TheFurFiles

Source: amazon.com.

Everyone in my family – myself included – is slightly neurotic. We are all very passionate people who have high aspirations and goals in life. We are all very opinionated and loud as well. Subsequently, the mood at our house can get pretty volatile sometimes. Can you say “clash of the A++ type personalities”?

In keeping with his personality, a few years ago – whenever he drove to work – my husband started listening to books on tape in his car. Sure, it was better than listening to the radio play the same damn songs over and over again, but then he started thinking that he was getting smarter than me. Like that was ever going to happen.

There was this one particular book that he told me about – something that was a little philosophy meets sports psychology. Why would he tell me about a stupid science fiction novel? I hate those. Anyway, when I listened to it, I was so impressed that I went out and bought it.

Now it is part our library, and every once in a while, when someone is having a meltdown – which may or may not have happened this past Sunday evening – I take it out, and set it on the kitchen table, hoping that whoever is flipping out will read it afterward and learn a few things. It doesn’t usually work, but at least I try.

The book 177 Mental Toughness Secrets Of The World Class was written my a guy named Steve Siebold – an ex-tennis player who studied the habits, thought processes, and philosophies of world class performers for twenty years, and then put it all together to make this book.

From an educational standpoint, it is very well laid out. Each “secret” has its own page, and everything is explained simply and with coordinating resources and action steps, making all the advice that much easier to implement into real life.

Technically, it is written in a very down-to-earth manner. What Steve says totally makes sense, and I loved it. So I’d say, if you are having trouble getting your life on track and achieving your dreams, reading this book might be a good place to start.

Here are five of my favourite tips:

1. The world class believes in self-reliance. Their philosophy is to take full responsibility for their successes and failures. You are in charge of you. Don’t make excuses.

2. Champions are of good cheer. They know that their inner world determines their outer world.  Choose to be happy, and you will be.

3. Champions change their emotional responses. They know that treating people disrespectfully is classic amateur behaviour. I’ve highlighted this one. And I’ve been tempted to write it out on a piece of bristol board and post it on my kitchen wall. Oh wait, I HAVE posted it on my kitchen wall. People – teenagers, my children – need constant reminders.

4. The great ones always push for progress. While most people are complaining how things will never be the same, pros applaud the same concept. Get over the good old days, and think about moving into the future.

5. The great ones believe they cannot fail…they can only learn and grow. They’ve programmed themselves to disengage fear and move full speed ahead. Don’t be afraid to fail your way to success. Take risks!

Enjoy!