Darrin Donnelly
Mar 23, 2021
“Spring training means flowers, people coming outdoors, sunshine, optimism, and baseball. Spring training is a time to think about being young again.” – Ernie Banks, 14-Time MLB All-Star
Spring is here and the 2021 version of the “season of renewal” carries extra significance—it marks the one-year anniversary of when everybody’s life was completely upended by COVID-19. After a year that blindsided everyone with heaps of stress, worry, and fear, there is light at the end of the tunnel.
I love the Ernie Banks quote above because it points out that spring (especially for baseball lovers) is the annual opportunity to hit the mental “reset button” and embrace a new season of hope and optimism. After the year we’ve all had, it’s even more important to turn the page and look forward with hope.
How you approach the future is a choice. No matter what has happened in the past, you can choose to look forward with hope or fear. The choice you make will affect everything you experience in the months and years ahead. [continue reading…]
Darrin Donnelly
Nov 10, 2020
“Don’t pretend to be someone you’re not. Just be yourself and do your job as best you can.”
– Bobby Bowden, 2-Time National Champion Coach
When studying high achievers, it’s interesting to note that there is no single personality type or leadership style that guarantees success. However, there are a few common characteristics that all successful people share.
Look no further than the two most dominant college football coaches in recent history for an example of this fact.
At Alabama, Nick Saban leads the Crimson Tide with a more reserved, business-like approach. At Clemson, Dabo Swinney leads the Tigers with a more spirited, fun-loving approach. Both coaches have built elite championship programs with approaches that, on the surface, look much different. [continue reading…]
Darrin Donnelly
Jul 21, 2020
A few months ago, I had the privilege of interviewing Barry Switzer. I interviewed the Hall of Fame coach for research and guidance on a book I’m working on. (The book will be No. 6 in the Sports for the Soul series.)
Our interview covered numerous topics that will be featured in my upcoming book, such as how to build self-confidence, how to turn things around when adversity strikes, and how to attack each day with a fun, joyful attitude. As we talked about these important subjects, we also talked about the single biggest topic on everyone’s mind at the moment: the uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. [continue reading…]
Darrin Donnelly
Jun 2, 2020
“I always look at a negative and turn it into a positive. I try to teach my kids: just take that negative, learn from it, and turn it into a positive.
…
Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others MAKE it happen.”
– Michael Jordan, 14-Time NBA All-Star, 6-Time NBA Champion
We are living through a moment in history when the value of “positive thinking” is being put to the test.
Halfway through the year, it’s looking like 2020 will be remembered for all the wrong reasons. The COVID-19 pandemic has turned our way of life upside down, unemployment rates have skyrocketed, and protests and riots have occurred all across the nation over yet another horrible and senseless tragedy.
Most of us are feeling overwhelmed by the negative events that seem out of our control.
You may find yourself asking questions like, “How can I think positive at a time like this? What good can positive thinking really do right now?” [continue reading…]
Darrin Donnelly
Mar 18, 2020
“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. [continue reading…]
Darrin Donnelly
Nov 7, 2019
“Don’t pick a career for money or some other reason. Do what you love, because it will never feel like work. … If there is something that’s your passion when you’re young, do it. Let everything else take care of itself.”
– Bill Belichick, 6-Time Super Bowl-Winning Coach
When you listen to highly-successful people give life advice, again and again you hear a common message: do what you love and chase a dream you’re passionate about.
You hear this advice from achievers in every field. Not only from great coaches like Bill Belichick, but also from entrepreneurs, businesspeople, artists, scientists, teachers—successful people in nearly every line of work.
Those that follow career paths they are passionate about are not only much happier than everyone else, but they also end up more successful. [continue reading…]
