November 3, 2010
Like many things in our
world, wisdom has become a commodity that can be packaged, purchased or
downloaded. Bookstores have shelves lined with current, ancient and
future focused words of wisdom. We can take retreats, attend workshops
and become students of wisdom teachers. We can even join groups that
declare their wisdom is 'better' than any 'other' wisdom.
None of this is either bad or good. It's
really a sign of the times we live in. People are searching for answers
to a wide range of life's questions - some more challenging than others.
What tends to happen, however, is that we
spend a lot more time focusing on getting wisdom outside of ourselves
than we do growing it within ourselves. (What I call the difference
between the 'outself' wisdom and the 'inself' wisdom.)
All of the outside sources are really meant to help lead us
to our own inner pot of wisdom. They can do this by sparking a greater
depth of awareness through our own experiences, words and perceptions.
And
this awareness can all start with a simple series of questions the next
time we are presented with 'outself' wisdom:
- Is this true? (beyond a shadow of a
doubt?)
These two questions may just be 'true' for you.
Test
it out for yourself. If you find it works, then keep on testing it on
all the 'outself' sources of wisdom in your life.
It's a genius
success habit worth committing to.
Posted by Charles Richard Cotton. Posted In : Genius Success Habit
November 3, 2010
Each
week in this section I include a
detailed description of a specific technical skill or ability. This
information is offered to help you achieve technical mastery through
perfect practice. After all, if you're going to practice you might as
well do it perfectly!
Outstep Flick Kick
The Outstep is the surface of the foot along the two outside
toes toward and including the middle outside of the foot toward the
ankle. Kicking here can create great out-turning spin on the ball. We
c...
Continue reading...
Posted by Charles Richard Cotton. Posted In : Genius Technical Tips
November 3, 2010
Here's
one of my all-time favourite YouTube videos. I send it out to all my
Soccer Genius students and include it in the second level of my
HomeSkills Magic series. It's of a young teenage girl sharing her
amazing juggling talents. I know you'll love it!
(the music is
good - turn it up ;)
Continue reading...
Posted by Charles Richard Cotton. Posted In : Recommended Media
November 3, 2010
Fear is a funny thing. In
days gone by, we relied on fear simply to survive. It helped us avoid
being the delicious meal of some hungry animal. Things have changed and
we no longer have as many constant threats to our immediate survival.
Yet the fear 'instincts' still linger. As coaches and parents we must do
our very best to minimize triggering the fear-based instincts in
players.
When children learn their soccer in an environment that
attempts to minimize risk, avoid mistakes and voc... Continue reading...
Posted by Charles Richard Cotton. Posted In : Featured Articles
November 3, 2010
“Children rarely flourish under the constant fear of
failure. Rather they excel in an environment that celebrates and
encourages their every step, including both successes and failures." d
Charles Cotton Continue reading...
Posted by Charles Richard Cotton. Posted In : Quote of the Week
August 29, 2010
A different type of 'football' inspires this weeks media recommendation - American football. This video highlights one of the greatest comebacks in the history of sport. The humour and unbelievable outcome capture the genius "NEVER QUIT" spirit brilliantly.
Enjoy!

Continue reading...
Posted by Charles Richard Cotton. Posted In : Recommended Media
August 29, 2010
Phil Jackson is one of the greatest team builders and player managers in the history of sport. He holds several coaching records in the NBA. His writings are inspiring and part of my required reading list for aspiring Soccer Genius coaches. Learn from a Master. Read Phil's book.

Sacred Hoops: Spiritual Lessons of a Hardwood Warrior - Phil Jackson
Continue reading...
Posted by Charles Richard Cotton. Posted In : Recommended Media
August 29, 2010
Anson Dorrance is arguably the most successful soccer coach in history. Period! His book, Vision of a Champion, is a must read for coaches, parents and later-stage developing players. Anson is one of the early Soccer Genius pioneers and I highly recommend his book.
Continue reading...
Posted by Charles Richard Cotton. Posted In : Recommended Media
August 29, 2010
This week's recommendation is an amazing video compilation of goals from one of the world's all-time great Soccer Geniuses - Ronaldhino. Simply enjoy the brilliance and then spend time visualizing (imagining on purpose in your mind's eye) yourself doing these very same skills. It's a success habit of all developing Soccer Geniuses.
Enjoy the magic!

Ronaldhino's Top 10 Goals Continue reading...
Posted by Charles Richard Cotton. Posted In : Recommended Media
August 29, 2010
Today's recommendation is written more for a business audience, however, the lessons and values are immediately and universally applicable to sports. Jon Huntsman is definitely a Soccer Genius in the making!

Winners Never Cheat - Even in Difficult Times
by Jon M. Huntsman
Continue reading...
Posted by Charles Richard Cotton. Posted In : Recommended Media