership, or teamwork, please stop by and see me in McKale 109L - Jeff Janssen