Get in the arena
Life lessons through sports.
3.20.23 | by Coach Mike Deegan
“We have two options: We can be critics or we can be performers. But, we can’t be both.”
– Author and Public Speaker, Michael Port
No one wants to labeled as a critic or judgmental.
But that used to be me. I was a critic.
Of course, I wouldn’t have labeled myself judgmental. I would have said I was being observant or learning from the mistakes of others. Really, I was a critic and not a performer.
Performers focus on the controllable
“Controlling the controllable” is a common expression in the sports world.
When do athletes get themselves into trouble? When they focus on things outside of their control. The weather, the coach’s opinions, the umpire, the reporters, etc. They neglect the variables that are within their control. Their inner space.
As a performer, focusing on the variables we control isn’t just optional, it’s mandatory. For example, when it comes to writing, I must trust in my process, otherwise what I’m conveying will appear fabricated & inauthentic.
I’m at my best when I write from the heart. If I focus on what others may like, or not like (outer space), the writing is not nearly as powerful.
Once the words are on paper, I have to possess the courage to hit send. That’s it. I can’t control anything else.
Where to start
Start doing. Start making mistakes. Learn. Fail. Succeed. Share your thoughts publicly with the world. Stop critiquing others. Observe other performers.
Ask yourself:
What are inner-space behaviors in your profession? What are the outer-space behaviors?
Do you find yourself frequently critiquing others?
What is one action you can take right now to become a performer?
While it’s not easy, many of life’s rewards are found on the other side of fear.
Pair this article with:
> Are You a Critic or a Performer?
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Running Your Own Race and Focusing On Your Inner Space
Life lessons through sports.
3.13.23 | by Coach Mike Deegan
Shane Battier vs. Elton Brand: Who did it best?
Shane Battier
- Played all 4 college seasons
- #6 pick overall
- 13-year NBA career, earning $56,569,622
- Won each an NCAA Championship and NBA Championship
Elton Brand
- Left after 2 college seasons
- #1 pick overall
- 17-year NBA career, earning $169,229,324
- Never won an NCAA or NBA Championship
Comparison is the thief of joy.
To compare these two stud athletes is ridiculous and silly. They were both incredible basketball players. Oftentimes, we get so caught up in what other people are doing. Why waste the time and energy?
This mindset limits us in many ways, and it robs us of happiness.
How to run your own race
Coach K is a master of educating others on how to run their own race. This is especially helpful in the highly competitive world of college basketball. Here’s how he puts it:
“We tell each player that comes in…each of you run your own race, and collectively we run a team race. If Shane Battier was running Elton Brand’s race, he would have been disappointed. Kids come along differently: some faster then stop; some slower then fast; some fast and never stop. Don’t gauge yourself on how someone else is doing. Gauge yourself on how you are doing.“
Focus on your inner space
Outer space
Outer space includes those things outside of your control. Playing time, what other say and think of you, friends, family, etc.
Inner space
Inner space includes those things inside of your control. Effort, attitude, work-ethic, coach-ability, etc.
Focusing on the outer space is a fool’s errand. Instead, focus on the inputs that you do control. Your inner space. Shane Battier is a prime example that we can all look up to.
Action Step
What is something right now that has been affecting you negatively or that causes you worry?
Write down the portion of the issue that’s in your control. Everything is outside of your control.
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Staying neutral out of hand, Jim Valvano’s epic speech, and SF Giants Kai Correa’s interview
Life lessons through sports.
2.27.23 | by Coach Mike Deegan
The Opener
Later in this article, you’ll get to know San Francisco Giants Bench Coach, Kai Correa better. For now, I’d love to share a phrase he taught me: Neutral out of the hand.
The phrase stems from basketball. When the ball leaves the shooter’s hand, you can often tell if the player thinks it’s going in. They back pedal and hype the crowd up as the ball is still in the air. They are positive it’s going in. Sometimes they are right…. but other times, they are wrong.
How does this relate to leadership?
Coaches, managers, leaders, teachers and CEO’s often assume their message lands with the audience. When asked: How’d the presentation, practice, class or meeting go? They will quickly answer, “Fantastic!”
Meanwhile, if you were to poll the audience you are likely to get a different response.
Much like the shooter backpedaling down the court after the shot, the leader assumes their message is on target. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case.
How can we guard against this? We stay neutral. Instead of assuming we crushed it, we ask for feedback. “How did that go?” “What was your key takeaway?” “How did that land with the others?”
Stay neutral out of the hand.
“The closer we can come to experiencing the work as the audience experiences it, the better position we are to evaluate it.”
– Rick Rubin
The Set-up
In John Feinstein’s new book, “The Legend’s Club” there’s a brilliant story of Jim Valvano’s epic speech at the ESPYs. I’m sure you’ve seen the video. Valvano, body riddled with cancerous tumors, implores the audience to: “laugh, cry and think every day.”
If it’s not the best speech of my lifetime, it’s pretty darn close.
Here’s the behind the scenes story as told by Feinstein.
The audience stood and clapped and cheered and cried as Vitale and Kryszewski helped him down the steps. He all but collapsed in Kryzsweski’s arms as he reached his seat. When he sat down, Pam (his wife) leaned over and gave him a kiss.
“Was I okay?” he asked her softly.
“Yes, honey, you were okay.”
He closed his eyes completely drained, and, with the cheers and applause still ringing in his ears, he passed out.
Neutral out of the hand.
The Closer
This week two people I know and admire sat down for a “Damn Good Conversation” on the 1% Better Podcast. If there is a better podcast host than Joe Ferraro, I’d be surprised. His genuine curiosity, preparation, and question asking skills have been on display with guests such as: Seth Godin, Jon Gordon, Mitch Albom, Annie Duke, Steven Covey, and Roy Firestone.
I think the world of Joe. His interview with Kai Correa is my new favorite. The term “master coach/teacher” is frequently used but rarely deservingly so. With that being said, Kai is a master. His ability to communicate complex skills in digestible and vivid ways is second to none. I met Kai in person for the first time in 2019. After spending time with him I told the people I was with, “That’s a feature MLB manager.” He’s well on his way to making my prediction a reality.
If you are interested in teaching, preparation, systems for learning, and communication you’ll love this episode (Shoot…that’s not being neutral out of the hand.)
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