KERRY and Tyrone have dominated the championship of the last decade as have Manchester United the premiership and Munster in Magners and Heineken Cups.
What motivates them to stay at the top?
Firstly, I think it is contingency planning. It is important, when you plan, to devise a contingency, a back-up plan, an alternative that you can put in place if something fails to go according to expectations.(Kerry trying Kieran Donaghy at full-forward, Tyrone bringing Peter Canavan back on after subbing him, are two examples)? For each and every eventuality winners have a contingency plan - which is essential, because it give them both the practical options that will allow them to complete their objective and the greater confidence that comes from knowing they have those alternative options.
Make sure your team has contingency plans. Kerry and Tyrone both won All-Irelands through the back door. So, remember, never mistake a single defeat for final defeat.
Persistence, then, is another trait of winners. Ask yourself ‘what's the worst thing that could happen? Imagine it happening and say to yourself, with commitment, passion and self-belief: "So what? I can overcome that! If necessary, I can start again!" A case of feel the fear and do it anyway.
Thus, if you have anticipated the problem you can provide yourself with a solution and deal with it rather than be overwhelmed and defeated. Write your problems down and share them with fellow coaches and team-mates. A fresh mind can often see a solution you'd never have imagined. There is always a solution. Ink it, don't think it!
Often it may require only a small change in attitude, especially when dealing with a situation over which you have no control, e.g.: weather, referee, etc.
There will always be times ,however where no contingency plan exists or where all options have been exhausted and the only possible outcome is failure. It is often said: ‘failure is not an option'. But be realistic, failure is always an option. What matters is how we respond to it. That's the measure of our character and of our resolve to succeed in the future. Bit like: ‘It's not the fall, but how you get up that counts.' The Chinese proverb sums it up: ‘the gem cannot be polished without friction, nor the person perfected without trials'. Try, try, try again.
Never forget most successful teams have tasted defeat - All Blacks, Brazil, Manchester United, Kerry, Tyrone...! They have known failure, have known rock bottom. And all have simply picked themselves up, dusted themselves down and started all over again. Armagh teams -- in gaelic sports, rugby, hockey and cricket have all done the same in the past two decades and will continue to do so!
So be consistent - another trait of winners. Your plan is one part of the process of your eventual success. It is important to have consistent self-belief and action, a conviction that you are going to succeed. Winning is a habit performed every day - you must live your dream. Act as if you are successful; speak and think like a winner - consistently. If you do it will show in everything you do and will influence other's perception of you. Remember, as Thomas Jefferson said: ‘I find the harder I work, the more luck I seem to have.'
Finally, be enthusiastic about what you do. Enthusiasm is infectious; it gives confidence to those around us as well as yourself. Enthusiasm comes from the heart and engages our commitment and commitment creates personal power. If you are committed you will keep your word - perhaps the finest trait of winners - you know they will deliver. My father used to tell my mother that he could live for two months on her compliment. So praise others and know your strengths, use them every day and go for it - whatever it is you wish to succeed in!
By John Morrison
