Why I’m Rooting for Blake O’Neill

Tim Hillerblog, Next Level Performance

Unless you’ve been off the grid the past few days, you probably know that the University of Michigan football team’s punter is named Blake O’Neill and that he bobbled and lost the ball on the final play of the Michigan – Michigan State game. A play that cost Michigan the game, the Paul Bunyan Trophy, and bragging rights for one … Read More

Mastering the Art of Tough Love

Amber Bairdblog, Guest Post, Leadership

Repost from Growing Leaders by Tim Elmore Recently, I blogged about how parenting has become a “religion” in America, where children have become the absolute centerpiece of the home and nothing negative can be said about them. Yep. Some time between our childhood and the moment we had children of our own, parenthood became a religion. As with many religions, … Read More

Six Benefits of Margin in a Student’s Life

Amber Bairdblog, Leadership

Repost from Growing Leaders by Tim Elmore A month ago, I attempted to build a case for margins in our lives — both for us leaders and for our students. We need margins in order to become fully alive and to become the best versions of ourselves. I am not the first to say it, but it’s true: we live … Read More

Building The Complete Person

Tim Hillerblog, Leadership, Next Level Performance, Uncategorized

“For physical training is of some value…”  1 Timothy 4:8 He leaned forward and slid the piece of paper toward me with two hands and then leaned back in his chair again, folding his arms across his chest. Finally he broke the awkward silence by dropping a bomb. “Tim…we’re going to have to let you go.” Just like that, in a … Read More

The Case for Margin in a Student’s Life

Amber Bairdblog, Guest Post, Leadership

Repost from Growing Leaders by Tim Elmore I’ve noticed a subtle pattern in college and high school students. I wonder if you’ve seen it too. Over the past year, I’ve marveled at what kids find humorous. At times, I’m startled at the misfortunes — even “fails” — that kids watch on YouTube and find funny. Recently, I formed an informal … Read More

The Power of “YET”

Tim Hillerblog, Leadership, Next Level Performance

 By Co-Founder & Director of Athlete Development, Tim Hiller When it comes to working with student-athletes, as we do at Next Level Performance, there are two different approaches to coaching, mentoring, and developing future leaders—a performance approach or a mastery approach. These terms were developed by Dr. Amber Strain, the Senior Director of Cognitive Science at Decooda, and as you’ll … Read More

Chris Borland: A Case Study in Long-Term Thinking

Amber Bairdblog, Leadership

Repost from Growing Leaders by Tim Elmore Today—I’d like to start a conversation. It’s about long-term thinking, and it’s inspired by a move that NFL player Chris Borland recently made. There is a deeper principle behind the move… and it has two sides to it. I want to know your thoughts. Perhaps you heard the news: San Francisco 49ers linebacker Chris … Read More

Helping Athletes Navigate a Short-Term, Shortcut Mindset

Amber Bairdblog, Guest Post, Leadership, Next Level Performance

Repost from Growing Leaders by Tim Elmore I just spoke at an event for NCAA coaches and staff. During the day, I took part in a conversation about how coaches have changed their approach to recruiting and leading high school athletes, now that the TGIF Generation (Twitter, Google, Instagram and Facebook) has emerged. Coaches face challenges they didn’t have to … Read More

The Real S.H.O.W. in Athletics

Next Level Performanceblog, Leadership, Next Level Performance

“For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” 1 Timothy 4:8 I don’t know about you, but I struggled to get to sleep last night. I felt a deep pit in my stomach. And the source of my illness was the show … Read More

What’s Better Than a Competitive Spirit?

Next Level Performanceblog, Leadership, Next Level Performance, Uncategorized

Repost from Growing Leaders by Tim Elmore Oregon quarterback, Marcus Mariota, is one of the nicest college athletes you’ll ever meet. His talent is unquestioned, as this year’s winner of the Heisman trophy. His teammates talk, however, about how restrained he is; how he picks up his own and other people’s trash on the ground; how he hands out food … Read More