Three Unexpected Lessons from Kobra Kai
Sep 22, 2022 6:09 pm
Hello,
I have a fun one for you below as I take some lessons from the Netflix show Cobra Kai and apply them to your performance.
Then I introduce you to Running in Silence, a wonderful organization to address eating disorders and athletes.
And finally, I head out on that retreat in a couple of hours. I appreciate the prayers.
Enjoy the weekend,
Dr Eddie
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Lessons from Cobra Kai
I'm super excited for Cobra Kai Season5 on Netflix. So I thought it was time to resend this popular #MTin60sec video ... I'm only a few episodes in, so no spoilers!!!!
Cobra Kai’s mantra of “Strike First. Strike Hard. No Mercy.” has a lot to teach us about mental toughness.
‘Strike First’ is about demonstrating initiative. It is about being a leader. In practice, you set the pace and intensity. In competition, you have plan and execute it rather than reacting to your opponents and letting them dictate the game.
‘Strike Hard' is all about giving 100% effort. Full commitment to your training, no matter how hard it gets. Having a focus plan, a strategic action plan and performance routines and consistently executing them with full commitment to each step. There is no room for less than your best in excellence.
‘No Mercy’ is about developing a killer instinct. Don’t worry about embarrassing your opponent or running up the score. The goal is to win, not protect their feelings. On offense, your job is to score points. On defense, it is to stop them from scoring. This isn’t personal. It is simply the nature of the game and why we play. Respect the sport enough to always bring your full intensity. Respect your opponents enough to kick their butt. It’s insulting when you “take it easy” on someone and toy with them. You develop poor habits of letting your foot off the gas and only doing “just enough” to win. Worst of all, you risk building their confidence by gifting them some success and letting them back into the game, risking your loss.
If karate isn't your thing, I've got mental training for you inside Success Stories Membership. ;-)
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Running In Silence
Many thanks to Rachael Steil for here kind words and the positive impact she is having on our athlete's mental health.
I highly recommend her book Running in Silence and her speaking to educate athletes on disordered eating, anxiety and perfectionism.
From her website www.runninginsilence.org:
"Athletes are 2-3 times more likely to develop an eating disorder than the general population. Yet coaches, teammates, parents, and even athletes who struggle themselves are often unable to see it in a world where discipline, determination, and “no pain, no gain” attitude can lend themselves to disordered thoughts and behaviors around food and exercise.
Eating disorders are not visible in appearance, and athletes who eat “extremely healthy” may struggle with an unhealthy mindset. Athletes end up falling into injuries, other eating disorder patterns like binge eating and bulimia, or “permanent physical damage that, in some cases, can be career-ending or life-threatening.”
Unfortunately, coaches are left in the dark, with little training required, and unknowingly perpetuate misconceptions surrounding eating disorders. These issues are well hidden yet extremely prevalent. Meanwhile, athletes continue running in silence for fear of the shame, stigma, and confusion surrounding this difficult topic.
Our mission is to raise awareness and offer actionable steps through engaging and motivational presentations, encourage athletes to speak up about their own struggles, and help coaches navigate a piece of the sporting world that has been hidden for far too long."
... I'm excited to introduce you to this valuable resource.
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A Prayer Request
I head out for my DeColores retreat in a few hours (with no phone or internet, so I'll get back to you Monday if you reach out).
I remain excited for what God will have for me this weekend, and how I can serve him better by serving you better.
Many thanks for your continued support and prayers,
Dr E
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Dr. Eddie O’Connor
