The Quote

“Discipline is one of things that makes a good player a great player” – Tom Landry (Former Coach Dallas Cowboys)

The Lesson

It goes without saying in a game like rugby you need to be disciplined when you play the game. Discipline however is a much wider attribute if you want to be a top performer. Self-discipline is crucial to every aspect of your preparation. The discipline to train with a consistently high level of effort and commitment, the discipline to motivate yourself to push yourself further on those days when you don’t feel like training. Discipline is everything if you want to be the best you can be.

The Action

I will be disciplined in every aspect of preparation and performance.

The Quote

“A loss never bothered me, it opened the door for me to get better” – Walter Payton (NFL Hall of Fame)

The Lesson

A loss is never fatal, it’s simply an opportunity to reflect and workout how to go forward and become a better player. If we shrug it off or worse still let it destroy our self confidence then we will never improve and defeat will become more frequent.

The Action

I will look at every loss as an opportunity to improve.

The Quote

“Getting to the top was one thing, staying at the top was an even tougher assignment” – Barry McGuigan (Former Irish Boxing Champion)

The Lesson

When we start off playing the game our dream is most likely to make it to the top. For those who are willing to make the sacrifices and put in the work they may well achieve their goals. However, staying at the top is even tougher than actually getting there in the first place. Every time you play you will need to meet the challenge of someone trying to knock you off the top. You will need to perform at a consistently high level if you wish to maintain your status. This not only requires even greater effort and sacrifice, but also a strong resolve and will to win

The Action

I will not be satisfied by getting to the top – I will do what is necessary to stay there.

The Quote

“I look for players who deliver when the pressure is on, they are the real winners” – Bill Shankly (Former Liverpool Soccer Manager)

The Lesson

It’s a lot easier producing an outstanding performance when there is no pressure on, or the opposition is poor. Doing the same in big games against quality opposition is not as easy. Those players who do produce in these circumstances are usually the ones with the greatest self belief. Belief that comes from knowing they have done the work on the training pitch day in and day out.

The Action

I will thrive on pressure, and deliver when it matters.

The Quote

“Winning isn’t everything, but wanting to win is” – Vince Lombardi (NFL Coaching Legend)

The Lesson

Winning is very important and although we should never forget that we should remember that the desire to win is even more important. That desire is what we will draw on when it seems impossible to win, or when defeat has become inevitable. It’s at this point that we can display some resolve and mental toughness when others around us may well have thrown the towel in. It’s at these times we can show that relentless competitive edge that can set us apart from the rest.

The Action

Every time I take the field my desire to win will be unshakable.

The Quote

“I don’t remember my best games, I played on autopilot”- Kevin Keegan (Former England Soccer Player)

The Lesson

It’s often the case with great sportsman that they cannot remember what they did in their best performances. Many talk about being in the “zone” mentally. A state when everything they do seems so natural and everything they try comes off. This does not happen by accident it is the result of great physical and more importantly great mental preparation.

The Action

I will try to make sure I am in the “zone” mentally to produce my best.

The Quote

“When someone says you will never achieved that or you can’t do that. My mindset is that I’ll prove them wrong”- Patrick Viera (Former French Soccer Captain)

The Lesson

When it comes to motivation we sometimes need to have people they think we can’t do something. It’s just the kick up the backside we need to go out there and prove then wrong. The truth is we do not know ourselves what we are truly capable of if we put in that extra effort and commitment.

The Action

I will always prove the doubters wrong.

The Quote

“Defeat doesn’t eat away at me like it used to do. I view it as an opportunity to get better” – John McEnroe (US Tennis Icon)

The Lesson

Losing is going to happen, learning from defeat is not necessarily going to happen. It will only happen if there is a genuine desire to reflect on your performance and draw out what needs to be done to improve. Even then there are no guarantees in sport. But if you are prepared to continue to work hard and have the determination to do so, you will improve.

The Action

I will reflect on defeat and move on and become a better player.