This is actually an ironic title for me to write about as I usually struggle with being motivated enough on a daily basis to stay challenged.  However, the one thing I know for sure about myself is that I work better in a "team" setting.  It doesn't matter what that "team" looks like.  Once I start a challenge I am very determined to complete it properly.

Of course, when I was playing volleyball there were always many teammates around.  Being competitive in nature as most athletes, I always strove (in my head - remember the article on peak performance I wrote previously) to be my best.  

What keeps me motivated to do my best, is that I never believe I have reached the end!!..  Now as I paint or do my work, I think there is always a better way and that I am still short of it.  I am not negative about my accomplishments, I just know that there is always another rung up. Like doing push-ups..you can always squeeze a few more in AFTER you thought you were completely exhausted.

In this month of May, I have challenged my body to get back to a stronger physical state.  I am doing a 30 day plank challenge (I piggybacked a friend who was sharing it on FB).  The challenge being the time increase every day.  Day 1 was 20 seconds and today, Day 15,  it was 1:50sec.  I did 1:40!!! I have never planked that long (and this is without doing any other type of physical training for months).  So being part of the FB challenge "team" enabled me to be accountable to others to perform..  Being motivated by others, motivated me!!

Couple of questions to think about as you do any activity, every day:
Am I being accountable to myself & others when I perform?
Am I giving my best, or just good enough to get by?

I had a wonderful "full circle" event today.  I conducted a clinic for my old club team..  After 35 years, many miles travelled, many jumps made, millions of balls being volleyed, I walked into the same gym where I started off my career as a 15 year old.   Even though I have coached and instructed many girls over the years, it was exciting to give back to the next generation of volleyball stars.  

The best part was being able to share my story...the possibilities of what could be for them.  When I was there age I made my first "goals" walking in the Olympic Opening Ceremonies and travelling the world by the age of 25 and I  had not even started volleyball when I set those lofty dreams in my head!!

One of the ideas I was able to share with the girls was the question to ask themselves.. Why Not Me???
Someone has to inspire the team by their efforts? ...why not me?
Someone has to lead the team to victory.. why not me?
Someone has to go extra hard to dig up the ball...why not me?
Someone has to win the tournament... why not us?
Someone has to play for Ontario team..why not me?
Someone has to play for Team Canada...why not me?
Someone has to play for 2015 PanAm Games in Toronto...why not me?
Someone has to go to the Olympics...why not me?

and if you don't get "there" as a player...
Someone has to coach... why not me?
Someone has to referee.. why not me?
Someone has to volunteer at the 2015 PanAm Games..why not me?

Ask yourself "Why Not Me"?
This applies to anywhere in your life...anything your are doing..or anything you set your mind to!!

Why Not YOU?
I am to old to play at the hight levels...so why not you to fill the gap??
The girls who are playing now will be older and out of the age group...why  not you??

It is always your turn to be the NEXT ONE...

Why Not You????

I know I keep thinking that...that is how I got to be a volunteer at the London Olympics...someone has to do it...why not me??

"You will miss 100% of the shots you don't take"

So take "shots" in life, there is no "wrong" only opportunities and you never know where the next "shot" leads you...

In my life it took me around the world and to 3 Olympic Games...

Leave a comment and tell me what you did when you said... Why Not Me???

Dream Big ... why not??
diane

I have had the pleasure to work with some young university setters this past season in weekly setter's training sessions for a couple of hours.   To my surprise, they didn't know everything that I knew~!!.. I forget that what I can do naturally now took many years of learning, practicing and perfecting.

For the school age volleyball player (grade school to university), volleyball skills/practice is just another spinning plate they are trying to balance.

As most sports, one must work on the mental part of the game I think the quote is the game is 90% mental 10% physical.  Volleyball certainly falls into that category on so many levels.

Below are some principles that I incorporated into my mental game that allowed me to achieve the success I did.  Even though it is written for a volleyball setter/playmaker, it  can be adapted for any position, sport or non-sport activity.

Looking forward to any discussion or feedback you may have...

Dream Big!!
diane

PERFORMANCE PRINCIPLES



PARK – As a play-maker  I PARK all my non-volleyball obligations, thoughts, concerns outside the gym doors before each practice and each match.  My mind is clear, focused and willingly accepts  what I am being taught during this time.  PERFECT PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT PERFORMANCE.

POISE – As a play-maker  I stand higher than the crowd.  I am in control. I am infallible.  I carry myself with grace, a winning attitude and determined leadership.   I am the best teammate. 
“My passers/hitters willingly make me shine.”

POSTURE – How am I holding myself?  How do my team mates see me? How do I think of myself?
Only I can dictate how I hold myself.
As a play-maker, my posture will dictate how my passers will pass me the ball and how my hitters will hit the ball for me.
“ As I hold myself up with CONFIDENCE, STRENGTH, and an UNSTOPPABLE ATTITUDE, my passers will effortlessly pass the ball to my proper position and my hitters will score my sets spectacularly as I quietly and graciously accept the assist.”

POWER – As a play-maker, I AM in the Power position.  I HAVE the power to make plays happen.  As a play-maker, I am in the position of command and am brave enough to accept the challenge.  Only I can lead my team to where we want to go and as I lead my team we are all victorious in the combined effort.

POSITIONING – As a play-maker, I am the best defensive person on the team.  I instinctively react to the pass/dig knowing that not all passes are perfect.  I am PROACTIVE  to the passes.

PURPOSE – As a play-maker, I have purpose with each ball I set.  I get one chance to make a successful play each time the ball is in my control.  I set with Purpose.   Before the match, I am PREPARED I know the game plan and I follow it with PURPOSE and with the conviction of the poise, posture, power and positioning I hold within me.

PASSION - I EAT, SLEEP, DREAM volleyball. period.  I LOVE this GAME.. why else would I run around in a small area with 5 other people trying to stop a little white ball from hitting the floor!!!

PLAY – I love to PLAY volleyball. 
Definition:  play  /plā/Verb - Engage in activity for enjoyment and recreation rather than a serious or practical purpose.
Noun- Activity engaged in for enjoyment and recreation, esp. by children.

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I strongly suggest to improve your performance, you have a "mantra" or a phrase/keywords that you say to yourself to get you into the right frame of mind as part of your routine.  Best times to repeat.
1. every morning when you wakeup/brush teeth/shower/breakfast
2. on your way to volleyball practice/when putting on shoes/during warm-up
3. pre-game routine
4. before the start of each game while waiting to go on court
5. whenever you can!!!

How do you do it?
1. sticky notes on mirror
2. message on your phone
3. written on your shoe
4. wherever works for you best..

as Nike says "Just Do It".

Example of your “MANTRA”:

“As THE playmaker for the (insert your team name here), I carry myself with POISE, I hold my head high in a confident POSTURE, as I lead my teammates with the POWER of my focused mind and as I move my body with cat-like reflexes to proper POSITIONING, and with pinpoint PURPOSE in execution  I lead my team with PASSION  to victory one set, one PLAY at a time. “

Copyright by Diane Ratnik Cooper Volleyball 2013.  Cannot be used without acknowledging Diane Ratnik Volleyball as the source.