W.I.N. Wednesday: Why you need to become a Whistle Blower.
While riding the exercise bike at home I like to listen to podcasts so I can exercise my mind as well as my body. This past Saturday I listened to an episode of Unlocking the Minds of Athletes podcast hosted by former NFL player Isaac Byrd. In this episode (#15) he was interviewing sports psychologist Stephen Walker.
One of the things that jumped out at me what his reference to What's Important Now? Since you are reading this blog you know that for the last 13 years I have been speaking and writing about What's Important Now? and referring to it as Life's Most Powerful Question.
During the interview Isaac asked Dr. Walker to talk about getting players to focus on "playing in the now". Dr Walker shared a story about Pat Summitt, the former coach of the Tennesse women's basketball team and the all time winningest coach in NCAA basketball history. He said Pat used to carry two whistles at practice. One was a sterling silver one she was given as a gift in recognition of one her many milestones and the other was a plain red whistle. The red whistle however, was the What's Important Now? whistle. During practice she would blow it at critical times and call out a player's name. That player had to immediately explain what their assignment was, where they should be on the court and what they should be doing. Brilliant.
How does this apply to you? You need to find your own version of the 'red whistle' and be your own Hall of Fame Coach. At key times in your day blow the imaginary red whistle on yourself. Ask yourself "What's Important Now? What do I need to be doing? How do I need to be thinking? What do I need to do at this moment to get myself back on track or refocused?"
You could carry a red whistle in your pocket to remind you or wear a W.I.N. wristband as a reminder. You could make yourself signs or posters with W.I.N. and the picture of a red whistle on it and place them in strategic places in your home and office as a constant reminder.
The key is to become a W.I.N. Whistle Blower for yourself.
If you are a coach consider teaching the W.I.N. Philosophy and having your own red whistle at practice.
As a leader create your version of the red W.I.N. whistle to use at meetings to get everyone refocused and back on task.
Take care.
Brian Willis
www.lifesmostpowerfulquestion.com
Maximizing human potential through Life's Most Powerful Question - What's Important Now?
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Contact me at winningmind@mac.com to arrange for me to speak to your team, your organization or at your next conference.
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