Check out the slogan on the back wall of the video room at the University of Michigan. How good could you be if this were your attitude? What if everyday you went to practice you felt you had to play hard enough, execute well enough, show the right type of attitude, and display a measure of mental toughness just to make the team?
There will be days when it is difficult to muster enough to be our best. We may be tired or frustrated or in a bad mood. There may be unforeseen circumstances and distractions, setbacks and injuries. Professional or personal issues may arise. Nevertheless, these are the times when it is most important to push onward and stay focused. We do not want to give in to a belief that we are victims of circumstances. Even in our darkest hours and toughest challenges, we must give it everything we have if we wish to succeed.
The winning spirit is kept alive by living and performing in the moment, visualizing success, finding the support of a coach and inner circle, making a personal commitment to excellence, living a discipline life, affirming our truest values -- all while believing in our ability to achieve our goal.
From "The Winning Spirit" by Joe Montana
