Got motivation? (7 Images)

Patrick Kane: Making it look easy!

Here's a link to the full video, worth checking out: http://youtu.be/osViQunqKGM

What's getting you out of bed this morning?

Good morning. Here's some motivation to go with that first cup of coffee.

Sport's "Modern Condition"

As the early dawn rises on another college football season (though with it's current length, I'd consider it more of a "semester"), it's time to catch up on the NCAA's favorite storyline: Johnny Football. Johnny Manziel shocked, dazzled, and amazed the nation last year as he quarterbacked a resurgent Texas A&M football team on his way to a Heisman Trophy (college football's highest honor). And he did all of this as a freshman.

Witnessing such a nebula of talent like Johnny Manziel makes it easy to understand why the media would have such a focus on his budding career. What you wouldn't expect is that the majority of that attention is for all of the wrong reasons. Numerous incidents this past summer involving social media, club appearances, gambling trips, and an infamous signing incident have created an alarmingly polarizing figure in the eyes of the American public. The attention surrounding Johnny Manziel rivals that of an overnight Hollywood celebrity super-craze. Many cheer on who they see to be the best thing since sliced bread, while all the others sit around and wait for the next chance to chime in on a messageboard about why so-and-so's behavior was "so reprehensible". But why does this phenomena exist? Is it the money flooding into college sports? Is it too much pressure for a 20 year old? Or is it just that we have a kid who wants to express himself the only way he knows how; by beaming footballs into the endzone on Saturdays? We are far from knowing how this story will play out, but in the meantime it is worthwhile to read this ESPN feature article on Manziel to catch a glimpse of what the "modern condition" seems to have done to Texas' own: "Johnny Football".


"The work of Kafka sums up the modern condition better than anything else: a fruitless search for meaning while you are persecuted for nameless offenses." - Milarepa

Calvin & Hobbes: True Sportsmen

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The Crash Reel: An in-depth look at how one head injury changes everything

The Crash Reel is a "game-changing" documentary presented by HBO on the life and career of champion Snowboarder Kevin Pearce, and his struggles with the reality of a severe head injury suffered in a training accident. Anyone who has experienced a traumatic brain injury, or even a concussion will be able to relate to this young man's story as his life (and Olympic dreams) were tossed into a sea of uncertainty after a crash on the half-pipe.

Trailer

Kevin's long, delicate  recovery and the unconditional care of his family stand in stark contrast to a reckless sporting culture that constantly strives to push through the boundaries of what is thought to be possible. As the effects of head injuries continue to gain attention from concerned sport officials and parents, this documentary could not be more relevant nor hit closer to home. It is gut-wrenching to watch former athletes struggle through simple tasks of their daily lives because of head injuries sustained from sports that provide no support for those who are no longer able to perform. The Crash Reel is a powerful documentary and a must see for anyone who has ever put their mind at risk for sport.

The Sporting Mind is back!

It feels good to be back!

The Sporting Mind has been busy making some big transitions this summer but is now ready to deliver your favorite daily content from the world of sport and performance. Now comfortably set up in a great new office, The Sporting Mind looks forward to presenting quality daily content from the far reaches of the internet in a pleasant an presentable way. Thank you for reading, and enjoy!

-TSM

Motivation: GO!

14 Years Ago Today...

Do you remember watching one of the best (and most controversial) Stanely Cup Final finishes ever? Brett Hull buries a triple-overtime rebound to win the Dallas Stars the 1999 Cup. Long live the playoffs!

Sport as a Symbol

"Symbol: Something that represents something else by association...especially an object used to represent something invisible."

Sport is the ultimate provider of symbols in our culture. Transcending political, geographical, and cultural limitations, sport has the ability to unite populations completely unassociated through any other means. Sport has replaced the bloody Coliseum of Rome with a new, shining arenas in which one city's best battle another city's best for pride, glory and psychological bragging rights over the other.

Working for the Weekend!

The end of the work week isn't a one-way ticket to the couch! To everyone competing this weekend or working to get ahead, here's some motivation to keep you going. 

Coache's Corner: What would you do?

Instead of lacing up sneakers, they straighten a tie. Rather than taking passes, they are drawing up plays. Although hidden behind the incredible youthful performances of their players, the coaches of our sports play a vital role in the system. Without quality coaches, there is no one to develop the talent of tomorrow or to keep them playing at the high levels elite sport demands. Coaches work tirelessly to prepare their athletes and teams all with the hope that the uniforms coming out of the locker room will be ready to perform. Now, who knows anxiety better than the pre-game coach? When their investment of time and energy, even their livelihood, is in the hands of a bunch of kids chasing a ball?

There's no way to prepare for all of the situations a coach will face during a season. Largely without formal training or certification programs, many American coaches are forced to "learn as they go". Reflecting on some tough situations that well-known coaches have faced... what would you do?

For the Love of the Game

Sports are loved the world over. For every different type of sport that exists, there are countless different ways that they are played and enjoyed. From the cramped city streets to the wide open spaces, the games we play always manage to fill that certain void. Our best memories in sport rarely come under the bright lights of huge stadiums, but rather in make-shift fields with close friends. Divided by miles, cultures, and experiences, sport is the universal language. And why do we play?... For the love of the game. 

 "Little-America" football

 Cricket in the street

Anywhere there' s a hoop

 The outdoor rink

"For the Love of the Game"

Working for the Weekend!

By the Numbers: Global Sport Interest

We all know the world loves sport. The interest drawn by major events such as the Olympics, the World Cup, or the Superbowl  are undeniable testaments to this. But have you ever considered the idea that your perspective may be limited? Depending on where you were born has a major influence on the types of sports you grow up playing and enjoying. Just take a look at this map of sport popularity by region. Looks to me like all the more reason to cheer for our USA squad during their World Cup Qualifying campaign! 

Who says you can't play football (...soccer) in the snow?? 

Something to Look Forward To: 2014 Olympic Games

In less than a year's time, the world will turn it's attention to the city of Sochi, Russia to be a part of the 2014 Winter Olympic games. Word is that organizers are already beginning to store snow for next year's event just in case (remember Vancouver?). Here is an inspiring look back at the 2012 Summer Games in London to jump start your Olympic fever. Enjoy!

Professional Communication

Take a look at some of the communication that goes on around the pro sports leagues. Difference? Similarities? What's obvious is that each sport has a very different way of getting the word out.

Oh Captain my Captain: LeBron James

What a leader LeBron is. Energetic, fit, inclusive, loose, serious, fun, aware, unselfish, tone setter. That's leadership #HeatStreak
— John Buccigross (@Buccigross) March 26, 2013

There's no denying the success of the Miami Heat this season with their NBA record approaching win streak. On the surface, they are playing the most competitive basketball each and every night and being rewarded for that. Dig a bit deeper and you can see why.

While not the sole reason for the team's success, LeBron James is proving that he is legitimately one of the great forces the NBA has ever seen. While the scoring and statistics speak to James' talent, there is a lot more going into what makes him such a great athlete.

LeBron James has taken the pressure, scrutiny, and championship expectations of his move to the Miami Heat and sculpted himself into one of the great leaders in sport. Love him or hate him, here are some of the ways Lebron leads:

James is one of the most physically fit athletes in the league. This allows him to stay in games longer and bring more energy to the court. This raises the expectation of his teammates to be stronger and work harder.

He is very clear what the goals of the team are, and knows that it will take every member of the Heat to win another championship. Everyone must contribute their share in protecting that vision; there are no passengers on this bus.

LeBron plays the game correctly and promotes the beauty of basketball. That child-like creativity let's his teammates enjoy the game for what it is: a game. But would you ever want to get in Lebron's way when he drives to the hoop? Didn't think so. It may be a fun game, but there is no question that James means business when the clock is wound. A characteristic of great leaders in sport is that they shape their team's idea of fun not as "casual and enjoyable", but as "challenging and rewarding". Setting the tone.

Would you follow LeBron James into battle? Personal vendetta's aside (Cleveland)...it's hard to find a reason not to.

People You Need to Know: KILIAN JORNET

     Kilian Jornet in his mountain playground

It's hard to distinguish who the greatest endurance athlete in the world is. There are many different disciplines that the world's ultra-racers compete in as well over uniquely punishing terrain. They race over mountains, through snow, for extreme distances and against the clock. The punishing demands of ultra-racing is reflected by an elite community of athletes who defy conventional definitions of endurance and will.

And then there is Kilian Jornet.

This 25 year old Spainard has already conquered every notable endurance race his discipline has to offer, as well as shattering the record ascent times of some of the world's most dangerous peaks. Jornet's ability cannot be compared, same as his method. He will often run for over eight hours at high altitude and not eat any food or drink any water.

This New York Times article is an incredible glimpse into the life of an athlete you've likely never heard of. Kilian Jornet is both insightful and inspiring, now taking the power of his endurance as a personal challenge; setting records climbing and descending the world's best known peaks. 

Read the full story here (NYT article)

It's Tournament Time: Be Optimistic

March is one of the most exciting times of the year and can also be one of the most stressful. Millions of Americans will be glued to the television cheering on their favorite schools in the NCAA basketball tournament. It is a cherished past time to scribble in an empty bracket, marking sure-bets, sleepers, and bracket busters. Pitting your falsely inflated knowledge about 68 teams (most of which you've never heard of) against your closest friends and family. But then it comes time to predict how far your school will go. Maybe you're a student or an alumni. Maybe you only like them for them for the tastefully gawdy uniforms they have no short supply of. Either way, there is always a sense of betrayal when you stop advancing your own school through the bracket. It makes you feel like you've given up on them... Even if your reasoning is statistically sound, and you know they can't hit enough outside shots against the zone defense, you never want to be the first person to put a cap on their tournament dreams. And you shouldn't.

Optimism is a powerful trait for a team and it comes in many forms. The belief that any team has the chance to make a run at a national championship is what makes March such a centerfold of the sporting calendar. There is a field of 68 teams all with this insane belief, when in reality there can only be one champion. That means 67 teams will come up short. So why even dream? Why put yourself out there? Why have your team, an 8 seed, playing in the championship game?

Because if you don't believe in them, who will?

Research shows that optimistic teams perform better. This has been shown in both individual athletes and also professional basketball teams. When a coach creates an environment for the team to set high goals and then the players create a culture of optimism, success is most likely the outcome. The best athletes in the world are the day-dreamers, the ones who believe in an outcome regardless of how many "facts" show that they will fail. The higher the bar, the further a team is willing to push themselves to get as close as they can.

"Gentleman, we will chase perfection. We will chase it relentlessly. Knowing all the while we will never attain it. But along the way, we will catch excellence." - Vince Lombardi

So let the computers compile stats and rankings to try and predict a winner of this tournament. As a fan, pick your favorite team, believe that they will win every game they play, convince everyone you know that they will win the tournament, and then cheer your heart out to let those players know that you believe in them. Any coach that says they are only happy to be in the tournament and "will see what happens" has essentially crossed their name off the guest list to this dance. Blind and fearless optimism, in the face of almost certain failure; it is what a team needs to win in March. And it can start with you.

"This is Not a Story About Last Place" - Wall Street Journal

[Inspiring story about the determination of professional cyclist, Taylor Phinney.]

This is a story about a guy who finished last. Which is technically true. You can look up the results of the race, and you'll see his name, right there, lonely at the bottom. Taylor Phinney. USA. Finishing time of six hours, twenty-two minutes, fifty-four seconds. One hundred-and-ninth place. Last.

But this story is better than that.

Continue reading here.

Some motivation to get the week started

200 Calories: Choose Wisely

A bunch of different ways to eat 200 calories (LINK)

OH HOW FAR WE'VE COME

Take a moment to look back at how far the sports we love have come. While today they look so different, I like to think about how much they've stayed the same... 

Gives "warmups" a whole new meaning

 The thrill of a buzzer-beater

The STEEL is real

Performing under pressure even without a Nike deal