Ronnie O'Sullivan is one of the most talented sportsmen to have ever lived. He has dominated the world of snooker, winning a record-equalling seven world titles and 41 ranking titles in total, in a career spanning over 30 years. What's interesting about Ronnie is, he is as well known for his erratic behaviour as he is for his genius. His professional rap sheet includes: - Claiming most snooker players had wasted their lives - Accusing a new crop of players as not being good enough - Walking out during the middle of a match This erratic behaviour has often reflected in his performances. When he's on his game, he is unstoppable, when he's off it, he's anyone's. Why am I telling you this? Because last week I shed a little light on a coaching exercise I have been using for a number of years called The Cast List. The Cast List explores the idea that we are all made up of multiple characters, each with their own: - Beliefs - Fears - Triggers and; - Objectives These characters grab the microphone, often without notice. Sometimes when we feel threatened, an angry character comes out. Perhaps we sense an opportunity for mischief and our playful side takes centre stage? The purpose of the Cast List exercise is to identify YOUR cast members, and in so doing, becoming the Director of your story, rather than a powerless bystander. For many years, Ronnie O'Sullivan was the latter. In the middle of a game, seemingly from nowhere, a fearful, insecure character would be triggered onto stage. This character, programmed to keep Ronnie safe, would be on the lookout for danger. Its go-to reaction was to run, by either throwing away the match, or literally walking out. Other times, Ronnie was capable of displaying a level of self confidence unfathomable to other pro's - on one occasion, having only potted a couple of reds, he asked what the prize money for a maximum break was, before going on to complete it. In 2011, however, Ronnie met sports psychiatrist Professor Steve Peters. By this point he'd won three world titles in 17 years. Steve Peters helped Ronnie understand himself and his emotions. He learned to tame the fearful voices, replacing them with more helpful, rational versions. In short, Ronnie had become better at Directing his Cast List, rather than being a slave to them. Within four years, Ronnie had won three more world titles. The extreme range of Ronnie's characters makes him a great example of the impact our cast list has on our lives. Without conscious awareness, they run the show. We are beholden to them and we hope, when we wake up in the morning, the good ones are on stage. But it doesn't have to be this way. If you can identify and connect with your characters, you can fully understand your emotions, allowing you to navigate your lives with purpose and create a more exciting future. Give it a go. #knowyourself #findyourplayground (Image courtesy of Sky Sports).
Joseph Hall
8mo
A fascinating insight - and a brilliant way of taking another look at yourself! Thanks Jim!
Recruit, support and celebrate volunteers so that you can keep making an impact, without burning yourself out💥 EMCC Senior Practitioner Coach 🌊 Deputy Mayor for Teignmouth, South Devon 🌳
8moI love this!! I often recommend watching Inside Out for similar reasons - and it’s a double whammy for my client is one of their goals is to have some quality time with their children (which it so often is)