Author Archive

Boks made their point : ‘The Nelson 111’.

Posted on: October 29th, 2023 by Rob Opie No Comments

There’s so much going wrong in our country, we are the last line of defence. There’s so much division in the country, it is possible to work together as South Africans, not just on the rugby field, but in life in general. We can’t go away from that, 1995, without that I wouldn’t be here. For people who look like me, I’ve got a job to give whatever I can to the jersey, to show they can get opportunities like this.’                                                                                                               Siya Kolisi

 

Well done to Siya and Bokke for once again showing us how to unite a nation.

Wow, did they make the entire country sweat ?

The Boks going on to capture a record fourth Web Ellis trophy in France – by beating our southern hemisphere arch-rivals New Zealand in a nail biter final by one point: 12-11.

What stands out in their victory is that their last three wins all involved a narrow winning margin of one point in each game –  the superstitious ‘111 factor’ of sport coming into play.

Resilience and experience shined through in a team focused and united with a powerful higher purpose in bringing South Africans together as one.

#STRONGER TOGETHER

 

Or put in another way:

ENTERTAINING, EDUCATING AND ENRICHING a nation.

This is what champion teams do.

They do more than just winning on the playing field.

People who are not from South Africa don’t understand what this means for our country, this is not just about the game; our country goes through such a lot. We are the very hope that they have.”                                                                 Siya Kolisi


Hopefully it represents unity, what teamwork can do. A lot is lacking in our country. People from all races and backgrounds, supporting one goal, something we can learn in everyday life: ‘To make a better country and a better world.’                                                       Faf de Klerk

 

The term ‘111’ is called ‘NELSON’ in cricketing slang terminology – and superstition

 

The name Nelson, applied to a team or individual score of 111, is thought to refer to a wicket. Various sources ascribe it to referring to Nelson’s three major naval victories (won, won, won).

 

In cricket terms, 111, umpire David Shepherd made the ritual popular through his longstanding practice of raising a leg from the ground on Nelson, in an effort to avoid ill fate. When crowds noticed this, they would cheer his leg-raising. as NELSON, where fellow players and supporters are also expected to lift their feet while the team or individual batsman remains on 111.

 

But, for our Bokke there would be no ill- fate, as the country lined up for an epic final with their ‘feet up’ wearing their green jerseys week in and week out – the Boks progressing to the final with one point comeback victories over France and England.

Then wrapping it all up with a one – point victory over New Zealand.

I guess as a team we like drama. We have had drama for the last few years. It helped us a lot as a team to get through the drama and cope with it and it shows the resilience of the team and the whole of South Africa.” Pieter-Stef Du Toit – ‘The Malmesbury Missile’ after his 28 tackles made and Man of Match performance in the final.  

Maybe the team was out to prove a point in showing us that when you are united in cause, drama and action – and keep one foot up:

Anything becomes possible.

Welgedaan Bokke.

 

GO GREAT

ROB OPIE

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Email to: robopie@thegameplan.co.za

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GO GREAT

ROB OPIE

 

Email to: robopie@thegameplan.co.za

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Novak Djokovic. ‘Inner Engineering’ key to his record success.

Posted on: September 13th, 2023 by Rob Opie No Comments

 

‘“I’m going to keep going. You know, I feel good in my own body. I still feel I got the support of my environment, of my team, of my family,” Novak Djokovic aged 36.

 

He must surely now be recognized as the greatest of all time:  GOAT

Novak Djokovic, aged 36, is showing no signs of slowing after his record equalling 24th GRAND SLAM victory at the US OPEN.

He now stands to go past Margaret Court’s record of 24 grand slams at next year’s Australian Open.

This all comes from a man who five years back at the Laureus Awards spoke openly about being burnt out chasing ‘ Roger and Rafa ‘ – and having to take himself through a process of ‘ inner engineering’.

Novak Djokovic’s acceptance speech at the Laureus Awards that year was crammed full with wisdom – and some brutal honesty – from which we can all take lessons – from a GOAT.

Yes, even the greatest of the great champions have to dig deep at times.

Forced out the game to undergo surgery after the 2018 Australian Open, Novak revealed how for him it was actually a three year period on introspection.

A reality check on life – or what he likes to call:

 

“A period of Inner Engineering”

 

His wife, Jelena playing a huge part in resurrecting a career that was on the verge of destruction.

His injury forcing him to take heed.

He himself admitting that he had difficulty rejoicing in his success and its “meaning”, revealing that he felt “relief” more than anything even after achieving his momentous calendar grand slam in 2016.

‘’Back at Roland Garros 2016, when I achieved the ultimate goal of tennis to hold all four slams at the same time, I felt a huge relief, I did not feel fulfilment to be honest : Novak Djokovic

Like so many other great champions, Novak had fallen into the human trap of:

 

‘Chasing the game’

 

He revealed how he had struggled to find higher purpose.

‘I tried to understand why, and I think it was because I didn’t embrace or I didn’t live the process or the journey as much as I needed – and wanted that destination or that achievement of that goal. When I actually reached it, I realised that the goal would be nothing without that journey.’ Novak Djokovic at the Laureus Awards

Chasing the game – chasing the result – serves only to steer any great champion towards ‘burn out‘.

‘Inner Engineering’ helped Novak to embrace the power of sport, which comes through an understanding of sport’s higher purpose:

 

‘To Entertain, to Educate and to Enrich the lives of others’.

 

Novak has certainly entertained us with the bigger picture since moving away from of ‘chasing the game.’

No matter how big or small your role may be on this planet, it’s unwise to’ chase the game’ in life.

 

‘Success is found in the journey – not the result.’

 

Live the journey.

‘I felt immense relief and great gratitude for that moment. People ask me why I didn’t celebrate immediately after the winning point but I simply felt relief and now I’m grateful that it’s all over. The first thing I wanted to do after the victory was hug my daughter. She is my guardian angel, she inspired me to win and was fundamental’. Novak on winning at US OPEN

Thanks Novak for sharing that.

And congratulations Novak on making winning your 24th Grand Slam title look easy at the US OPEN – at age 36.

This is what the great champions do.

For Novak there will be few thoughts of calling it a day any time soon, unless his body dictates otherwise.

Inner engineering has been part his ongoing success formula.

“I’m not chasing anyone. I’m making my own journey, my own path, my own history. I’m privileged to be part of history in this sport that I love. I don’t put any number right now in my mind on how many Slams I want to win until the end of my career. I don’t really have any number, but, I do want to make history of this sport, no doubt.’ Novak Djokovic

 

GO GREAT

ROB OPIE

FREE e BOOK OFFER

Get a copy of Rob’s latest eBook:  21 SPORTING STORIES – your free easy to read copy delivered direct to your inbox simply send an email request to robopie@thegameplan.co.za

It’s a sports book full of interesting short stories and crammed full of inspiration and insight.

FREE eBOOKS

ENJOY-   your feedback is always appreciated and please do share with family and friends.

LAUNCHED 

‘It is inherent to the human condition that we bond’

Rob’s interactive, insightful and inspiring TALK:

“Champions do More

– at your offices to get your TEAM powered up. Contact Rob direct to find out more.

Email to: robopie@thegameplan.co.za

Read more: www.thegameplan.co.za

Boks spring surprise branding move. Did it work for them?

Posted on: September 11th, 2023 by Rob Opie No Comments

‘BOK IDENTITY = GREEN & GOLD’

Die Bokke, pulled off a convincing 18-3 victory over Scotland in their World Cup opener this past weekend, and a surprise move to play in turquoise jerseys.

Question is if it worked for them and what impact does it have on the brand?

Undoubtedly supporter feedback was “GO BACK TO GREEN & GOLD”.

 

In sports marketing  – Colour  Identity – plays a massive role in driving home success.’

 

The basic rule in sports marketing is that colour alternatives can be used for a limited amount of ‘Cause Marketing’, as we have seen for example with the Proteas in “Pink for Cancer”.

Here it works, but when the brand uses alternative colour primarily for financial gain, as the Boks did with 60/60, it needs to be questioned in terms of brand value.

Risk of brand damage and risk of supporters having a feeling  of being less united is not worth the price it pays to sell your IDENTITY.

For the Boks to win their World Cup # 4 they will have to return the GREEN & GOLD from here on in ………

                                        #STRONGERTOGETHER.

Supporters will only give so much to ‘kitting themselves out ‘and they want to feel united with their team in colour for every game.

It is called BRAND IDENTITY – and it plays a vital role in determining success in sports branding.

GO Bokke. Go Great.

ROB OPIE

FREE e BOOK OFFER

Get a copy of Rob’s latest eBook:  21 SPORTING STORIES – your free easy to read copy delivered direct to your inbox simply send an email request to robopie@thegameplan.co.za

It’s a sports book full of interesting short stories and crammed full of inspiration and insight.

FREE eBOOKS

ENJOY-   your feedback is always appreciated and please do share with family and friends.

LAUNCHED 

‘It is inherent to the human condition that we bond’

Rob’s interactive, insightful and inspiring TALK: “Champions do More”– at your offices to get your TEAM powered up. Contact Rob direct to find out more.

Email to: robopie@thegameplan.co.za

If you would like a complimentary copy of any of my published eBooks – including PERSONAL BRANDING, please CLICK HERE to read more and request your FREE copy.

Email to: robopie@thegameplan.co.za

Read more: www.thegameplan.co.za

 

Whether it’s in business, sport or health – FOCUS DRIVES SUCCESS.

Posted on: March 15th, 2023 by Rob Opie No Comments

 

 

“The most important thing I have learnt in life is to FOCUS my energy on what is important in life.”

–Bill Gates

 

 

Greatness leaves footprints.

Both Bill Gates and Warren Buffett agree that FOCUS is THE KEY FOR SUCCESS IN LIFE.

Now these are just two pretty powerful minds riding in the same peloton- which makes for some pretty interesting insights and reading.

 

IN BUSINESS;

 

Here in South Arica, businessman Raymond Ackerman proved it with his FOCUSED four- legged TABLE MODEL…… building one of SA’s top supermarkets chains from scratch. His strategic focus was a model based on the four legs of a table – each deemed to be one on his key business principles of his management philosophy. The four legs of his table were the people leg (human resources), the merchandise leg (production), the promotion leg (marketing/technology) and the administration leg (including finances).

Each leg had to be strong enough to keep the table upright, and of the same length, enough to keep the table balanced and level. If any one of the legs wobbles, the table tilts; if a leg collapses, the table falls. The table settings placed on this flat, secure base are the day-today activities and operations of the business.

IN SPORT;

In sport let’s choose mountaineering as an unusual example, going back to the days of the great Everest explorers, who climbed Everest without supplementary oxygen – the greats like George Mallory. Reinhold Messer – Sir Edmund Hillary – Tenzing Norgay – Erik Shipton and others.

 

Unfortunately, Everest has now become the new playground of the rich with many changes. But, it was the early explorers who conquered the mountain with four- pronged strategies – knowing exactly when to be on the mountain and when to be off the mountain.

Their strategies based on a four- legged FOCUS model – are the same as in business, sport and health.

Here are the table legs of the great explorers:

TABLE LEG #1:   THE RIGHT MINDSET – the power of the human resolve

‘’by resolve we mean to decide firmly or formally on a course of action; to determine and decide in purpose; to free from doubt; to make ready in mind”

 “If you cannot understand that there is something in man which responds to the challenge of this mountain and goes out to meet it, that the struggle of life itself is upward and forever upward, then you won’t see why we go.”

–George Mallory: English Mountaineer and Everest Explorer

“By climbing mountains we were not learning how big we were. We were finding out how breakable, how weak and how full of fear we are. You can only get this if you expose yourself to high danger. I have always said that a mountain without danger is not a mountain.”

–Reinhold Messner: Italian Mountaineer and Everest Conqueror

 

TABLE LEG #2:   THE RIGHT KNOWLEDGE- the power of human awareness

 

TABLE LEG #3:   THE RIGHT SUPPORT – the power of the human collective

TABLE LEG #4:   THE GAME PLAN –the power of the human focus

 

AND IN HEALTH.

 

FOCUS is even more powerful when one looks at a famous cyclist – Lance Armstrong – who used a focused and very similar four- pronged table model to conquer CANCER ……………..and the Pyrenees…. and the Alps

He shared it all openly in his first book- a very insightful, interesting and inspirational read.

It’s not about the bike’ (read Chapter Nine)

 Many refer to Lance Armstrong as a seven times Tour de FRANCE cheat. BUT millions adore and admire him for what he shared on CANCER and how he conquered with a four -legged table model .

BUT , few took notice – mainly because HE was questioning an industry showing an exponential growth trends via chemotherapy , radiation and surgical practices.

IT HAD BECOME AN ECONOMY within itself.

And anyone who shoots down an economy will be shot down quickly.

He really had no chance to be heard.

The story did have some interest as years before United States President Richard Nixon had signed the National Cancer Act into effect in 1971. Most Americans – and the rest of the world – believed that if America could put a man on the moon, the war against cancer would soon be over.

 

BUT, it never happened.

 

More than 43 years later rogue cancer cells continue to cause death, destroy lives and devastate families.

Every day in the US alone, more than 1500 people succumb to the dis-ease.

In South Africa that number is estimated to be 150.

Today worldwide more people die of cancer than Aids, Tuberculosis and Malaria combined.

I just wish CANCER is NEVER treated as an economy – like any economic war is – and that other CANCER CHAMPIONS do get their opportunity to share their cancer success stories.

By mastering Armstrong’s four- pronged strategy to conquer cancer one will soon be back to mastering ones own health and life.

Read Lance’s first book to find out more – or email myself for a complimentary copy of my book: “What every woman should know about breast cancer” – it is FREE to you at robopie@thegameplan.co.za

 

Cancer can be conquered.

That is a given if you TAKE HEED from the cancer champions who have conquered it.

 

‘Without cancer, I never would have won a single Tour de France. Cancer taught me a plan for more purposeful living and that in turn taught me how to train and to win more purposefully. It taught me that pain has a reason and that sometimes the experience of losing things – whether health or a car or an old sense of self – has its own value in the scheme of life. Pain and loss are great enhancers.’

                                                                                                                                                                    Lance Armstrong

Whether it’s a Business to conquer, Everest to conquer, The Tour de France to conquer or the ‘mountain’ called Cancer to conquer – there is always a four- pronged FOCUSSED way to do it!

Take Heed.

 

ROB OPIE

FREE e BOOK OFFER

Get a copy of Rob’s latest eBook:  21 SPORTING STORIES – your free easy to read copy delivered direct to your inbox simply send an email request to robopie@thegameplan.co.za

It’s a sports book full of interesting short stories and crammed full of inspiration and insight.

FREE eBOOKS

ENJOY-   your feedback is always appreciated and please do share with family and friends.

LAUNCHED in 2023

It is inherent to the human condition that we bond

Rob’s interactive, insightful and inspiring TALK: “Champions do More”– at your offices to get your TEAM back together and powered up for a great 2023. Contact Rob direct to find out more.

Email to: robopie@thegameplan.co.za

If you would like a complimentary copy of any of my published eBooks – including PERSONAL BRANDING, please CLICK HERE to read more and request your FREE copy.

Email to: robopie@thegameplan.co.za

Read more: www.thegameplan.co.za

 

Rob Opie is a Brand Strategist, Author, Keynote Speaker, Performance Coach to business and sports teams – and life coach to those on a journey to self-actualisation.

For further Insights, Innovation and Inspiration, please visit www.thegameplan.co.za

How to escape the human trap called PROCRASTINATION

Posted on: March 2nd, 2023 by Rob Opie No Comments

 

“My Advice: Invest in Yourself.”    Warren Buffett

 

 

 

 

The bedrock of every high- level Personal Game Plan– or Personal Brand – are the 3P’s of branding – namely

 P#1: Defining your PURPOSE

P#2: Setting your PRIORITIES

P#3: Aligning and focusing your PERFORMANCE GOALS

 

But here in-between lies another ‘P’– and it is an ugly ‘P’ called PROCRASTINATION – when people fail to get the job done.

Consider what Warren Buffett believes:

“Less than 5 % of people get anything like their potential horsepower translated into their actual horsepower.”

He’s right.

Potential exceeds realization for most of us.

Less than 5 % of people go on to achieve their greatest potential in life, and a huge chunk of this under-performance can be attributed to a lack of congruency in their Game Plans – their 3P’s.

Think of Personal Branding as an ice- berg – as depicted in introduction graphic to this article above:

 

First you have to address the powerful chunk which lies invisible below the surface – making sure that your Purpose and your Priorities are ‘made of the right stuff.’

 

These are the two P’s which people do not see, but they are the key drivers of the part which lies above the ocean, which people do see – your PERFORMANCE.

 

Your brand can score highly with the P’s below the ocean, but if your PERFORMANCE GOALS are not aligned and focused – you will fall into the human trap of PROCRASTINATION – and having minimal finite energy to do what you set yourself to do.

 

You will begin to seek external MOTIVATION…. and more motivation….and more motivation to do something which you do not really wish to do. (What you are seeking to do is not high on your priority list)

Under-performance is the net- result.

But the great champions of life do not participate in the external MOTIVATION game. They set themselves up right to be in the INSPIRATION game – being internally driven to just do–where their performance goals are specifically, not abstractly, aligned with their purpose and priorities.

Things just begin to fall into place for them as they are intrisically inspired .

Performance enhances when inner values and priortities combine to form a congruent force.

Human Greatness happens.

By making your 3P’s congruent (AUTHENTIC, ALIGNED AND ACHIEVABLE) – you will be well on your way to escaping the human trap called PROCRASTINATION – and mastering your health, your happiness and your life.

“Mastering others is strength. Mastering yourself makes you fearless.”

                                                                                           Lao Tzu

Go Great

ROB OPIE

FREE e BOOK OFFER

Get a copy of Rob’s latest eBook:  21 SPORTING STORIES – your free easy to read copy delivered direct to your inbox simply send an email request to robopie@thegameplan.co.za

It’s a sports book full of interesting short stories and crammed full of inspiration and insight.

FREE eBOOKS

ENJOY-   your feedback is always appreciated and please do share with family and friends.

LAUNCHED in 2023

It is inherent to the human condition that we bond

Rob’s interactive, insightful and inspiring TALK: “Champions do More”– at your offices to get your TEAM back together and powered up for a great 2023. Contact Rob direct to find out more.

Email to: robopie@thegameplan.co.za

If you would like a complimentary copy of any of my published eBooks – including PERSONAL BRANDING, please CLICK HERE to read more and request your FREE copy.

Email to: robopie@thegameplan.co.za

Read more: www.thegameplan.co.za

 

Rob Opie is a Brand Strategist, Author, Keynote Speaker, Performance Coach to business and sports teams – and life coach to those on a journey to self-actualisation.

For further Insights, Innovation and Inspiration, please visit www.thegameplan.co.za

 

At age 65, Bernard’s feeling on top of the world again.

Posted on: February 27th, 2023 by Rob Opie No Comments

“He continues to amaze us all. He just keeps going, and he stays in shape. He’s just incredible, really. Forty-five wins, and he keeps winning, 65 years old, shot his age this week. I don’t know, there’s not much else you can say about him. And he’s a nice person, too. That’s, I think, the coolest part is he’s a good guy, a nice guy.”                            

                                                                                          Steve Stricker

 

 

With his recent successful defense of the Chubb Classic, Bernard Langer is back on top of the world.

 

This was his 45th win on the PGA Champions Tour, tying him with Hale Irwin.

 

They are trailed by the funny man of golf Lee Trevino, who accumulated 29 wins and Gary Player 19 wins on the Senior’s tour.

 

Langer also extended his own record for the oldest winner on the over-50 circuit (65 years, 5 months, 23 days).

 

Langer birdied five of his last seven holes in the final round to shoot 65 and earn a three-stroke victory.

 

The 65-year-old Langer matched his age with a closing 7-under 65.

 

It was his 12th win since turning 60.

 

“Right now, I just feel relieved and grateful and thankful for everybody that’s been on my team and helping me through these years. Like we said, for a German kid from a village of 800 people and starting as a caddie to do what I’ve done, it takes a lot of people to do that, not just one.” Bernard Langer

 

Langer who has twice won The Masters   –  is also much admired and adored in South Africa for his two wins at the Million Dollar Challenge – being one of the first in golf to take home a winner’s cheque of one million dollars in 1991.

 

 

After turning 50, Langer has established himself as the most successful player in the history of the PGA Tour Champions. He has won a record 11 senior major championships, been the money leader in a record 11 seasons – and a record 7 times in a row.

 

In professional golf, the measure of a player’s greatness is most commonly linked with how many majors they win in their career. Being the golfer with the most senior major championship titles makes that golfer the best 50-plus golfer ever.

 

The golfer with the most career PGA Tour Champions major championship titles is Bernhard Langer – with 11 in his career.

 

Behind him come Nicklaus, Player and Irwin – quite a name list.

 

But, who can argue these golfing statistics.

 

Bernard is the best ever golfer over 50.

 

And just how long will he continue winning?

 

Maybe at age 70 he might finally take a break?

 

My whole life is an improbable story. When you dive deep a little bit where I came from and what has happened in my lifetime –  just to earn a living was an incredible story, but then to make it to No. 1 in the world and to become one of the best players for many years, and what happened on the Champions Tour, we all know that, but a lot of stuff has happened in those earlier years that some people have no clue, and they were pretty miraculous. Maybe someday we can make a movie about it. It would be pretty cool.”

                                                            Bernard Langer

 

Go Great

ROB OPIE

FREE e BOOK OFFER

Get a copy of Rob’s latest EBook:  21 SPORTING STORIES – your free easy to read copy delivered direct to your inbox simply send an email request to robopie@thegameplan.co.za

It’s a sports book full of interesting short stories and crammed full of inspiration and insight.

FREE eBOOKS

ENJOY-   your feedback is always appreciated and please do share with family and friends.

LAUNCHED in 2023

It is inherent to the human condition that we bond

Rob’s interactive, insightful and inspiring TALK: “Champions do More”– at your offices to get your TEAM back together and powered up for a great 2023. Contact Rob direct to find out more.

Email to : robopie@thegameplan.co.za

If you would like a complimentary copy of any of my published eBooks – please CLICK HERE to read more and request your FREE copy.

Email to : robopie@thegameplan.co.za

Read more : www.thegameplan.co.za

 

 

Your priorities dictate your destiny in life.

Posted on: February 24th, 2023 by Rob Opie No Comments

 

“The most important thing I have learnt in life is to FOCUS my energy on what is important in life”                            

                                         Bill Gates

 

 

 

 

Setting one’s priorities right is one of the most important actions you can take in life.

That is because your priorities will dictate your destiny.

Yet, it is startling to look at statistics which show that only a very small percentage of us are capable of clearly articulating – in hierarchical order – our ‘’Big Five” priorities in life.

Some of us do it out of ignorance, some out of fear, and some because they cannot see the value in doing so.

Dr John de Martini says:

“If you do not empower yourself, someone or something will overpower you.”

This is what clear priorities can do for YOU:

❖ Clear priorities focus your finite energies

❖ Clear priorities help YOU to make better YES/NO decisions in life.

❖ Clear priorities steer YOU towards what you want in life.

❖ Clear priorities make life far easier for YOU.

❖ Clear priorities empower you.

 

 

We are all unique human beings – and our priorities do differ as life goes on.

 

But, the priorities of the great champions always present a COMMON pattern from which we can all learn to avoid procrastination – and grow wiser.

Indeed:

 

 “Human greatness leaves footprints”

 

The good news is that these patterns -these footprints – can be mapped and modeled to help us on our own roads to human greatness.

 

This is how the great champions of life unpack their highest priorities – importantly in hierarchical order:

 

#Priority Number One: YOURSELF.

 

Many people see their FAMILY as their #.1 priority in life.

They put their family right at the top of their hierarchical list.

The great champions do not do this.

 

They invest in themselves first and foremost.

 

Why?

 

“You can’t help others effectively until you help yourself. Life is about setting up right to be able to inspire and help others.”

 

To impact positively on others you must ensure that you are always coming from a position of strength.

 

This is not to a say that their families are not of utmost importance.

 

Consider the following wisdom from Bob Bulford:

 

“Champions recognize that self-interest is central to one’s human design, but count the greatest gain as the goodwill of fellow humankind.”

 

Add these wise words from American professional life coach Corey Wayne:

 

“By taking care of yourself first, you’ll put yourself in a position to have abundance to take care of others.”

 

The great champions possess very high levels of FCB – having great FAITH, CONFIDENCE &BELIEF to deliver on their purpose & priorities in life.

 

Just think about all the people you could help because you helped YOURSELF first.

 

Priority Number Two: YOUR LIFE PURPOSE (YOUR WHY in life)

 

YOUR PURPOSE is why you exist. It is the ‘the why’ in your life.

 

It’s the one thing that you become an expert in, so that you can positively influence and contribute to this world.

 

“Every living being was born to accomplish certain purpose. It’s the knowledge of that purpose that enables every soul to fulfill it.”                                                                                       Mohammed Ali

 

Invest wisely in your purpose – your vocation– as the world, your family, your friends, your colleagues, your clients need YOU.

 

Your contribution and your impact on others will always be more valuable when ‘your why’ is clear, compelling and congruent with your priorities and performance goals.

 

Priority Number Three: YOUR FAMILY & FRIENDS

 

Here it is as Priority #3 – the critical importance of your Family and your Friends.

Prioritise both as they play a vital role in your life.

 

The investment which you have made in BRAND YOURSELF (Priority #1) and YOUR PURPOSE (Priority #2) will impact on those who you love and cherish.

 

Your contribution will be immense – if you set up right in life.

 

Priority Number Four: YOUR HEALTH & YOUR WEALTH

 

Both are important as they can easily be lost if you do not prioritize and invest in them.

 

The key to health is to strive to live a balanced life.

 

Living a balanced life means getting it right in all three realms of life and health, namely:

 

❖ PHYSICAL – what you put into your body.

❖ CHEMICAL – what you put into your mouth.

❖ EMOTIONAL – what you put into your head.

 

Optimum health comes from maintaining optimal balance in all three realms.

 

Priority Number Five: YOUR LIFESTYLE.

 

Every one of us seeks one’s own desired lifestyle.

If you do not prioritize the things you love to do, they will pass you by.

 

What’s more is that if you do not take ‘time out’ – you will run the risk of burn out.

 

The great champions know that if they are to sustain great– they need to manage their finite energy levels.

 

You have to find time to: “Relax & Refuel “

 

By prioritizing your lifestyle choices – making time for the things you love to do– you will find the energy to ‘step up to the plate’ when required.

 

Whether it’s running, sailing, fishing, reading, shopping, whatever – it’s vitally important to find the time to re-energize yourself.

 

“You’re only here for a short visit. Don’t hurry, don’t worry. And be sure to smell the flowers along the way.”                                                                                                                                 Walter Hagen

 

Now you know how the great champions of life set up right – by prioritizing right.

 

Here are their BIG FIVE priorities summed up in hierarchical order:

 

❖ Priority No.1: YOURSELF

❖ Priority No.2: YOUR PURPOSE

❖ Priority No.3: YOUR FAMILY & FRIENDS

❖ Priority No.4: YOUR HEALTH & YOUR WEALTH

❖ Priority No.5: YOUR DESIRED LIFESTYLE

 

 

Go well, keep focused and reap the benefits of a healthy, happy and prioritized life.

 

Go Great

Rob

Rob Opie is a Brand Strategist, Author, Keynote Speaker, Performance Coach to business and sports teams – and life coach to those on a journey to self-actualisation.

For further Insights, Innovation and Inspiration, please visit www.thegameplan.co.za

How to bolster your own Health & Happiness in 2023

Posted on: February 18th, 2023 by Rob Opie No Comments

‘People should pursue what they are passionate about . That will make them happier than pretty much anything else.’                                                                                                                                        Elon Musk

 

 

Every one of us has their own chosen path on which we travel in search of health and happiness.

But, what happens when we drift a little off our desired paths to health and happiness.

2022 was one of those years for many of us………

It is at times like these that it is best to take heed as to what the great champions of health and life do – and what they do not do.

 

Here are three sure fire ways to bolster your own health & happiness in 2023.

 

# 1: Ensure that your OWN GAME PLAN (Personal Brand) is CONGRUENT (that it is authentic & aligned)

This means ensuring that your 3P’s are congruent i.e. YOUR PERSONAL PURPOSE- YOUR PERSONAL PRIORITIES – AND YOUR PERSONAL GOALS for 2023.

Take Elon Musk as an example of human greatness.

His personal purpose is to “ELEVATE HUMANITY”- every day he goes out there to find out what is not working – and goes and fixes it. He is a great FIXER by heart and one of the most powerful humans on this planet earth.

Bill Gate’s purpose is to ‘EMPOWER PEOPLE TO DO MORE’ It is little wonder that he continues impacting at the top level via his foundation – which must give him immense pleasure via giving back to mankind.

Roger Federer’s purpose is to “Entertain, Educate and Enrich ” through his tennis genius. He must also feel great happiness when he plays charity matches and giving back through his foundation in Africa.

“The Great Champions of life recognize that self-interest is central to one’s human design, but count the greatest gain as the goodwill of fellow humankind.”

                                                                                                                                                              Bob Bulford

Once your purpose is finely tuned it is vital to choose your BIG FIVE PRIORITIES – and then set your BIG FIVE PERFORMANCE GOALS for each of your five top priorities.

Your focus – your congruency  -will go a long way to helping you to live life better .

‘You can only become accomplished at something you love. Don’t make money your goal. Instead pursue the things you love to do and do them so well that people cannot take their eyes off you.” “

                                                                                                                                                               Maya Angelou

“Purpose is that sense that we are part of something bigger than ourselves, that we are needed, that we have something better ahead to work for. Purpose is what creates true happiness.”                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Mark Zuckerberg

 

# 2: Focus and take full advantage of the most powerful positive human emotions in life.

 

“Human emotion is the ultimate resource – the ultimate force‘                                     

                                                                                                                                                    Anthony Robbins

 

The world is crammed full of both positives and negatives – that is just how it works – we live in a balanced universe.

The Big Five Negative emotions can be listed as follows – and include Resentment, Hate, Criticism, Guilt and Futility (self pity).

 Zero of these will help you on your path to health AND happiness, BUT the good news is that the Big Five POSITIVE EMOTIONS are far more powerful and will put you on your own path to health and happiness – that is if you keep your primary focus on them.

Here they are;

Gratitude, Unconditional Love, Acceptance. Forgiveness and Joy.

 Let us take gratitude as a human emotion with immense ability to create health & happiness.

’Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more.

 It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, and confusion into clarity.

It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend.

Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a

vision for tomorrow.’

                                                                                                                                                          Melody Beattie

 

To prove the power of gratitude and unconditional love we only have turn to our experts – our dogs.

Dogs are indeed man’s best friend as they teach us so much power in the emotional realm. Things that we as humans sometimes just take for granted.

Appreciate your dogs every day.

Jimmy Soul could have sung it a little differently:

If you wanna be happy for the rest of your life – get a dog.”

 

# 3: Adopt a VICTOR APPROACH to life – never victim.

 

It is not about being positive all day, every day. The world we live in is balanced; hence you will find positivity and negativity – polar opposites just like electricity. Oops maybe a bad example!

In reality it is all about is the choice you make between being VICTIM and VICTOR. There is NO middle ground on this choice in life.

Victimhood, currently presents itself with a very high prevalence in South Africa, and it also presents as a very powerful form of self sabotage.

Steer yourself well clear of any victim mindset – BECOME A VICTOR by adopting the right mindset, the right knowledge, the right support and right game plan.

This will increase your productivity – AND your health and your happiness.

 

Now we have come full circle back to ensuring ONE HAS A HIGH GAME PLAN – which is the key to your health and happiness – and that of all the great champions of life.

Remember, to add a bit of light- hearted laughter in South Africa – laughter at ourselves – this is what we have become pretty good at in Mzanzi!

It certainly helps to not take life too seriously.

Go Well in 23

This article is not health advice but simply suggestions on how to think about your health and happiness.

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If you would like a complimentary copy of any of my published eBooks – please CLICK HERE to read more and request your FREE copy.

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Rob

Rob Opie is a Brand Strategist, Author, Keynote Speaker, Performance Coach to business and sports teams – and life coach to those on a journey to self-actualisation.

For further Insights, Innovation and Inspiration, please visit www.thegameplan.co.za

 

 

 

Rob Opie is a Brand Strategist, Author, Keynote Speaker, Performance Coach to business and sports teams – and life coach to those on a journey to self-actualisation.

For further Insights, Innovation and Inspiration, please visit www.thegameplan.co.za

No Health. No Wealth.

Posted on: February 9th, 2023 by Rob Opie No Comments

 

Being the richest man in the cemetery doesn’t matter to me. Steve Jobs

 

 

Steve Job’s tragic and untimely death in 2011, at age 56, sent us all a stark reminder that when it really counts – wealth cannot buy back health.

Despite his vast financial wealth and intellectual genius, Steve Jobs was to learn the hard way, and pay the ultimate price.

He got it unwittingly and humanly wrong, when he failed to observe the No.1 universal principle of health and life:

‘LIVE A BALANCED LIFE’

What then is the key to living a healthy, happy and balanced life?

Consider this;

too much or too little of anything- for too long- in life leads to a life of imbalance (state of dis-ease/ state of illness) as opposed to a life of balance (state of ease/ state of wellness).

 

When it comes to wisdom on wellness, the most insightful knowledge which I have ever received in my years of research – did not come from the medical fraternity, but rather from one of Great Britain’s greatest field athletes, Sir Sebastian Coe – who shared the following:

 

“We all have a finite amount of energy. Whether you use physical, chemical or emotional energy it all comes from the same source. Wherever you focus your energy, you’re either filling or depleting the same well.”

 

Sir Sebastian Coe has got it spot on.

 

There is only one HUMAN ENERGY WELL, and we are the key player when it comes to our own wellness.

It’s in our own hands as to whether we choose to fill or drain our ‘one and only’ well.

Our choice dictates whether we live a life of ‘balance or imbalance’ – ‘ease or disease’.

It’s our human choice as to how we play the game via the three realms of health and life.

However, many of us fall into the human trap of unwittingly, habitually and humanly creating our own forms of imbalance in our lives.

Here are the most common human mistakes which we make – and we must avoid – to avoid the doctor’s rooms:

#1: PHYSICAL (what we put into our bodies)

For instance, we do not get enough sleep or enough exercise. Or we entertain physical toxins – for example: ‘too much or too little’ sun.

There are many more examples in the physical realm…..

#2: CHEMICAL (what we put into our mouths and noses)

Commonly our diets get crammed full of acidic foodstuffs – and not enough alkaline foods to balance the ph levels in the diet equation. We further punish our bodies with the intake of too many chemical toxins – alcohol and cigarettes being the most common culprits.

#3: EMOTIONAL. (What we put into our heads)

We unwittingly and humanly hold onto highly toxic emotions, not knowing how dangerous this can be for our health and our lives in the long run.

The prime emotional culprits here are:

 

“Resentment, Hate, Guilt, Criticism and Futility (Self-pity)”

 

 Long term held RESENTMENT fuels CANCER– by sending the human cell formation process into festering disarray.

 

’Resentment is a messy and confusing emotion to handle. It’s bitter indignation. It’s insidious. It festers. It’s toxic. It’s a belief that one has been treated unfairly and it can go on for years and years. It drives internal repressed anger, pain, and human frailty’.

 

 Long term held HATE fuels HEART ATTACK – by constricting the flow of blood, love and joy.

 

 Long term held GUILT fuels MOTOR NEURON DISEASE – by closing down the motor neurons. This happens when one unwittingly chooses to not live a balanced life in line with one’s own highest values, thus generating ongoing inner guilt.

 

 Long term held CRITICISM fuels the AUTO IMMUNE DISEASES – by clogging up the human body. (including arthritis, rheumatism, fibromyalgia and others)

 

 Long term held FULTILITY fuels DEPRESSION & ADDICTION – by diminishing the meaning /purpose of life.

 

Being aware of these toxic emotions is all important as these ‘Big Five‘ emotions can manifest in one or other of the serious life threatening forms of disease.

‘Empower your health or you will soon be told what organs to remove – or drugs to take’: Dr John de Martini

Every day, you’ve gotta stand guard of the door to your mind” Tony Robbins

Yes. every day, we’re either FILLING OR DRAINING the finite human energy well”.

Thank you Sir Sebastian.

The good news is that if we get anywhere close to “optimum balance” in all three universal realms of health and life, we will soon find ourselves mastering our health – and our lives.

Go Well. Go Great

ROB

This article is not health advice but simply suggestions on how to think about your body and health.

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It’s a sports book full of interesting short stories and crammed full of inspiration and insight.

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Email to : robopie@thegameplan.co.za

If you would like a complimentary copy of any of my published eBooks – please CLICK HERE to read more and request your FREE copy.

Email to : robopie@thegameplan.co.za

Rob

Rob Opie is a Brand Strategist, Author, Keynote Speaker, Performance Coach to business and sports teams – and life coach to those on a journey to self-actualisation.

For further Insights, Innovation and Inspiration, please visit www.thegameplan.co.za

 

 

Novak Djokovic. Probably the biggest victory of his career.

Posted on: January 30th, 2023 by Rob Opie No Comments

 

 

 

 

 

‘ Considering the circumstances, this is probably the biggest victory in my life’; Novak Djokovik on winning the Australian Open 2023.

 

Novak Djokovic is back on the top of the tennis world after his perfect 10th win at the Australian Open, placing him now level with Rafa Nadal with 22 major victories to date.

Coming back from a roller coaster 2022 to win his 10th Aussie Open at a packed Melbourne Park, and aged 35, it openly took its toll on a highly emotional Novak.

As he climbed into the stands to celebrate with his team, the tears and raw vivid emotion were open for everyone to see.

‘I do want to make history of this sport, no doubt.’

Novak Djokovic speaking before the Aussie Open final.

And that he certainly did , adding Aussie trophy No. 10, to the seven from Wimbledon, three from the U.S. Open – where he also was absent last year because of no corona vaccine – and two at the French Open – to now match rival Rafael Nadal on 22 major wins.

It’s the most in men’s tennis. Only two women in Margaret Court, with 24, and Serena Williams, with 23 – are ahead of him.

But, it was a different Novak in the build up to the tournament at Melbourne Park – back after deportation in 2022 and his father facing false pro Russian accusations in Australia.

After an up and down 2022, it certainly felt like he had a score to settle with the authorities in Australia – the stress and mental challenge must have been massive.

Reaching the magic NUMBER TEN was his way to answer everyone.

Superb shot selection coupled with true unyielding determination to succeed.

Add to that the tribute received from his opponent in the final. It must have meant so much to him.

 I think he is the greatest that has ever held a tennis racket. Thank you for pushing our sport so far ; Stefanos Tsitsipas

And this from John McEnroe ;

I believe him [when the Serb says it’s his biggest victory, with all that’s happened in the last year]. I’ve never seen Novak so emotional. 

On winning, Novak pointed to his temple before climbing into the stands, where he pumped his fist and jumped with his coach, Goran Ivanisevic, and other members of the entourage, then collapsed, crying.

The question now is;

‘ Can Novak  go on to capture 25 Grand Slams?’

John McEnroe says YES, sighting that Djokovic’s GOAT rivals Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer both having won multiple majors after 35.

Djokovic will turn 36 just ahead of Roland Garos. It’s his next major challenge and a two- way battle looms as he and Rafael finish out their careers over the next few years.

Here’s looking to NUMBER 23 for Novak when he heads to Rafa’s second ‘home’ – where the Spaniard has 14 French Open major victories under his belt.

It’s going to be a ‘one of a kind’ contest to see who the ultimate GOAT is.

A mouthwatering show down is on the cards for everyone to watch.

My money is on Novak.

He’s the ultimate master at self-motivation, and finding more ways to get hungry, to continually improve and stay inspired – despite the challenges that are thrown his way.

See my blog penned way back in 2019 when Novak shared at the Laureus Awards that he had to do some ‘inner engineering’ – as he phrased it at the time.

CLICK HERE TO READ my previous blogs on NOVAK’s ‘inner engineering ‘

Go Great

ROB OPIE

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It is inherent to the human condition that we bond

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Email to : robopie@thegameplan.co.za

If you would like a complimentary copy of any of my published eBooks – please CLICK HERE to read more and request your FREE copy.

Email to : robopie@thegameplan.co.za

Read more : www.thegameplan.co.za

 

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Send an email request to robopie@thegameplan.co.za