Curiosity #15 - A Sideline Masterclass
đ€ Quotable quotes: "Success isn't something you achieve, it's something you tune into." - Jim Murphy, Inner Excellence
Itâs NFL playoff timeâa season of joy for Marnie (ever-loyal Ravens fan) and, well... a bittersweet one for Nick (long-suffering Jets fan). This past weekend, though, we saw something remarkable on the sidelines of an Eagles game. And, as always, we couldnât help but view it through our favorite lens: a lens of leadership.
Picture this: Itâs the playoffs, adrenaline is high, and your teamâs Super Bowl dreams are on the line. Whatâs A.J. Brown (wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles) doing? Not pacing. Not yelling. Not even scrolling. Heâs reading. Thatâs rightâJim Murphyâs Inner Excellence became the star of the sidelines during the Eagles' playoff game this past Sunday.
Now, letâs address the elephant on the field: skeptics might say Brown was reading the book because he was frustrated with his one catch at that point and wanted to send a message. But that perspective misses the bigger picture. Brown didnât just pick this book up on a whim. Heâs shared before that Inner Excellence is part of his regular game-day routineâa tool he uses to stay grounded, focused, and ready for the next moment.
This isnât about performance in a single quarter; itâs about character over the long haul. And thatâs what makes this moment so powerful. Brownâs choice to prioritize mental clarity and emotional resilience reminds us of a key lesson in leadership: skills might get you to the game, but your mindset determines whether you succeed.
Hereâs why it matters:
- Know Yourself: Brown wasnât just reading any bookâhe was aligning himself with principles that help him perform at his best. Whatâs your version of this? What keeps you aligned and grounded when the stakes are high?
- Set a Plan: This wasnât an impulse move. Brown intentionally brought the book to every game as part of his preparation. Do you have a plan for building the mindset and habits you need to succeed?
- Do the Work: Leadership isnât about reading a book once and calling it a day. Itâs about applying the lessons consistently. Whether through Inner Excellence, Lead It Like Lasso, or other books or tools, the true mark of a leader is doing the work.
Hereâs the kicker: Studies show that 85% of success comes from soft skills like emotional intelligence, adaptability, and self-awareness (Carnegie Foundation). And self-awareness is the #1 predictor of leadership success. Thatâs the Character Revolution in action: building the mindset and skills that truly set you apart. [Note: that book was on soft skills not on technical skills like how to run an out route]
A.J. Brownâs sideline moment is a play straight out of the Lead It Like Lasso handbook. Ted Lasso himself would tell you that leadership isnât just about talentâitâs about character, intentionality, and staying focused on the long game. Brownâs actions are a reminder that great leaders keep doing the work, even when others donât fully understand their playbook.
Take Action:
Want to build your own game-winning mindset? In the How to Lead It Like Lasso masterclass, weâll help you uncover your values, create a vision, and execute with purpose. Think of it as your personal sideline playbookâjust without the cleats (or boots ;) ).
Got a sideline moment? Share your favorite leadership reads or tips for staying focused with #WeeklyCuriosities. Letâs build a team of leaders who know themselves, set the plan, and do the work.
More leadership musings
đȘ Biscuits with the Boss: Whatâs one book or resource you turn to when you need clarity or inspiration?
This ties perfectly to A.J. Brownâs sideline reading moment and encourages your audience to share their favorite reads or tools for staying grounded.
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Whistle. Whistle.: Excuses Wonât Win the Game
"If youâre waiting for the perfect moment to start working on yourself, let me save you some timeâit doesnât exist. The best time to start was yesterday. The second-best time is now. Pick up the book, set the plan, and get moving. No one ever won a playoff game by standing still."
This aligns with the âDo the Workâ theme, pushing readers to take immediate action on their personal growth.
đBeardâs collection: Looking for Your Own Sideline Inspiration?
Here are three books that will help you tune into your inner excellence, whether youâre on the bench or in the boardroom. As Ted might say, âBe curious, not judgmentalâeven with yourself.â
đ Murphy, Jim. Inner Excellence: Train Your Mind for Extraordinary Performance and the Best Possible Life. Jim Murphy, 2015.
This is the book that had A.J. Brown sideline-ready! Itâs all about mastering your mindset and finding focus in the chaos. Ted would call it your mental âBelieveâ signâsomething to keep you grounded and ready to lead.
đ Afremow, Jim. The Championâs Mind: How Great Athletes Think, Train, and Thrive. Rodale Books, 2014.
This oneâs for the goal-setters and dreamers. Learn how to think like a champion and thrive under pressure. Ted would say itâs the perfect guide for those who are ready to âMake your next move your best move.â
đ Hacker, Collee, and Mallery Mann. Achieving Excellence: Mastering Mindset for Peak Performance in Sport and Life. Human Kinetics, 2022.
Dr. Colleen Hacker, a renowned mental skills coach, shares insights on developing a champion's mindset. It's like having Coach Beard's tactical genius combined with Ted's optimism.
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