Self-esteem can't win you a race if you're not in shape. - Louis Zamperini (former World Record holder for the mile run)

 There is no substitute for practice and preparation. Every athlete knows this. It also applies to nearly every other field of human endeavor. Musicians spend far more time practicing than performing. Airplane pilots spend enough time training in simulators that when an in-flight crisis occurs they will respond quickly and accurately.

The successes that result from th...

Continue reading ...

It doesn’t matter how talented and intelligent you are if you aren’t around when the opportunities occur.  The opportunities and promotions will go to the people who can be counted on to be there to complete the task.  There are some days that I show up and wonder if my presence has done any good and there are other days when I get a chance to really shine.  I never call be sure which kind of day tomorrow will be.  I come to school every day so I don’t miss out on the great days.

...

Continue reading ...

Happily our local School Board elections were won by the candidates who have been putting more time and effort into helping students than to promoting themselves.
         (Beaver in Grand Tetons N>P>)

Chasing fame and success is like trying to reach the end of the rainbow.  It is a vague target that may appear in many different places.  The people who end up being successful are usually working toward a more specific goal, like being the best is their chosen field.

...

Continue reading ...

Successful performances start in our minds.  We have to image ourselves doing something before our brain can issue the commands that get our bodies moving correctly.  Mental rehearsals are a major part of the preparation that top athletes and stage performers do to get ready for their events.

Continue reading ...

No single strength will get a driver to victory lane.  It takes a winning combination.  Disney came up with his list while making movies, but it seems to apply to racing as well.

·         Curiosity:  Drivers are always experimenting with their cars, trying to figure out what works best in different conditions.

·         Confidence: Drivers need to be confident not only about their own ability, but also have confidence in their fellow drivers. (A major difference between racing and driv...

Continue reading ...

 (Bald Eagle with a broken wing)

This quote is from a cartoon character who has a wooden leg.  That doesn’t really make him different from other people; we all have imperfections.  His physical problem may be more visible than some of our other weaknesses, but none of us are good at everything, so there is no reason to be ashamed of who we are or who we are related to.  Shame or pride should only be side effects of what we actually do.

Continue reading ...

Nobody can be the best at everything, but each of us has some strong points.  One key to personal success is making the most of our strengths so we have an area of true excellence.  One key to successful leadership is recognizing the strengths of others so our group can reap the benefits of their excellence.

Don’t pay too much attention to averages.  Many people drown in rivers that have an average depth of less than two feet when they step out of the part that is few inches deep and fal...

Continue reading ...