“We don’t control the events in life, and we don’t directly control the outcomes. But we always have control over how we choose to respond. How we respond means everything.”
– Urban Meyer, 3-Time National Champion Football Coach
These are unprecedented times.
The sudden spread of COVID-19 has turned all of our lives completely upside down. Two weeks ago, most of us were getting excited about March Madness, looking forward to spring break plans with family, or perhaps focusing on exciting new work projects. In a very short period of time, all those plans have been canceled or put on indefinite hold.
In times like this, we have to focus on making the best of things, moving forward, and doing our best to focus on solutions. The following five success techniques used by top achievers in the sports world can be of great benefit to helping us all cope with the current pandemic.
1) Remember the equation: Event + Response = Outcome.
Just like a sudden injury, the cancelation of a game, or a million other things we can’t control in sports or in life, this virus is not an Event you or I have any control over. We all must remember that while we don’t control this Event (and so many of the consequences it is creating), we do have total control over our Response to it. And how we Respond makes all the difference. Don’t make things worse by focusing on what you can’t control, stay focused only on what you CAN.
2) Don’t get overwhelmed with fear or worry.
Obviously, this is a very serious threat and it’s important to take extreme precautions. And yes, it’s only natural to worry about this pandemic. But don’t let yourself get consumed by worry. Fear, worry, and stress have all been proven to dramatically weaken your immune system. If you find yourself getting consumed by fear or worry, shift your focus to something you’re grateful for. Or, simply ask yourself, “Is this something I have any control over?” Asking that simple question will instantly snap you out of your worry and allow you to focus on something you can control.
3) Know that this will pass.
Every problem is temporary. Remember that. Obviously, this is a bigger problem than what most of us are used to. But big or small, all problems are only temporary. Like every other problem, this will not be a permanent problem. This too shall pass. Don’t lose sight of that fact. And don’t forget about your future goals and dreams for when this problem passes.
4) Attack and adapt.
There will continue to be unforeseen consequences that come from this Event, but have confidence in yourself. Keep moving forward and know that you have what it takes to adapt and overcome whatever consequences you may face in the future. It’s often said that God will not give you any problem that He doesn’t also give you the strength to overcome. Believing that will strengthen you and build your confidence.
5) Feed your mind something positive.
It’s important to stay up to date on the news in times like this, but don’t let the news be all-consuming. I know this is hard. The constant stream of news can be addictive. But you have to remember that most of the news is going to be negative (no matter what is going on) and if you’re constantly feeding yourself negative information over and over again, it will be impossible not to be negative, fearful, and worried.
The most effective way to limit the negativity you let into your mind is to fill your mind with something positive instead.
As an avid reader with a stack of books I’ve been meaning to get to, I’m using this hunker-down time as a reading retreat. In our busy world, too often we can be made to feel guilty for blocking off an afternoon to read (even on the weekends). If nothing else, this hunker-down period gives everyone a great excuse to do some reading.
Just make sure you’re reading something positive. Something that will help you grow as a person. (As much as I love many of Stephen King’s novels, now might not be the best time to read The Stand.)
If there’s one book I have written that is best suited for right now, it’s probably Old School GRIT.
Like many of you, I’m devastated by the cancellation of the NCAA basketball tournament. March Madness is a cherished tradition for me and my family, something we all look forward to every year.
While nothing can bring back the tournament in 2020, Old School GRIT is a story set during March Madness. It follows a legendary coach as his underdog team plays through one last NCAA tournament. All the while, this coach uses his final days in coaching to record and share his most valuable life lessons. These are lessons on persevering, handling adversity, dealing with things you can’t control, remembering what is most important in life—all lessons that are extremely helpful in times like this.
I invite you to read Old School GRIT or any of my other inspirational books as we all try to get through this unprecedented period. My books are set in the world of sports (something we’re all dearly missing right now) and each book is designed to encourage, empower, and inspire you.
I can’t think of a time when we’re more in need of feeding our minds such material.
THINK LIKE A CHAMPION:
“I am happy. I am strong. I am healthy. I know that I have the strength to overcome any adversity that comes my way.”
