1. Commitments To Excellence Lesson 6
Goal: Improve performance by increasing level of commitment to excellence

2. http://failblog.org/2010/11/02/epic-fail- photos-soccer-goalie-fail/
It takes commitment to throw yourself at an incoming ball. A half-hearted player who only gives a half-hearted effort will find himself very far away from “closing the gap” to their true potential.

3. Commitment to Excellence
Hernan Cortes mission was to conquer the Aztec Empire in Mexico. He landed there with 11 ships of armed men.
When his men unloaded the ships, he had the ships destroyed to prove his commitment.
His message was, “There is no turning back, we are completely committed”.

4. The Great Separator
It’s commitment that separates the mediocre athlete from the great athlete.
Committed athlete will do work that is required for excellence.
Resulting in: faster improvement, staying focused in the clutch, and winning the close ones.

5. How to Determine Commitment
You’re a college scout looking at two identical athletes. How will you choose the most committed?
The Secret: watch them train! Commitment is reflected in an athlete’s training intensity.
“Excellence is a result of daily action, excellence then is not an ACT but a HABIT”.

6. The Big Eight Accept Criticism Don’t be Afraid to Fail
Maintain composure
Set specific Daily Goals
Mentally prepare before practice
Commit to rest Correctly
Learn something from everything
Stay Positive
An essential aspect of creativity
Is not being afraid to fail.
-Andre Agassi

7. 1. Accept Criticism Don’t be defensive or apologetic
Accept suggestions
Learn what you can
Continue to learn

8. 2. Don’t Be Afraid to Fail General George S. Patton
Once you’ve committed, don’t hold back
Aggresively attack every opportunity
By failing to act when you seen an opportunity, because you’re waiting for the “perfect” opportunity, you will miss much more than you’ll gain.
The greater mistake is doing nothing, when the moment is ripe for attack!
General George S. Patton

9. 3. Maintain composure Do not allow your emotions to control you
Do not give in to feelings of fear, hopelessness or rage
Stay calm and focused
Identify the mental breakdowns that cause you to lose emotional control
Perfectionism
Social approval or worrying too much about what others think
Irrational Beliefs
Fear of Failure
Dwelling on Errors
The 3 R’s: Recognize–Regroup–Refocus

10. 4. Set specific daily goals
Decide what you wish to focus on each day
This helps to maintain intensity
You can see your success
Outcome goals are those that compare the performances of athletes with those of other athletes. For example, win the state championship.
Performance goals are used to improve an athlete's individual performance. For example, increase a baseball player's batting average from .325 to .335. 
Process goals are used to improve the execution of a skill. For example, extend fully on the power clean. 

11. 5. Mentally prepare before practice
Builds intensity
Prepares you for game day situations
Maintains your focus

12. 6. Commit to rest correctly
You have to have discipline to train hard and rest hard
Say no to friends if you need your rest
Don’t undermine your own performance with too little sleep
Reaction time, vigilance, learning and alertness are impaired by insufficient sleep

13. 7. Learn something from everything
Analyze each situation positive or negative
Think “what is the take home message”
Don’t throw a temper tantrum
Difficult situations lead to greater learning

14. 8. Stay positive Negative thoughts and emotions do more harm than good
Uplift others
Team builder vs. team wrecker

15. Journal Entry #2
This Journal Entry is all about YOU!! So please be honest with yourself as you go through these questions and evaluate where you are at. There is no right or wrong answer. Honest self reflection will help you more than anything.
How committed are you to your sport?
How do you demonstrate this commitment?
How could you increase your commitment?