The Right Thing to Do. Would You?

Kansas City Royals pitcher Gil Meche is retiring at the age of 32, walking away from $12.4 million dollars if he plays another season.

Meche feels with his injuries and state of health, that he would not be able to play at his full potential, and staying in the game to get the $12.4 million is wrong.

Given that Meche has already made $40 million for playing for the Royals, still it is a noble decision that few people would make.

It comes down to this. If you were in Meche's shoes would you take the money, like some players have done, knowing you could not live up to the $12.4 million paycheck?

We're not talking about taking the money to survive or to support your dreams, which you may be doing now.  But would you take the money if you really didn't need it?

Obviously Meche has asked himself this question.   Some of us would not even think that taking the money is wrong, because deep inside we know that doing the right thing, and staying true to our souls is the right decision.  But we don't want to entertain that notion if it means turning down $12.4, which takes courage.

In this economy, it would seem to make sense to take the money and run, even if we were financially set like Meche.  However, he is playing the game of life to win 

the ultimate score.  His soul.  Most will never understand that.

Meche knows that when the roar of the fans is over for him, and he looks back over his life, 

he like all of us, will have to face the end of life questions.   "Did I live my life authentically?" "Did I love?" "Did I help others?"  "Did I live my best life?"  "Was I true to myself?" 

"Our job in this lifetime is not to shape ourselves into some ideal we imagine we ought to be, but to find out who we already are and become it. "

~ Steven Pressfield, "The War of Art"

Never Too Old to Exercise With the Right Attitude

Jack LaLanne, widely noted as "The  Godfather of Fitness," who opened his own first  health spa in 1936 , has recently passed at age 96. He dedicated his life to encouraging people to better themselves through exercise and fitness.  LaLanne was an extraordinary man with a lesson for all of us about aging.  "People don't die of old age," said LaLanne, "They die of inactivity."

You can't help to be inspired by this fitness guru's life.  He wasn't simply talking about exercising and keeping fit.   He was an example.  At age 60 LaLanne swam from Alcatraz Island to Fisherman's Wharf in the ice-cold San Francisco Bay.   This was a huge feat for anyone to achieve, but LaLanne did it handcuffed, shackled and towing a 1,000 boat.  When he was 70, he was again handcuffed and shackled towing 70 boats, carrying a total of 70 people, a mile and a half through Long Beach Harbor.

If you feel that you are too old to exercise, you only have to look at LaLanne's inspiring life.  He believed that exercise keeps one young, and encouraged others to believe that they could have great health with a good diet and exercise.  However, it takes discipline. 

But, this is what it takes to be a winner in whatever you want to accomplish.  Athletes live by this philosophy.  You have to see yourself succeeding in life, and refuse to allow age or any obstacles to get in your way.  

Because LaLanne had a strong belief in himself, in the 1930's, he pursued his career  weight lifting, bodybuilding, and chiropractic medicine, which was unheard of back then.  

However, when you have a belief in yourself, the Universe supports you and creative ideas come forward.    

LaLanne, a bodybuilder, designed the world's first leg extension machines and pulley machines using cables, and weight selectors, which is now a standard in the fitness world, and presently available in contemporary spas.  He also created a number of exercises, including the famous, "jumping jacks."

So, the next time you think you are getting too old to exercise think of LaLanne, who began the fitness movement.  He said,  "Anything in life is possible if you make it happen." 

Jack LaLanne at age 95:

Trevor Hoffman-" I Gave 100 Percent"

Pitcher Trevor Hoffman, baseball's all-time saves leader, has decided to retire at age 43.  

Hoffman told the Associated Press, "What I'll take away from it (playing baseball) is I have no regrets. I went at the game 100% and didn't leave myself with any questions.  I got the most our of what I was given."

Can you say that for your life?  Have you been living your full potential?  If you haven't, start now.  Start today.  

Giving your full potential is living life fully.  This goes for giving yourself fully to your loved ones, as well as your job or career. 

Many of us lose the very ones we love because we have not fully been present for the significant other in our life. How many people find themselves divorced because they weren't aware that their spouse was unhappy? 

Or, maybe you wonder why you have been passed over for a promotion.  Often because we don't like a job, we give only half of ourselves.  Beware, others are watching and hearing that you are not doing your best, even our friends.

So, when you network to get a better job, your friends and co-workers who may know of a great opportunity for you, won't tell you, or recommend you.  They are not putting themselves on the line for you because they know you have been "half-stepping."

Give fully to whatever task is before you, and don't forget.  That applies to your loved ones too.

See Hoffman's retirement announcement:

Matthews' Family Football Legacy: Right Attitude

The Chicago Bears will host The Green Bay Packers as they compete for the NFC Championship game next Sunday, Jan. 23rd in Chicago.

Clay Matthews III, starting linebacker for the Packers, comes from a football family.   His father, Clay Matthews, Jr. was a linebacker for the Cleveland Browns and Atlanta Falcons.  Matthews' uncle, Bruce Matthews, played an offensive lineman in the National Football League for the Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans.  His grandfather, Clay Matthews, Sr., played in the NFL for the San Francisco 49ers in the 1950s.  His younger brother Casey Matthews is a linebacker for the University of Oregon Ducks.  His cousin, Kevin is a center for the Tennessee Titans.  Matthews second cousin, Jake, is the starting right tackle for Texas A&M University.

Matthews, III father, Clay Matthews, Jr. said, "My dad (Clay Matthews, Sr.) was very clear. He said  'You guys can do whatever you want, and I'll be proud of you.  But, whatever you're going to do, apply yourself, be responsible, show up and do it like you mean it.'"

Obviously the family of football players have taken the elder's words to heart with their successes. It takes being responsible and applying yourself to your goals  and challenges no matter what the circumstances in order to be successful. 

Matthews III is fortunate to come from a supportive family with obvious football goals, however, many athletes come from broken homes and they don't always have the family support needed to be successful on and off the playing field.  

However, you can still win in life, no matter what others may say,  if you follow those principles: apply yourself; be responsible; show up; and put 100% effort into accomplishing your dreams. 

Watch highlights :

NFL Week 3 Highlights Chicago Bears vs Green Bay Packers

Stick With the Plan

Florida State Upsets Duke, 66-61

When you face a tough challenge, it's tempting to keep changing the plans you made to tackle the situation, especially if it appears you are not going forward.  It makes sense to try other methods when you are failing.  However, many of us don't believe in our original plan, and this causes us to spin off in other directions.  It takes courage to have patience and believe that your plan will work through the challenge. Most give in to panic and fear.

Those who can keep the faith, and stick to the plan in the face of adversity are often winners. Florida State proved this when they ended Duke's 25-game winning streak.  Florida State 66, Duke 61.

"Our guys stuck with our game plan" Florida State coach Leonard Hamilton said.  "They maintained their poise.  We hit the big free throws down the stretch.  I hope they understand now exactly the way they have to play in order to be successful."

Florida State Upsets Duke:

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Watch fans storm the court:

Overcoming a Great Loss with Soccer

Sometimes our lives seem hopeless, but we have to find something to live for. 

This is a tall order.  However, rather than giving up, we must get on with life, not only for ourselves, but for our families and those who care and love us.

Dwelling on our misfortunes, not only keeps us down, but it brings down others around us.  It takes strength to look past our losses, but that is exactly what some amputees in Haiti are doing. Thousands had to have their limbs amputated so they could be lifted out of the 2010 earthquake rubble, or lost limbs to dangerous infection.  

MacKendy Francois lost his leg in the earthquake, but he now plays soccer for the Haiti Men's Amputee National Team. The International Institute of Sport (IIOS) based in Texas, set up the team.  The mission of (IIOS) is to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities in the less economically developed countries worldwide.

"It is something I love and God created this possibility for me," says Francois before a match Monday against Zaryen, another team formed after the earthquake. "He created something for me to live for right now."

You can donate to the IIOS by visiting there website here

SEE THE VIDEO :  All Amputee Soccer Team Brings Hope to Haiti 

The game marked the one-year anniversary of the Jan. 12th magnitude-7.0 quake that killed more than 220,000 people and left millions homeless in Haiti. (AP photo)

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Seahawks Coach Pete Carroll on Visualizing to Win

I had a chance to meet Coach Pete Carroll in his office at USC right after my son graduated there and Carroll was still coaching the Trojans.  I was so impressed how he was warm and open to strangers.  He focuses on you, and makes you feel good about yourself.  This is also attributed to his style of coaching.  They say he builds players up, rather than tear them down when they make mistakes.

It's no wonder that he has eased into coaching the Seahawks, because he makes players want to be the best you can possibly be.

Carroll could have rested on his laurels as being the highest paid university coach in the nation, but he chose to advance himself.  

ESPN reporter Shelly Smith says this about Carroll Coaching the Trojans in Los Angeles, "Carroll and his staff and the players were rock stars, A-listers even among the usual A-listers. The environment was contagious and hyper-charged."

But, even though Carroll who was at the top of his game at USC , he left for a bigger challenge to return to the NFL. Some say it's because he saw the controversy of Reggie Bush coming down the pike, but I choose to believe that he is following his philosophy to keep challenging himself and to be the best that you can be.

Against naysayers who say Carroll can't have the success in NFL like college, and that he is to "nice" for the NFL, he is proving them wrong, leading the Seahawks to victories.

One of his coaching techniques, is Carroll believes in visualization, one of the keys to win not only on the field, but in life. This is a key component in our lives no matter who we are.

Charles Haanel, author of the Master Key System (1912) which inspired the book, "The Secret" said this:

"If you desire to visualize a different environment, the process is simply to hold the ideal in mind, until your vision has been made real; give no thought to persons, places or things; these have no place in the absolute; the environment you desire will contain everything necessary; the right persons, and the right things will come at the right time and in the right place."

You can click on my pages tab on the top left to read an entire Visualization chapter in my book "Sporting the Right Attitude."

Here is Pete on winning and visualizing big:

NFL Hall of Famer Committed On and Off the Field

The legendary All American Running Back, Jim Brown made his television debut at the At&t Cotton Bowl Classic in 1957.  He was named the game's outstanding offensive player.

Today, watching him perform the coin toss for the LSU and Texas A&M game at the Cotton Bowl 54 years later, I remembered going to his home in Los Angeles once attending one of his meetings for gang members through his program Amer-I-Can.  I wanted to get involved to support the wonderful work he was doing getting young men out of gangs, and showing them a better way of life.  The Amer-I-Can Program helps participants develop their attitude from one of self-doubt to self determination to become productive citizens in society.  

Brown could have easily rested on his laurels, and just donated to organizations, but I was so impressed seeing how he opened up his home to gang members.  How many people would do that?  I was touched seeing the ultimate respect these gang members had for Brown.  He has such a strong commitment to helping these young men, and gives his whole self.  This is why his program is successful. Brown is committed just like he was in the field of sports. 

It's one thing for celebrities to support organizations through financial donations and the use of their name, but my hat is off to Brown and any other celebrity who actually rolls up their sleeves, spends time in the organization to help others. 

Visit his website:

http://www.amer-i-can.org/

Watch NFL hall of Fame Running Back, Jim Brown talk about the differences in today's NFL game.

BE ENTHUSIASTIC TO WIN

If you want to know what helped Miami University RedHawks run past Middle Tennessee 35-21 in the GoDaddy.com Bowl , check out the speech by interim head coach Lance Guidry.

There are a lot of great motivational messages out there but Guidry definitely fired up the players to capture a win.  On top of that, the MVP for the Bowl was their quarterback Austin Boucher.

The striking part of the speech was his enthusiasm and energy which when applied to anything in life, can help you win.  

Allow yourself to get excited about your goals, and act as if your goal has already become a reality.  Maintain that excitement through-out the course of each day.  Enthusiasm and a positive attitude feed off each other.  If you are enthusiastic, you will look at things in a positive light.  If you have a positive attitude, you will find yourself enthusiastic.

Watch Lance Guidry's enthusiastic Godaddy.com Bowl pregame speech.

No Matter What You Have Lost, You Can Still Win

A Cleveland homeless man has been offered a job by the NBA's Cleveland Cavaliers and is being pursued by NFL Films for possible work.

Ted Williams was discovered panhandling on the streets by a reporter who video taped him, posted it on You Tube, and now the video has gone viral, and he is now known as the homeless man with the "golden voice." However, it looks like Ted won't be homeless anymore.  He now will get a home, and he has a bright future ahead of him. 

No matter what your situation may be, and how hopeless life may seem, never give up.  Never stop believing that a miracle can happen to you too.

Your thoughts create your world.  Whatever you hold in mind can materialize.  So be careful of holding onto thoughts that no longer serve you.  Hold in mind only what you want. 

Keep Sporting the Right Attitude

ATTITUDE IS IMPORTANT

I was moved by a quote I read earlier in the week about Miami Dolphins head coach Tony Sparano.


Running back Ricky Williams said, "Tony spends a lot of time saying, 'If you do these things, you'll win.'  I feel that he does a little too much.  My personal opinion is, if you have the right attitude that you guys are going to win, then all the other stuff takes care of itself."


Wow Ricky!  How right you are.  This is the major reason that assures a person that nothing is impossible no matter the circumstances.  A positive attitude allows one to perceive the possibilities rather than difficulties.

Have No Regrets

After 20 years in the NFL, 297 consecutive games, iron man Brett Favre said, "I hold no  regrets, and I can't think of too many players off hand that can walk away and say that, individually and from a team stand point, it was way more than I ever dreamed of."

If we can coach ourselves to do the best in our lives and ignore negative comments like Favre, we too will have no regrets.  We can't let anyone stand in the way of our dreams and tell us we are too old, too young, or not talented enough to go after and live our dreams.

Giving Your Best is What Counts

The little guys, Texas Christian University hung on to beat the Wisconsin Badger's fearsome offensive line and powerful running attack. Andy Dalton, TCU's quarterback who won the MVP award said, "The way the system is, it didn't give us the opportunity to play in the BCS National Championship game, but we did everything we were capable of doing."


When you do your best in life, you can still feel gratified even if you don't get the opportunity you want. Just have faith, that it's just a matter of time before your dreams will materialize.

Don't Allow Your Workout Goals to Become Drudgery

The new year is upon us, and many have set new goals by joining a gym but dread the monotony of using the equipment and weight training routines. Remember, your workout does not have to be painful drudgery or boring. Integrate other activities such as biking, surfing, playing basketball, gardening, or just walking to mix-up and integrate with your gym workout. Try to incorporate at least 20 minutes of some daily activity on a regular basis. This way if you can't, or don't want to go to the gym, at least you have fulfilled a daily workout goal.

2011 BCS National Championship

Coach Chip Kelly of the Oregon Ducks said in his pre-game interview at the Rose Bowl last year that he stressed to his players to live in the moment.  This is Mindfulness.  We can all take Kelly's advice to help us concentrate, have better health, relationships and reduce stress. 

Although the Ducks lost the Rose Bowl game last year, and despite their veteran quarterback Jeremiah Masoli transferring to Mississippi State, Oregon's Duck's offense is performing at a high level, and Kelly says he doesn't see a change in his player's attitudes. They still are thinking like champions and believe they can win this year's  BCS National championship against the Auburn Tigers.