On June 26, 2011, I had the most amazing competitive night of my life (we could actually remove “competitive”; it was amazing, period). I fought and beat Rick Story on a national stage when the whole world, minus three people, thought I would get annihilated.
I tell you that story to highlight an important point. This morning, I started reading Phil Jackson’s book Eleven Rings. In it, he chronicles his leadership style, one that led his teams to eleven NBA championships.
He talks about his environment growing up, where he had a multitude of religious influences put on him at a young age. Some of it stuck with him while some of it didn’t. In the end, though, he said that he was hesitant to expose those influences to his players for fear of them thinking he was “wacky.”
Eventually, he “arrived at a synthesis that felt authentic to me.” The rest is history.
On June 26, 2011, I had reached a synthesis that felt authentic to me, as well. I was a wrestler, fighting. I was happy with that truth. I had the most amazing night of my competitive life.
Later in my career, though, I forgot that truth. The rest is history.
Lead from the inside out. Find your synthesis that feels authentic to you.
Put in the work and trust your gut. Enjoy today’s AM Excellence 182 “Another Great Leader.” We expound upon Phil Jackson’s leadership truth. Listen here.
Subscribe to A Fighter’s Mindset – The Spaniard Podcast to have every AM Excellence, as well as podcast episode, sent straight to your phone. It’s easy. I promise. Here’s a pictorial on how to subscribe.
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About the author : cbrenneman
Three days after the birth of his second child, The Spaniard discusses Fathership (a Spaniard term): his gratitude, his hopes, his plans, and how little he and his wife are sleeping. What does this mean for you? The tale involving Sheetz will make you think about the power of example. The discussion of summer camp and iffy acquaintances will help you watch for good and bad influences. The story in the hospital will alert you to opportunities to make simple, difficult decisions for growth. Whatever your relationship to parenting—past, present, future, never—there are thoughts here to help you put your arms around what matters most to you. Also: The three inspirations for the new baby’s name!
Three days after the birth of his second child, The Spaniard discusses Fathership (a Spaniard term): his gratitude, his hopes, his plans, and how little he and his wife are sleeping. What does this mean for you? The tale involving Sheetz will make you think about the power of example. The discussion of summer camp and iffy acquaintances will help you watch for good and bad influences. The story in the hospital will alert you to opportunities to make simple, difficult decisions for growth. Whatever your relationship to parenting—past, present, future, never—there are thoughts here to help you put your arms around what matters most to you. Also: The three inspirations for the new baby’s name!
Latest videos
It’s host versus co-host. The Spaniard finds competition essential while Dread questions that. The Spaniard gives a wrestler’s and fighter’s appreciation of flesh-and-blood opponents: how they have shaped him, how they have often obsessed him, and how he sometimes has to search for their equivalents. The conversation highlights how competitors personify high standards and how the highest performance might require a winner and a loser. Also: Will baby Rocky let The Spaniard work out?
It’s host versus co-host. The Spaniard finds competition essential while Dread questions that. The Spaniard gives a wrestler’s and fighter’s appreciation of flesh-and-blood opponents: how they have shaped him, how they have often obsessed him, and how he sometimes has to search for their equivalents. The conversation highlights how competitors personify high standards and how the highest performance might require a winner and a loser. Also: Will baby Rocky let The Spaniard work out?
It’s host versus co-host. The Spaniard finds competition essential while Dread questions that. The Spaniard gives a wrestler’s and fighter’s appreciation of flesh-and-blood opponents: how they have shaped him, how they have often obsessed him, and how he sometimes has to search for their equivalents. The conversation highlights how competitors personify high standards and how the highest performance might require a winner and a loser. Also: Will baby Rocky let The Spaniard work out?
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