Circle of Trust

Summarized and lightly edited from NY Jets head coach Robert Saleh, as seen on hard Knocks Episode 3.

There are four levels of competitor mindsets that we have compelte control over.  External factors like ability and injuries have no bearing on which level we stand.

This holds true in our life, families, work, athletics, and even here when we come out every morning.

There are Commanders, Competitors, Contenders, and Survivors.

1)  At the bottom, are your Survivors. A Survivor is someone who does just enough to get by. He coasts through his day and does not maximize his mental capabilities. This group loves taking the easy way out. They love it, and they are so miserable that they will do everything they can to bring you along with them. The sad part is, every organization has at least one, and I promise you, you can’t hide.

2)  The next level of competitor is a group of Contenders. A contender is someone who is motivated by external factors like money, prestige, bragging rights, or the person he is going against. He will only reach his potential if the external motivators are threatened.

3)  The third level is a Group of Competitors. A competitor is someone who is internally motivated to be his best regardless of the situation. His place in an organization does not matter. Money does not matter. Prestige and bragging rights does not matter. He is always trying to absolutely be his best. He can’t be swayed because he is already maxing out his potential. This man is trying to achieve his best every day of life. He’s got a championship mindset. When you have a championship mindset, you embarrass the shitty ones and you make the great ones look normal.

4)  The final one is the Commander. He basically has all the traits of a competitor, with one exception. He brings people with him.

Which one are you?  Which one do you strive to be?  What do you need to do to get there?

Saleh end by dimply stating “You can’t hide who you are.”

Aye!