Sports for the Soul

The winner of 18 major championships (along with 10 more on the Champions Tour), Jack Nicklaus is considered the greatest golfer of all time.

Off the course, Nicklaus is a champion as well. He runs a hugely-successful business, he raises millions for charity every year, and he’s a true family man with a 56-year marriage and five children who all remain close. In 2005, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Here’s what this mega-achiever says is an important key to his success, both on and off the golf course…  [continue reading…]

Muhammad Ali once said, “It’s the repetition of affirmations that leads to belief. And once that belief becomes a deep conviction, things begin to happen.”

Numerous studies over the years confirm that Ali was right. Affirmations change the way we think about ourselves and the world around us. When we change the way we think, it changes the type of results we’re able to achieve.

When used correctly, affirmations can make the difference in whether you succeed or fail at the long-term goals that are important to you. They can also make an instant difference in whether you feel good or bad about yourself in the present moment.

But what is the correct way to use affirmations? Renowned sports psychologist Jim Afremow offers the following crucial advice on how to use affirmations… [continue reading…]

The ancient Greeks believed that to achieve true fulfillment, one had to constantly work to improve himself mentally, physically, and spiritually. Today, it could be argued that the sports world is the last place where all three of these success components are so unapologetically intertwined.

While it’s become politically incorrect to talk about the spiritual side of success in most modern institutions, you’ll find that achievers in the sports world have no problem openly promoting the important role that spirituality plays in their success.

I believe this is because the sports world is so driven by results that achievers promote what works, regardless of whether it’s considered politically correct or popular. If it works, they use it. If it doesn’t work, they don’t. Period.

Hall of Fame running back Emmitt Smith talks openly about the role that his spiritual faith plays in his accomplishments. In the following passage, Smith reveals the crucial role he believes God has in whether our biggest dreams will come true… [continue reading…]

Not only do you owe it to yourself to develop and maintain a positive attitude, but you also owe it to those around you. A negative attitude not only limits YOUR chances of success, but it also negatively affects everyone you come into contact with.

Bestselling author, speaker, and performance coach Jon Gordon explains… [continue reading…]

You’ll never become the person you were meant to be if you let fear be the motivating force behind your thoughts and actions.

Fear is a powerful motivator; there’s no question about that. But more often than not, making decisions based on fear instead of faith, confidence, and passion will lead you down a dark path where your true dreams never come true.

Augie Garrido, the winningest baseball coach in NCAA Division I history, offers this eye-opening advice on the importance of eliminating fear… [continue reading…]