Performance Excellence Center & Dr. Eddie O'Connor

December 20, 2010

Hello Friends,

It is cold and snowy. You may have just finished a tough season. Maybe it is holiday stress (or at least all the holiday goodies) that have you slowing down. But whatever it is, you might be lacking motivation.

To get it back, specifically define your next goal. Picture it clearly. Then take one small step toward achieving it.  Take one step every day.

To jump start your motivation, this newsletter focuses on inspirational articles, video and stories. I start with Lilly, a high school swimmer. She just sent me an e-mail illustrating how all her commitment to training and hard work was rewarded.

... and if you are looking for last minute holiday gifts for your athletes - be sure to scroll down for some mental toughness training options at a great price!

Happy Holidays!

      - Dr. Eddie

P.S. - Thanks, Lilly, for letting me share this with everyone.

What Inspires You? 

How about success stories where athletes work hard, overcome adversity and push themselves further than they have ever gone before? Lilly did that and puts us in the experience of the State Meet:

Standing behind the block,

Four numbers repeat themselves,

Over and over,

24.92...24.92

So familiar,

An unconscious repetition in my head,

24.92...24.92

The water so still,

A strange thought that soon,

What was stillness will become,

A wavey, wakey storm,

of flying limbs,

 

Nerves dissolve into excitement,

I've been here before,

I've done this before,

Nothing can stop me now,

24.92...24.92

My friend the whistle,

"Mr. Starter,"

"Women's 50 yard freestyle, Conciliation heat,

Timers clear your watches,

Swimmers step up,

Take your mark,"

On the block,

looking into the water,

24.92...24.92

Ready to blast off,

BEEP,

Explosion from my legs,

I puncture the water,

Hardly a splash,

24.92...24.92

Hold the glide,

Search for the pain,

Arms flayling wildly,

Desperate to grab more water,

24.92...24.92

How bad do you want it?

Breath

Kicking harder than could be possible,

Flip,

Hard push,

A massive blur of water and limbs,

24.92...24.92

Head down,

A little harder,

A little faster,

A little more pain,

Breath

24.92...24.92

How hard have you worked for this?

How bad do you want it?

Head down,

One last push,

SLAM

24.91


Hey Eddie,

I did it! ... It was a great race and I cried when I looked up at that time. It will be one of my favorite memories. ... Coincidence that the record I broke was set in 1994, the year I was born.
Mental Toughness Training


Each workshop involves active development of practical skills that you can start to use immediately at your next practice or game:
  1. On A Mission
  2. Beat Negative Thinking
  3. Take Control
  4. Confidence is Key
  5. When Things Go Terribly Wrong
  6. Killer Instinct

To allow for individual attention and discussion, space is limited to only 12 athletes so register now!

 

When:   Tuesdays from 5:30 - 6:30 PM 

January 11, 18, 25 & February 1, 8, 15

 

Cost: Only $199

 

To Register:  Call 616-233-3480

 

Click for more info

 

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Mental Toughness: The X-Factor in Soccer

 

You spend hours every week developing your physical skills, but it is your mind that controls your body. Do you have the mental toughness it takes to play your best soccer?

 

In this workshop Sport Psychologist, Dr. Eddie O'Connor, will teach you to be more determined, focused, confident and in control under pressure. Learn the mental skills and attitudes that you can use immediately at your next practice or game:

  • Learn Dr. Eddie's #1 Mental Toughness Guideline and play to your potential
  • Find out what is more important than motivation
  • Confidence can be developed. Learn exactly how.
  • Learn the best strategies to performing under pressure
  • Dr. Eddie doesn't believe in positive thinking! Find out why

...and guidelines for excellence in sport parenting

 

When & Where:

Wednesday, January 19, 2011 from 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM at Calvin College Spoelhof Fieldhouse

 

Cost: Only $25!      Register HERE online

Connect with Dr. Eddie

Find us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter

Performance Excellence Center online

Dr. Eddie on YouTube
Inspiration
In the News

Does your coach motivate you positively? Nominate him/her
for this award
Mental Toughness Video

Sly Stallone has made it into the Boxing Hall of Fame ... I think he deserves it for the millions Rocky has inspired with the theme song alone! 
Watch video
Click here for
Past Newsletters
Issue Number
Dr. Eddie; Soccer

ABOUT 

Dr. Eddie 

Dr. Eddie is a licensed sport psychologist, Fellow & Certified Consultant through the Association of Applied Sport Psychology, and listed in the US Olympic Committee Sport Psychology & Mental Training Registry. He presents nationally to athletes and team on developing mental toughness and achieving excellence in life. Call 616-233-3480 and have him come out to help your team be their best.