Working in an environment where I regularly see young, hungry athletes chasing their dreams provides me with many opportunities to help students realise that they are the ones who will ultimately have the biggest impact on their future. Yes we can coach, teach or mentor, but if a student does not … [Read more...] about Controlling your pivot points
Mindset
The importance of asking teenagers the right questions
It is customary to ask teenagers what they want to do as they ‘grow up’. They are often queried on topics such as what car they would like, how they see themselves as sportspersons, how successful they want to be. These are really very simple questions. Not many people want to drive a rusty 1982 … [Read more...] about The importance of asking teenagers the right questions
Is the gender gap finally closing?
Fifty years ago women were not allowed to run in a marathon. That changed in 1967 when at just 20 years of age Katherine Switzer registered to run in the Boston Marathon. She registered as "K.V. Switzer", a gender-neutral name with no intention of misleading officials. As the first woman registered … [Read more...] about Is the gender gap finally closing?
People Are Not Bears
People are not bears - clearly - however, a recent experience reminded me of a story which highlights the potential impact and power of reinforcement when interacting with others. The story goes like this (and it's a true story by the way): a man - let's call him Tasty - was walking in the woods … [Read more...] about People Are Not Bears
Mental Health
I think we all know about mental health issues and the ways in which they can impact on our lives. Or do we? We live in a world now that is moving so quickly and there is always so much happening. We are bombarded by so much in every aspect of our lives. This includes everything from our normal … [Read more...] about Mental Health
A Reminder to Look at Things Differently …
One of my favourite scenes from one of my favourite movies Dead Poets Society is when English teacher John Keating (played by the amazing Robin Williams) uses an engaging, simple and symbolic classroom exercise to remind his students to constantly look at things in a different way. He invites them … [Read more...] about A Reminder to Look at Things Differently …