Dr. Bob Rotella has had the privilege to work with elite athletes & executives around the world for decades. The longer he worked with elite individuals, the more he realized how much they have in common.

Use these top five lessons to learn how champions think and start creating the life you truly want;

1. Build Your Self Image | How Champions Think

As Dr. Maxwell Maltz said in his epic personal development book, Psycho-Cybernetics, “The self-image is the key to human personality and human behavior. Change the self-image and you change the personality and the behavior.”

Dr. Bob Rotella agrees and speaks at length of the importance of building a positive self-image. To be a champion, you have create the image of a winner before it actually manifests in your life. You can’t expect it to happen overnight either.

To build a self-image you need to first identify who you want to become. Then, adopt and practice the habits and rituals of that person. Make a plan each day to get one step closer to your future self.

The more promises you keep to yourself, the more you will build your self-image and ultimately self-respect over time.

2. Channel a Growth Mindset | How Champions Think

Success at extraordinary levels is impossible with a fixed mindset. To be a true champion in life, you have to adopt a growth mindset. You have to believe that you can overcome anything, learn the skills, and produce the results you want.

When you channel a growth mindset, you can take on the two qualities Dr. Bob says is necessary to become a champion — optimism and confidence.
 

3. Trust The Process | How Champions Think

Champions understand that success isn’t a straight line. They set a goal, make a plan, and trust the process.

When things go wrong they don’t have shiny object syndrome. Instead, they stay committed to the plan and process.

As Eric Thomas aka “ET The Hip Hop Preacher” said, “Trust the process, don’t rush the process.”

4. Fail Your Way to Success | How Champions Think

Champions accept failure as a stepping stone to success. They don’t see a failure as a dead end, instead, they use it as a learning lesson.

Champions in any arena of life know that is an e a choice to take pride in their persistence and patience. They understand setbacks are inevitable. But they don’t take them personally or let them diminish their belief in themselves. 

To think like a champion you have to use failure as fuel to take your life to the next level.

5. Surround Yourself With People Who Make You Better

No one ever accomplished anything great alone. Champions know they need a team to make them compete at the highest level.

Look around in business and sports and it’s evident. Arguably the most successful hedge fund manager ever, Ray Dalio, has worked with high-performance coach Tony Robbins for 30 years. Tiger Woods, Michael Jordan, and Tom Brady all surround themselves with the best coaches and trainers in the world.

If you want to be a champion you have to guard your inner circle and make sure everyone is helping you towards your goals.

Remember, if you want to be a champion in life, you have to start by creating the right image of yourself and pair it with the right mindset. Once you start there the rest of the process will be much easier.

The post Top Sports Psychologist Explains How Champions Think appeared first on Fearless Motivation - Motivational Videos & Music.

Having made his debut in the top flight at just 17 for the once mighty Parma FC, it was clear that Buffon was a gifted individual, rarely does such raw talent, passion and professionalism combine. Gianluigi actually begin his youth career as a midfielder at age 13, but after being inspired by Cameroonian goalkeeper Thomas N’Kono‘s heroic performances during the 1990 World Cup in Italy and with both of the Parma youth goalkeepers suffering injuries Gigi stepped up.

Gianluigi Buffon fulfilled his destiny and within just 2 weeks he had already taken over as number 1 youth prospect. A position he held until he began training with the first team at age 16, the following season Gigi made his Serie A debut against eventual champions AC Milan despite being just 17 years and 295 days old he performed like a warrior, making big saves against the legendary Roberto Baggio and George Weah both of whom would go on to collect Ballon d’Or’s in their respective careers.

Gianluigi Buffon went on to win the UEFA cup, Supercoppa Italiana, 2 x Serie A goalkeeper of the year as well as his first Ballon d’Or nomination and a runner up finish in the Serie A to the mighty Juventus. It took a world record fee of €52 million to convince Parma to sell Buffon to Juventus in 2001, which remained Juventus largest transfer fee paid until the purchase of Gonzalo Higuain 15 years later.

2001 – World Record Transfer

What followed was a reign of dominance as Juventus had the best defence in world football at a time when the Serie A was at it’s dizzying heights of popularity, the entire Juventus squad was littered with world beaters. In Buffon’s first season Juventus went on to collect the Scudetto with ease with Gigi collecting his third Serie A goalkeeper of the year award.

2002-2003 – Heroics & Heartbreak

In his second season Juventus reached the Champions League final against rival Serie A powerhouse AC Milan, despite saving two penalties in the shoot-out and putting in a heroic performance, including a freakish reaction save after a close range header from the clinical Pippo Inzaghi in regulation time as Pippo looked on in utter disbelief. Juventus lost the final in heartbreaking fashion, which would become a recurring theme over the coming decade.

On the way to the final Buffon also saved a Luis Figo penalty to go past Real Madrid in the semi finals 4-3 on aggregate. Juventus claimed the Serie A title again that year with the best defence in the league and Buffon collect another Serie A goalkeeper of the year award. But the pain from the Champions League defeat still lingered.

2004-2005 – Bump in the Road

Buffon’s third season with Juventus was disappointing as they could only achieve a third place finish in Serie A amid internal unrest at the club. With Marcelo Lippi leaving to coach the national team Fabio Capello stepped in to restore order and the Old Lady responded with Buffon claiming his 3rd Serie A title in 4 years. Juventus were knocked out in the quarter finals of the Champions League against eventual winners Liverpool who had destiny on their side as they won the final despite being 3-0 down at half time against the might of AC Milan.

2006 – Injury to World Champion

Buffon suffered a dislocated shoulder during a preseason training match against AC Milan and missed half of the season. Milan loaned Juventus Christian Abbiati to replace Buffon in a great show of sportsmanship against their great rival. A decision they came to regret as Juventus again claimed the Serie A title.

Buffon returned in January more driven than ever as he collected his 4th Serie A title, such were his performances he collected his third IFFHS World’s Best Goalkeeper & 6th Serie A Best Goalkeeper award. Buffon’s form continued into the World Cup as Italy reached the final and played out a thrilling match against France despite having a goal disallowed and a penalty awarded against them in the first 5 minutes, the Italians never lost faith. The passion overflowed as the legendary Zinedine Zidane saw red after head butting Italy’s Marco Materazzi in one of the World Cup’s more bizarre but memorable moments.

Despite this the match remained level at 1-1 as both teams gave everything. Unable to break the deadlock the match went to penalties Italy kept their nerve to lift their 4th World Cup trophy. In recognition for his performances during this season Buffon finished second in the Ballon d’Or behind compatriot Fabio Cannavaro.

“On the field I defend our colours.” – Gianluigi Buffon

In May of 2006, several Juventus players including Buffon, were accused of illegally betting on Serie A matches. Buffon voluntarily co-operated and agreed to be questioned by authorities. He vehemently denied ever placing bets on Italian football matches. Ultimately Buffon was cleared of any wrong-doing by the Italian Football Federation by June of 2007.

“I believe in doing the right things; that is my character and personality.” – Gianluigi Buffon

Part of this investigation resulted in the Calciopoli scandal in which several teams were accused of influencing the appointment of referees. Despite not having much evidence Juventus were relegated to Serie B and docked 9 points which was ment to make it more difficult for them to gain promotion to Serie A in their first season. What the Italian Federation didn’t count on was the loyalty of the Juventus players, whom refused to vacate the club and were determined to return them to their rightful place at the pinnacle of Italian football.

Buffon stayed with Juventus along with Del Piero, Nedved & Trezeguet which saw them gain legend status as a result of their fierce loyalty. With these stars still at their disposal Juventus went on to win Serie B and gain promotion straight back to Serie A.

2007-2010 – Calciopoli Struggles

Cladio Ranieri took the helm on Juventus’ return to Serie A, after losing much of the quality in their squad they finished a respectable third. Ranieri could not return Juventus to their former dominance and after a string of bad results was sacked. over the next few years Juventus struggled to reach the top of Serie A with a number of questionable managerial appointments after Ferrara, Zaccheroni and Delneri all failed to ascend the Serie A table. It wasn’t until Antonio Conte was appointed and Juventus relocated to the newly built Juventus Stadium that their fortunes improved.

“I have not lost an awful lot in my life, but the defeats have taught me more than the victories.” – Gianluigi Buffon

2011-2018 – Era of Domination

With Conte as manager, Juventus went unbeaten for the entire 2011–12 Serie A season. The first team to go the season unbeaten in the current 38-game format. As underwhelming as the previous 4 years were, 2011 onwards saw an unprecedented era of dominance from the Old Lady who went on to win 8 Serie A titles including the latest & Gianluigi Buffon’s last in 2018. Smashing numerous records along the way. They also reached another Champions League final against Barcelona which they lost 1-3 continuing the ‘curse’ of the Champions League which is the one major trophy Buffon has failed to win in line with Juventus’ historic bad luck in the competition. Despite reaching the final 9 times, Juventus have only lifted the trophy on 2 occasions.

Most recently in the 2018 semi final against Real Madrid, Juventus were on the receiving end of a controversial penalty decision in the last seconds of the match after coming back from 3-0 down, the match was about to go to extra time. In the ensuing melee after the referees questionable decision. Buffon was sent off for apparently pushing the referee. Effectively ending his career in bizarre a circumstance as Zidane over a decade before him. Not only was it strange that Zidane was the current coach of Real Madrid, but Gianluigi Buffon also made this quote when asked about his retirement in 2017;

“How do I imagine my last ever game? Maybe I’ll go out like Zinedine Zidane, head-butting someone on the pitch!” – Gianluigi Buffon

All eyes are on Gianluigi as this season draws to a close the transfer speculation has been wild, as a plethora of clubs have come forward all clambering for his services, such is his influence and respect on and off the field. Only time will tell what Gigi’s next move will be, the only thing for certain is that he will give his all with class and dignity wherever he ends up.

“In Italy we all know what it means to have balls: strength and determination.” – Gianluigi Buffon

The post Heart of a Champion Gianluigi Buffon Greatest Moments, History & Quotes appeared first on Fearless Motivation - Motivational Videos & Music.

Michael Phelps is a beast. When someone enters the debate for greatest athlete of all time you know you are dealing with a beast. Michael Phelps is the most decorated Olympian in human history with 23 gold medals (28 total medals). He was the most successful athlete for four Olympics in a row. Phelps has set 39 world records, more than anyone in history.

Bob Bowman, Michael Phelps’ lifetime coach described Michael as “a solitary man” with a “rigid focus.” Michael describes Bob who has coached him since he was 11 years old as a “drill sergeant” because of his disciplined and regimented ways. Phelps has relocated numerous times, to stay under the tutelage of Bob, whose demanding ways bring the best out of him.

Michael Phelps’s drive is complimented by his physique, standing at 6’4 (193cm) with a wing span (arm length) of 6’7 (201cm). His size 14 feet are ‘hypermobile’ or double jointed, his ankles can extend beyond the pointe of a ballet dancer, which enables him to whip his feet like a fish tail, propelling his frame through the water.

“Perseverance, determination, commitment, and courage – those things are real. The desire for redemption drives you.”

“I knew I was not a failure in any way, and so did those close to me. It doesn’t matter if you fall short; it is never a failure to go after goals with everything you’ve got.”

There is no shame in failing, as long as you give your all. Dust yourself off and go again.

“When I feel tired, I just think about how great I will feel, once I finally reach my goal.”

Motivation is temporary. Discipline is what separates the ordinary from the extraordinary.

“There are always going to be obstacles that come in your way, STAY POSITIVE”

“If I didn’t swim my best, I’d think about it at school, at dinner, with my friends. It would drive me crazy.

Are you obsessed? Let your goals become your obsession. If you want to be a champion

“Dream as big as you can dream, and anything is possible.”

If you can see it, you can achieve it.

“Nothing is impossible.”

“I found something I love… and never gave up!”

Find your passion. If you can find something you love, the work will come much easier for you.

“People say to me, You’re so lucky. You get to see the world. But I don’t. I go to the hotel and the pools and back again. THAT’S IT.”

Successful people are always looked at as ‘lucky’. But only by people that don’t know what it is to be dedicated. If you want something bad enough you are going to have to sacrifice a lot of comfort to get it.

“The one thing that’s common to all successful people. They make a habit of doing things that unsuccessful people don’t like to do.”

“I want to be able to look back say, “I’ve done everything I can, and I was succesful”. I don’t want to look back and say I should have done this or that.”

Don’t grow old wishing you had done more. Don’t quit until you have nothing left. Then go again and again.

“I think goals should never be easy, they should force you to work, even if they are uncomfortable at the time.”

The most growth happens under the most demand. Demand more from yourself. Push yourself to go beyond your perceived limits and you’re development will sky rocket.

“If you’re not serious about training, conditioning, and practice. You’re not serious about being your best.”

Whether your in the business world or sporting world, or just want more out of life. You health is key to your energy, vitality and ultimately your production.

“I can’t remember the last day I didn’t train.”

If your catch phrase its the opposite of this. You’ve got a lot of work to do..

“Things won’t go perfect. It’s all about how you adapt from those things and learn from mistakes.”

Life isn’t perfect. There’s always going to be things that go wrong. Mistakes are the best way to learn, don’t beat yourself up instead focus on what you can learn from it. You won’t make the same mistake again.

“I want to test my maximum and see how much I can do. And I want to change the world”

What would happen if you gave your all? I mean really you gave everything in your work, health, diet, relationships? I dare you to try it. You will never look back.

“So many people along the way, whatever it is you aspire to do, will tell you it can’t be done. But all it takes is imagination.”

There’s always going to be people that say it can’t be done. Prove them wrong.

The post Michael Phelps “You Have To Have A Dream” 5 Rules for Success & Killer Quotes appeared first on Fearless Motivation - Motivational Videos & Music.