Performance Poem: A Time-To-Shine

When the national anthem started to rumble at the 2014 NFL season opener last Thursday night I made a comment that puzzled my friends.
 
I said, “I’m nervous”.
 
I wasn’t nervous that my Green Bay Packers were playing on the home turf of last years NFL superbowl champs, the Seattle Seahawks. I was nervous because hearing the Star - Spangled Banner sparked anxiety.
 
Why?
 
In my experiences competing as a gymnast, a boxer, and a long-distance runner, the Star - Spangled Banner meant it was GAME TIME.
 
That’s why I love sports.
 
Game time is an inescapable feeling of anxiety AND excitement.
 
Competing in sports, or getting back into fitness, are ways to accept a physical challenge. Enjoy it. And learn more about yourself.
 
I believe that through the magic of play the world lights up.
You become more open, more receptive and more alive than ever before.
It’s a place where the boundary of in here and out there disappears.
Your internal experience turns to an outward expression.
And you enter a state of self-fulfillment, pride, and joy.
You flow without boundaries.
 
But, because of FEARS surrounding the pressure to perform well in sports, and everyday life, game time can feel anything but playful.
 
Helping athletes move from fear to flow gets me jazzed.

That’s why I’m excited to share with you a pre-performance poem to help you unleash your power through play. It’s still a work in progress, but I wanted to pass it along because just like in competition --you have to place your best foot forward with what you got right now. Here's what I got...

Performance is a time to light it up.
Be bright and full of might.
Radiate with luster and glow.
 
Show up and Ignite.
Burst into flames.
Explode into your joyful performance flow.
 
Remember, you’ve logged long, hard hours.  
So, you deserve success.
You deserve to dazzle.
You deserve to show your strengths and powers. 
 
As you huff and puff,
Believe that you are good enough.
Trust me, you are powerful beyond measure.
This is what you need to treasure.
 
Let fun be your guide and you’ll do fine.
Now, go out and play…it’s Time-To-Shine.

It's my hope that this manifesto aids you in reaching a higher level of performance and personal excellence. My goal is to help as many people as possible live and perform to their unique potential. So if you liked this little manifesto, please share it with your team and friends.