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Three rounds in the Sport of Life
by: Ross O’Donnell
I have had the pleasure of working with Myles for the past three years and I am continually impressed with his growth as a fighter and as a person so I am honoured to be asked to contribute to his blog.
Most fight bouts are structured in three rounds and measure the fighter’s aggression, striking, grappling and cage control. The task for a coach is to assess the rounds and offer advice to help his fighter adjust and compete to his maximum capabilities. Since 99.9% of the population will never get in an actual MMA match in a cage, that doesn’t preclude you from self-coaching your own three rounds.
- Round One
Positive thinking can make a huge difference. Can you imagine a fighter stepping into the cage saying to his coach, “I can’t beat this guy, he is going to demolish me”. The coach should get him to turn around and get out of the cage! If you are going for a job interview, starting a business or doing anything of value, be positive and confident. Even if the situation doesn’t work out the way you wanted it to, always take a positive attitude that something else was intended for you as everything happens for a reason. I can think of personal situations myself when I thought “why did that happen”, but down the road when something really great happens remember that would not have happened if the first disappointment had not occurred to set me on my new path.
- Round Two
Visualization. There are many definitions of visualization but I like to keep it simple with two ways to accomplish this, imaginary and rehearsal. First, take yourself through a mental process to imagine what the situation will look like as it unfolds. For example, many fighters get very nervous before a fight, and believe it or not, it’s not the fight, it’s the process of walking in and getting through the crowd and getting introduced. The way to combat that is visualization. Have them close their eyes and imagine them walking with the music they will use and talk them through the process. Second, if possible actually take them through a walk through. Walk the exact path you will take, play the music and get in the cage and take up the position they will be in at fight time. In real life practice the same process. Imagine that job interview, walking into the building, what you will wear, how you will answer what the questions might be. If possible practice mock interviews with friends.
- Round Three
Like the old song “The Gambler” – You got to know when to hold them and know when to fold them. Every person has at some point in time made very tough decisions to walk away from a situation that just isn’t right for them anymore. Whether it is a job, a relationship or for a fighter it could be training partners, coaches or a club. We all find ourselves in situations where things are going great and you can’t ever see yourself making changes or leaving where you are comfortable but sometimes dynamics change that lead you to question your future. You need to let go to grow. This is no slight to the job, people or place you are leaving, it just means that it is time. People all evolve on different continuums and maybe you were all moving from “A” to “B” together, but the other person is content with “B” and you are ready for “C”. This is a tough sole searching process as it involves loyalty, respect and gratitude for what you have achieved where you are and with whom you have worked with. It must be tempered with your goals, your expectations, your aspirations and doing what is best for you. Sometimes you just have to let go to grow!
-Ross O’Donnell
President & CEO of Fitness Kickboxing Canada Inc.
“Preferred MMA Certification Providers for canfitpro”
“Approved Certification provider for GoodLife Fitness Clubs of Canada”
Ross O’Donnell and Fitness Kickboxing Candada can be found at FitnessKickboxingCanada.ca or by following on social media at:
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