We Are All Athletes

Mariah Burton Nelson's new book, "We Are All Athletes", is an excellent guide for daily life. Rather than bland cliches, Mariah offers specific actions and thought patterns that can improve one's mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. She offers concrete ideas for setting and pursuing exercise goals, thinking like a winner, turning defeat, or setbacks, into lessons and steps forward, and treating yourself and others with respect. This is not a book just for athletes; by using sports as a metaphor, Mariah shows us how we can participate successfully in all aspects of our life, and be proactive, rather than merely reactive. For Mariah, "vicissitudes" are defined as "opportunities". It's a short, easy read, and can be picked up at any point in the text and enjoyed. Another valuable addition to my library; thank you, Mariah!

I don't think of myself as an athlete. I rarely have time to read a whole book. So I dipped into this one thinking to take "just a bite." I tasted the letter "J" for joy and remembered the amazing freedom of early morning summer swims...and then went on reading. Includes some of the freshest examples, and quotes I had never heard before.The book is full of wisdom and wit, and what surprised me the most was how often I saw my non-athletic self on so many pages. She's right. I am an athlete in my life, work, and leadership.And the ideas are so tasty--like mental potato chips. I couldn't stop at one.

Since I'm nearing retirement, I shouldn't have need for motivational materials. However, this one gave me a new, and effective way, to think about my "life after retirement" and how I want to handle it. The ironic thing is that I recommended Mariah as a speaker for our college undergraduates and then read the book because I was impressed with her presentation. Yes, the book is relevant for all ages.

Just as the author is a pioneer in sports, this book is a pioneer in that it makes a compelling case for why we should ALL (regardless of age, hectic schedule, or state of fitness/flabbiness) be involved in sports or physical activity of some kind -- and how we can then apply those athletic lessons in the board room and living room, at the negotiating table and dinner table.The book is divided into insightful, succinct chapters so busy readers can dip in and derive value even if they only have a few minutes to spare. I see why this book is used for leadership development. A manager or coach could assign a chapter a week, and then facilitate a fascinating discussion on how staff or team members plan to use these valuable A-Z characteristics to produce peak performance. Mariah's thought-provoking book has the power to make us stop and reflect -- and choose to do things differently. In addition to being a great read, the best endorsement is that, just a few chapters into the book, you'll find yourself calling your tennis buddy, heading out for a hike, getting a tee time, or signing up for an aerobics class -- and then applying the principles you use there with your co-workers, customers, and kids. Reap it and reap.