This week One Week One Book (OWOB) series is on “The Champion’s Comeback” by Dr. Jim Afremow. He is a much sought-after mental game coach and the author of The Champion’s Mind: How Great Athletes Think, Train, and Thrive. Dr. Afremow provides individual and team mental training services across the globe to athletes, teams, and coaches in all sports, as well as to parents, business professionals, and others engaged in highly demanding endeavors. He has worked with athletes from all several major leagues, including MLB, NBA, WNBA, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, NHL, and NFL.
I categorize this book under Mental Toughness and Personal Growth. If you are now at the very bottom of your life (due to major setbacks) and do not know what to do, this book is the answer. I discovered this book several years back when I was looking for strategies to bounce back. This is one of the books that helped me to stay strong again.
The praise for this book;
“The Champion’s Comeback will take your mind-set to the next level. If there is one thing I learned over my 17-year track and field career, it is that the mind is what will always make the difference. This book is packed with knowledge for any athlete, coach, or entrepreneur who is wanting to step their mind-set up to the next level.” —IAN WARNER, 2012 Olympian and owner of BounceBackEntrepreneurs.com
The key take away for me is this; “The 7 L’s that champions use to crack the Champion’s Comeback Code”.
This is the topic under chapter One “ Cracking the comeback code “.
Here are the 7 L’s and my key takeaway;
1.LET GO—release the mental brick.
“After a difficult day, take a shower at night and wash everything away. Think, “I did what I could today,” “I’m washing away what I saw and heard today,” and “Today is done and now I’m ready for the next day.” This physical and mental cleansing will give you a positive attitude and a renewed spirit”
2.LOOK FOR SUPPORT—build a winning team
You cannot be alone. Reach out for helps. It can be mentors, coaches or friends. Get support from others.
3.LOVE THE GAME—compete with purpose and passion
Why are you in the “game” anyway? ..and enjoy the moment and appreciate the opportunity.
4.LEARN—embrace a growth mind-set
See setbacks as opportunities to do better next time.
5.LABOR—keep pounding the rock
The people who master their work or sport are the hardest workers, in addition to being lifelong learners,
6.LEARN OPTIMISM—believe in your comeback story
Please remind yourself that all negative events are situational, short-lived, and specific.
7.LEAN ON YOUR MENTAL GAME—win the game from within yourself.
You need to practice to win the mental game. Have a system. Key points to focus on are mental, physical, tactical and technical.
Call For Action
What was your biggest mistake last week? Pick any 2 of the above Ls, and see how you can turn that mistake as a launching pad.