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| 24 Jun 2010 03:58:11 pm |
| PHIL JACKSON, Coach, Los Angeles Lakers |
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“If you have a clear mind and an open heart, you won’t have to search for direction. Direction will come to you.”
Today’s Real Zeal quote comes from Phil Jackson’s book, Sacred Hoops, Spiritual Lessons of a Hardwood Warrior.
To view this book on Amazon.
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On June 17, Phil Jackson won an unprecedented 11th NBA championship by defeating the archrival Boston Celtics in 7 games. Without a doubt he is one of the most successful NBA coaches of all time. He is also one of the most inspired. Why?
Phil stands uniquely alone in his quest to merge sports and spirituality. To apply lessons from Christianity, Zen Buddhism and the Lakota Sioux to a materialistic and ego-driven culture. To transform a ‘me’ mentality into one of ‘we.’
Phil is successful because he is inspired in each moment. His clear head and open heart allow wisdom and direction to come to him.
How do we do that? What is our access to a clear mind and an open heart so that the brilliance of the universe can find its way to us?
Here is what Phil, as leader and coach, does:
He creates a vision for his team and makes sure each member has not only aligned on it, but owns it.
He makes sure the players are connected to something bigger than themselves – surrendering the ‘me’ to the ‘we.’
He (and his team) meditate regularly.
He is an aggressive competitor – but holds respect and honor for the opponent.
He creates a space of love and open communication.
There are lessons here for each of us. And just possibly an access for allowing the intelligence of the moment to find its way to us – without having to go search for it!
To learn more about the inspirational ways of Phil Jackson and to read a few inspired excerpts from his book, please keep reading.
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Phil Jackson is really an amazing human being. Rather than tell you about him, I’m going to share a few telling excerpts from his book. (which I highly recommend)
On leadership:
“Vision is the source of leadership, the expansive dream state where everything begins and all is possible. … But visions are never the sole property of one man or one woman. Before a vision can become reality, it must be owned by every single member of the group.”
On creating a winning team:
“The most effective way to forge a winning team is to call on the players’ need to connect with something larger than themselves. … It requires the individuals involved to surrender their self-interest for the greater good so that the whole adds up to more than the sum of its parts.”
On competition:
“There HAS to be another way, an approach that honors the humanity of both sides while recognizing that only one victor can emerge. A blueprint for giving your all out of respect for the battle, never hatred of the enemy. And, most of all, a wide-angle view of competition that encompasses both opponents as partners in the dance.”
On winning:
“… winning is ephemeral. Yes victory is sweet, but it doesn’t necessarily make life any easier the next season or even the next day. After the cheering crowds disperse and the last bottle of champagne is drained, you have to return to the battlefield and start all over again.
On true joy:
“… true joy comes from being fully present in each and every moment, not just when things are going your way.”
An inspired human being, inspiring the world. |
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Category : General
| Posted By : admin |
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