The Player Mindset by Garry Melling

#Player Mindset 

Back in October last year I was privileged to be introduced to Andy through my colleague Amanda Reid at #Firstmortgage. Having been surrounded by all the challenges and negativity being thrown out into the world. This couldn’t have come at a better time.

The last few years had got me thinking about my own personal journey in terms of where I am now and where I want to be, and I suppose as your children begin to grow up and you get older you question what the next chapter in life is. What I do know is that I feel there is still plenty in the locker to give and if anything, I’ve got a few more gears to go through.

I’ve always known that I have a certain set of qualities, values and behaviours that are engrained into my DNA, but to bring that together you need a Vision, Purpose, set of systems, routine and people in your life that bring the best out of you.

My own affirmation is to be committed to living a life of positivity and fulfilment in every aspect of what I do.

So, what is it with the picture and hash tag statement?

This is a moment in time when my son on the right was being coached by his sensei on how to approach the next round with a more experienced fighter in Kick boxing. This is a fight he went on to win by listening and applying to what instructions were being given. As you can see for a 14-year-old he is in pretty good shape and is very good at what he does, and I am also his number one fan of course.

My son has now become my coach. I always remember Andy sharing his opening story about the top performer sharing everything they did at a conference knowing only 3 or 4 % of people would change what they were doing to replicate that success. I vowed to never be outside of that 3 or 4 % and I was going to make a difference to my own life.

Fresh out of that session with Andy I turned up on a Saturday morning to take my son training. I have always watched with pride as he trains and what runs through my mind? Victim, Spectator, Cynic and Player. At present I was a Spectator. Well that was no longer going to be the case. I stepped up to Sensei Jake and I asked:

'Given I am here, how about I join in?'.

To which I was welcomed with open arms from an amazing Sensei that I respect so much. I had finally stepped out of the cave and the gloves were on.

12 months on I am in the best shape of my life. I have graded for belts, I have lost over a stone, I spend time with my son with a shared interest and I am able to help him train for fights. Yes, I have had broken ribs, a black eye and training can be tough, but the pain is temporary and I have become more fulfilled. Kick boxing is so technical, and it is a journey I am at the very start of.  Just as it is working with Andy in stepping out of my cave to become a better version of myself.

At 42 who would have thought I would be training as a kick boxer? Who would have thought that my son at 14 would become my coach? The morale behind the story is to open yourself up to new opportunity, surround yourself by people who bring the best out of you, be gracious in your learning and be prepared to step out of the cave as pain only lasts a short time

Thank you, First Mortgage, Amanda Reid, Andy Fell, Sensei Jake and Lucas Melling

Andy's note: To quote from his own blog, Garry has plenty more gears. He is a living, breathing example of someone with a truly passionate player and growth mindset. Every #futureyou member would benefit from spending time in his company. He is someone who quietly inspires me to do every better work and be the wind beneath my wings. I love the fact he is willing to be coached by his 14 year old son and kick-boxing his brought them closer together. #player2player #eagle2eagle No ego there!