Conquering the work we most despise may be difficult, but provides the opportunity for fulfilling rewards.My younger son, Dane, is struggling in his Algebra class. He is a hell of a math student, but hates it with a passion. Last night in the car, he said, “Dad, when I sit down to do my algebra work, I have a hard time breathing and my skin gets hot.”Ouch. This cut me … [Read more…]

As a community, we spend untold amounts of money on software and games to train our brains. We’ve long known that exercise helps various neurological functions; now science says perhaps all you need is a pill.Friends and loved ones often ask me about jogging. I tell everyone that if you want to look like a distance runner, jog. However, if you desire a muscular, toned or … [Read more…]

If you’ve known me at all over the years, you know I frequently talk about how vital it is to have a strong mind. This post offers no advice. It’s simply an ode to the characteristic I respect most in human beings.During my MLB career, I paid close attention to the psyche of the men with whom I stood shoulder to shoulder. I watched as they fell and stayed down, or picked … [Read more…]

When gearing up for a mental challenge, physical activity improves mental performance.  Strong bodies are a dime a dozen; if you want to impress me, reveal a strong mind. Often, the two are engaged in a harmonious partnership. Whether it’s an interview, test, important conversation or anything needing focus, achieving peak performance involves both your physical and mental … [Read more…]

As I stand in front of a squat rack staring blankly at in excess of 400 pounds, I can feel the associated physical sensation without having to actually touch the weight. The cold of the steel bar bearing down on my shoulder blades, the tightening, contracting and firing of every muscle from my toes to my nose, the awakening of an old hip injury, the increased heart rate and … [Read more…]