Mind Gym

FEAR LIVES IN THE FUTURE

Of all the hazards, fear is the worst.

—SAM SNEAD

The absolute worst thing a receiver can do is worry about not catching the ball or about getting hit.

—JERRY RICE

The Phoenix Fire Department is as selective in employment as a professional sports team. Those who want to become firefighters must have the right stuff. Trainees are required to perform many demanding tasks, including climbing the tall ladder, in full gear, used in rescues.

For the past twenty years I have been training booters—firefighting recruits—on the mental aspects of performance. I often give a classroom demonstration. It is a test you can take yourself. If I asked you to stand on the seat of a chair, or on a table top, would you have a problem doing ...