Make the uncomfortable, comfortable. Embrace the suck. If you're going through hell, keep going. It's not what happens to you, its how you respond to it. I believe in you, you should too! I believe in YOU, your friends, your family, your team, and the power of belief in each other, and you should too. Tune into this micro podcast for bite size perspectives on trust, teamwork and life that will inspire and motivate you daily. Contact me anytime at GameSevenGroup.com...
Feb 16, 2024•2 min
The present moment is where the work is done. Name any dynasty team ( #NewEnglandPatriots , #EdmontonOilers , #NewYorkIslanders , #ChicagoBulls , #NewYorkYankees , #KanasaCityChiefs ) and you will see a group that has mastered this. The continued journey to understand how to be present and to focus on what you can control is a recipe for winning both as individuals and as teams. I believe in you, you should too! I believe in YOU, your friends, your family, your team, and the power of belief in e...
Feb 13, 2024•2 min
This took some practice, but I have it down now. However you want to carve out and spend an hour on you is up to you - there is no right way. But the benefits from investing time into yourself is well worth it. I've made a commitment to myself for this year to read every single day for a minimum of 20 minutes (most days I do a lot more). It has not only been enriching for me, but I generally look forward to it every day. I find myself excited to choose the next book I am going to read. Most impo...
Feb 09, 2024•3 min
Failure isnt fatal! Don't allow it to destroy your team, teammates or self. Use it to grow. I believe in you, you should too. I believe in YOU, your friends, your family, your team, and the power of belief in each other, and you should too. Tune into this micro podcast for bite size perspectives on trust, teamwork and life that will inspire and motivate you daily. Contact me anytime at GameSevenGroup.com...
Feb 05, 2024•2 min
Leading on the field starts well before the game begins. Here are three crucial tips for athletes as you prepare for game day: Preparation is Key : Before you even step onto the field, your preparation sets the tone. It’s about being mentally and physically ready for the game. This preparation involves understanding your game plan, conditioning your body, and mentally visualizing your performance. When you prepare thoroughly, you step onto the field with confidence and clarity. Give 100% Every P...
Dec 28, 2023•1 min•Season 1Ep. 76
Let's focus on a crucial aspect of team dynamics – how to lead effectively from the bench or sidelines when you're not actively in the game. Here are three key leadership tips for those moments: Massive Attention to Detail : Just because you're not on the field, ice, or court, doesn't mean your role is any less important. Stay acutely aware of what's happening in the game. You'd be surprised how much you can contribute from the sidelines. Your unique perspective can offer insights that coaches a...
Dec 27, 2023•1 min•Season 1Ep. 75
Alright, let's talk about how to present yourself as a champion at all times, not just when you're on the field. Here are three key tips to help you embody the spirit of a champion in every aspect of your life. Be Present : This is fundamental. Champions have the unique ability to live in the present moment. Forget about what has happened or what might happen; focus on the now. What’s happening right in front of you and what you can control is what truly matters. This level of mindfulness is wha...
Dec 26, 2023•1 min•Season 1Ep. 74
A lot can happen during the course of a sports season and you never know when life will play a role. As a coach, you have to prepare for all the curveballs life can throw at you and your players. I believe in your ability to handle those curveballs. I believe in you. You should too. I believe in YOU, your friends, your family, your team, and the power of belief in each other, and you should too. Tune into this micro podcast for bite size perspectives on trust, teamwork and life that will inspire...
Dec 25, 2023•1 min•Season 1Ep. 73
Let's talk about the tools you need when you're not in the game – those times between practices, after the game, or on your off days. These moments are crucial for your growth as an athlete, and here are three key areas to focus on. Continuous Learning and Preparation : This is your foundation. Always strive to learn more about your sport and yourself. Dive into studying your craft, discovering new strategies, and refining your skills. It’s about taking that initiative to make practice plans for...
Dec 24, 2023•1 min•Season 1Ep. 72
This isn't just about playing your sport; it's about making a real difference. Let me share a personal story. Back in college, my coach took us to read to underprivileged youth in an inner city. That experience has stayed with me forever. When we talk about a team's identity, one of the most powerful things you can do is engage with your community. Whether you're a professional team, a college squad, or a youth group, stepping into your community and offering assistance can be transformative. It...
Dec 23, 2023•1 min•Season 1Ep. 71
Maintaining an even-keel, steady emotional state amidst the highs and lows of life and the game is crucial. Here are three strategies to help you achieve that balance. Control Your Controllables : This is a game-changer. In every situation, focus on what's in your control. Remember, you have power over three things – your mindset, your effort, and what you consume, both mentally and physically. By focusing on these, you can navigate any situation with a clearer, more composed perspective. Embrac...
Dec 23, 2023•2 min•Season 1Ep. 70
Coaches and leaders, let’s dive into a critical aspect of team success: motivation. How do you ignite that drive in your team? The answer might be simpler than you think. It all starts with one fundamental action: ask what gets them going. Yes, ask your players directly how they're motivated. It sounds too straightforward, yet it's a strategy often overlooked, from professional sports down to youth leagues. A common pitfall in coaching is assuming you know the best way to motivate every player. ...
Dec 22, 2023•1 min•Season 1Ep. 69
Let's tackle a truth often overlooked: Mistakes are simply proof that you're trying. This is something I firmly believe in – the most successful people on Earth have failed more times than anyone else. They've faced more setbacks than you or I could imagine. And that's exactly why they've reached the heights they have. Here's the deal: if you're not prepared to risk failure, to embrace it as a learning opportunity, moving forward becomes a challenge. Don't let the fear of failure hold you back. ...
Dec 21, 2023•1 min•Season 1Ep. 68
In the world of sports and beyond, the term 'discipline' carries enormous weight. But let's get one thing straight – discipline is not a sometimes thing; it's an always thing. It's a relentless commitment, not an occasional convenience. When your team embraces discipline as a non-negotiable, in every game, every practice, every single moment, that's when true greatness begins to take shape. Think about it. Those big championship moments, those high-stakes games – they don't just test your skill,...
Dec 20, 2023•58 sec•Season 1Ep. 67
When it comes to selecting a manager or a leader within your organization, especially if you're at the helm, there are a few key qualities that you simply can't compromise on. The first one? Crystal-clear communication. I can't stress this enough – the root of almost every problem in a team is poor communication. If your leader can't communicate effectively, you’re setting up the whole team for failure. Next, look for someone who genuinely cares about the people in the team, not just the end pro...
Dec 19, 2023•1 min•Season 1Ep. 66
Do you fold laundry well? Do you take out the garbage well? Guess what? It matters... While we all need to take breaks from time to time, top-level people in any medium will tell you that they never turn "it" off. What's it? IT is the level of competitiveness, attention to detail, ethics, standards, and intensity someone brings to the table. It's really simple, the more you practice operating at that level, the better you will get and the more prepared you will be for big, game-changing moments....
Dec 17, 2023•2 min•Season 1Ep. 65
Jinxed! Gone Cold! Can't buy a goal! However you slice it, the Yips are hell! When you have the yips, sometimes your mind may discourage you from trying things like meditation or other practices you're not used to. Don't listen to it. I firmly believe the key to getting out of any slump is to get as present as possible. I also believe that the quality of questions you ask yourself during this time are equally important. "Why am I not playing well?" or "Why am I screwing up?" are not great questi...
Dec 16, 2023•2 min•Season 1Ep. 64
Ever have someone tell you that you, “need to find balance”? Sounds easy when you say it, but the truth is balance is often misinterpreted as calmness or all being right with the world. Balance is the ability to take the good, the bad, and everything in-between and to find the common ground where they all play a part in your life. Balance is like a see-saw; sometimes you can control the ups and downs, other times you can’t. But the more you ride, the easier it is to find the balance point. You c...
Dec 15, 2023•1 min•Season 1Ep. 63
Parkinson’s law has helped me a lot. Very simple, if you say you want to have something done in 3 hours you’ll get it done in three hours - if you say the same job will take 12 hours, it will take 12 hours. Now it’s not always true, but when I set deadlines for myself I tend to meet them or get a lot further ahead than I would have if I didn’t set them. You are capable of more than you think you are. Believe in yourself! Because… I believe in you, you should too. Share this episode with someone ...
Dec 14, 2023•1 min•Season 1Ep. 62
What do the yellow pages have to do with sports? Everything. For 100 years the yellow pages were the go-to source and gold standard if you needed to find a business.The result was the yellow pages becoming a multi-hundred billion dollar industry. Then, at the turn of the last century, a little player named Google entered the game. Within a decade, the century old giant was a shadow of itself while Google became one of the most profitable companies of all time, while the Yellow pages is now worth...
Dec 14, 2023•1 min•Season 1Ep. 61
Love what you do, and you will work EVERY day of your life. While there is truth in saying, "Love what you do and you won't work a day in your life.", it sets an unrealistic expectation on what it takes to make a dream come true. If you have a passion or a dream, you will do whatever it takes to bring that dream to fruition. That sometimes means a lack of sleep, that sometimes means pushing through when you're tired, that sometimes means losing friends that are bringing you down, and that someti...
Dec 12, 2023•1 min•Season 1Ep. 60
Character is something that we all own individually. While the development of character is built over time and from many factors (parenting, environment, experience, who you hang out with), owning it is up to you. The easiest way to examine your own character is to ask the question, “What actions do I take when no one is looking?” Whether you like the answer or not, don’t judge yourself too heavily. Simply pivot or stay on course with the type of person you want to be. Practice makes progress. H...
Dec 12, 2023•1 min•Season 1Ep. 59
“Making it” as a professional is an exciting and awesome accomplishment. With that said, that’s where the real work begins. - always be professional - always be a good person - always work your ass off You didn’t “make it” to stop now. Be the one to light up the night. I believe in you, you should too. Share this episode with someone who you think should hear it, and let others know that you believe in them when deserved. It’s a small thing we can all do to leave this place better than we found ...
Dec 10, 2023•2 min•Season 1Ep. 58
Groups that practice this have an incredibly higher rate of success. More importantly, they have a highly boosted state of morale. Team building is often mistaken for having a group meal or a planned, “voluntold” time to be together. In other words, “mandatory fun” We need to rethink what “team building” is. Team building should be the process of guiding your group members toward a common belief that they all share and buy into. Something that gives them purpose, community, and identity. Somethi...
Dec 09, 2023•2 min•Season 1Ep. 57
We all go through bad seasons. They are inevitable. It's so important that when these years do happen, you see them as an opportunity for yourself to grow. If you are not getting along with a coach, take these actions: 1. Try to open a line of communication. Establish trust and ask for point-blank feedback (Know where you stand) 2. Analyze your behavior and ask if you are doing anything to create the rift. 3. Focus on what you can control and be the best teammate and version of yourself to YOUR ...
Dec 08, 2023•1 min•Season 1Ep. 56
For some reason this is still a touchy subject… Most people are afraid or confused by what they don’t understand. I believe one of the largest problems we have today is that lack of awareness to our own inexperience. While it is impossible to see the world through someone else’s eyes, we can discuss and have conversations to better understand how they see the world. That saying, “Knowledge is power” is very true. Today, quick judgement seems to be the default response for every situation. I wish...
Dec 07, 2023•1 min•Season 1Ep. 55
Team Bonds naturally improve individual performance. One of the beautiful things about a bonded team, is the organic creation of purpose for teammates to look after and work hard for one another. Maximum performance in a team environment I not possible if a teammate isn’t giving their best for the team AND themselves. GREAT teammates make everyone around them better. GOOD teammates just do their part well. Imagine the power of ALL teammates working to be at their best and to make everyone around...
Dec 06, 2023•1 min•Season 1Ep. 54
How do you make being uncomfortable, comfortable? It is absolutely normal to avoid discomfort and failure. That's our basic survival instincts kicking in, but there's a level beyond that we can all tap into. I learned this from watching a documentary of the Navy Seals going through hell week at BUD/S. The candidates are put through mental and physical training that push them to their absolute limit as a human. Most do not pass - but some always do. In watching this, and similar training that oth...
Dec 06, 2023•1 min•Season 1Ep. 53
Looking back, I was EXTREMELY blessed to have two great professional loves in my life in hockey and broadcasting. I knew from a young age that I wanted to pursue both and, if possible, merge them together. While there were times in my career that the see-saw would tip more towards one profession than the other (or sometimes I was off the ride all together), it was all part of the journey towards where I am at today - in a place where I get to do what I love. Lean into what you love, if you are p...
Dec 04, 2023•1 min•Season 1Ep. 52
Patience is a virtue! It’s true. The thought of being patient isn’t always easy. But what I have learned to respect is the tremendous outcomes that are gifted through patience. In my life, I have found that when I rush or drag my feet (or leave the present moment), that is when most mistakes or unfavorable outcomes tend to live. When I am patient and analyze a situation, good things tend to happen. Another interesting thing about patience that they don’t tell you is that there isn’t a time limit...
Dec 03, 2023•2 min
