Olympic Torch lit in Ancient Olympia - ignite YOUR flame

I was sitting in the airport in Bangkok yesterday when they were showing live the lighting of the Olympic flame. Despite controversy with protestors requesting boycott in respect for Tibet's conflict with China, the flame was lit in preparation for it's journey to Beijing.
To me, the Olympic flame is symbolic of an athletes burning desire to compete and achieve. I was reminded of the time of the lighting of the flame in the cauldron in Sydney 2000 ignited my fire within - here I was ready to play at my very best amongst the best. I had never been so hungry and inspired to perform as I was at that point in time. The flame was anchored into my psyche, from the time I had first dreamt of becoming an Olympian - at the age of 10, when I was inspired by the feats of Nadia Comaneci.
What inspires you to be the best you can be? Are you doing all you can to reach your dreams? I realise now that I could have done more, that I could have aimed higher. I realise that I could have asked for help to give me a further edge and to go beyond my limits. I wish I had and I wish you do too - invest in your own dreams and seek out the assistance you need to be the best. Whether you need to be better physically or mentally, find a coach so that you have all the skills. Keep the fire burning.

Congratulations Tamsyn Lewis

Congratulations Tamsyn on a World Title at the Indoor Championships in the 800m. A demonstration of persistence and focus. If you believe in yourself you can do anything, regardless of the past and past performances.
For those reading this, be inspired - if she can do it, you can do it!
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Specificity in your Goals - do you need to use numbers?

In a newspaper article yesterday Libby Lenton denounced the need for the Australian Olympic Committee to set specific numbers on how many Medals would be won at the Beijing Olympic Games. She felt there was no need for 'pressure' for athletes to live up to certain expectations.
I disagree on two counts.
1. Pressure is something we place on ourselves by how we direct our thinking. Putting a figure on a desired outcome can have one person thinking 'towards' that goal with a sense of possibility - I/we CAN win x medals. Contrast that with another person who thinks with 'away' motivation and feels a sense of necessity - I/we HAVE to win x medals. This is often associated with an underlying question - what if I don't? or an underlying fear - what if I can't?
2. A specific and measurable figure gives one a specific target to work towards. If one doesn't reach that figure, it doesn't have to mean 'failure'. If Australia win 7 Gold rather than a projected 8 Gold in the swimming pool, it is still a success. By going for the specific figure an individual or a team has something on which to guage performance. How do you know how hard to train, how much work to do unless you know what you are aiming for.
Magic can happen too when you start being more specific. Think of your unconscious mind like a 7-8 year old child who needs to know EXACTLY what it is you want to direct you towards results. Do you want to be successful? How successful? What does that mean for you? You can find out more on how the unconscious mind determines your results at www.annetteffect.com.au

Think your Way to Sporting Success

Do you beleive in your dreams and goals? Does part of you want to win and be a champion, and the other part thinks that it's too hard, or not possible for you? Our mind is a wondrous thing, and whatever you do think about your ability is generally true. It has been said, whether you think you can or think you can't, you are correct.
Results Coaching and neuro-linguistic programming is an effective way to blast through limiting thought patterns and set you on the way to your Sporting success. For example, a coach can see whether you are thinking about the results you want to create or the results you don't want. Are you motivated by the joy of winning or by the fear of losing? These are two very different motivations and while the fear of losing might work for a while, it doesn't produce the same consistent results that can be achieved when you are motivated to win.
When you go out to play or perform, what pictures do you create in your mind? This will give you some idea of whether you are motivated towards pleasure, or motivated away from pain. Start to pay attention and see what works better for you.
You can find out more on this tip, and others in my new e-book 5 Keys to Think your Way to Sporting Success. Get a free copy when you register for the next teleseminar at http://myoptinpage.com/?pid=3569995

Find out from Natalie Cook how a champion thinks!

Ever wondered what it takes to win Gold or to win at the highest level? Why not find out and get your own question answered by Gold medal winner, Natalie Cook, during a 60 minute FREE teleseminar. You can find out more at http://tinyurl.com/2b9tpf including details and access to a free e-book - "5 Key to Think your Way to Sporting Success."
Don't miss out on this opportunity. You can choose to listen live or to the replay after, and via phone or webcast. The choice is yours.

How can you change your life to get results?

We are now a month into a new year. What have you done in regard to any new year's resolutions? Do you even remember them? One of the keys to change is WANTING to change and for this, you need to have good reasons to change. What is your WHY? Be very clear on the benefits of changing your habits and also look at the cost of not changing. Doing this can provide you with the leverage to make changes in your life that will produce better results.
Consider what habits you have that are holding you back. Just changing one habit could make a significant difference. Example, how are you spending your time? Perhaps you have a budget for your money, and do you also have a budget for your time? When you decide on the results you want to have in life, it becomes more clear what you need to do to move forward. The change starts within you.

Wayne Carey and life after sport

It's disappointing that some of our most successful athletes become undone in their own personal lives. Wayne Carey is another example of a sportsman that is unable to translate success on the sports field to success off. With recent events there has been much speculation by various experts. Speculation includes Wayne Carey's consideration for AFL's Hall of Fame.
It begs the question: Is the Hall of Fame confined to feats on the sporting field OR should it recognise athletes with champion qualities off the field too?
Perhaps if the Hall of Fame (in any sport) considers the latter, then the next generation of sportsmen may aspire for greatness in all facets of their life.
I believe its important for athletes to think about goals beyond their sport. I'm talking about goals that compliment sporting success and these can address personal, career and financial areas of life. Goals provide direction and when you set them, write them down, and then commmit to them, you will define your path. Your actions and behaviour will reflect your goal. By thinking about the type of person you want to BE, and setting boundaries on how you will act, then you can get greater results in life.
Create balance in your life and think about what else you want to achieve in life. How do you want to be remembered?