The Champions' Approach to Life - 4 Simple Steps to Becoming a Champion

As a mother, I have been blessed to have had the privilege of seeing my son, Nick, grow from a baby into his first year of adolescence. I was talking to a fellow mother of a teenager recently on the subject of why our sons are so special. Yes we are biased and I make no apology for that but I have reason to believe that my son is truly one of my heroes and a fabulous role model for all champions.
Our conversation centered around the news that Nick had just received a letter saying that he had been selected to represent his country in a sport that he loves. He has been playing soccer and futsal (indoor soccer) since he was four years old and absolutely lives and breathes it. To the point that in Year 1, at age 6 he wrote that when he grows up he would be a Socceroo. He has gone on to represent his school and town at higher and higher levels, until later this year he will travel to Brazil and Chile representing Australia in the Under 14 squad. We began talking about what does it take to become a champion?
The following four ideas kept coming up and I ask that you think how they might apply to your life.
1. What do I want?
You need to have a clear picture of what your goal is. Nick knew that one day he would play soccer for Australia. I still remember the day that he came home from school saying that the reason he had to learn the national anthem was so he could sing it before any big games. Have a reason to get up every day and do all the mundane training in the cold. You have to be able to see the big picture and often it helps to surround yourself with reminders of these goals. Nick has a picture of his heroes that sits in his room, an unconscious reason to live his dreams and make them come true.
2. How will it happen?
You also need a game plan. What skills do you need to learn, or habits need to form? Champions do what they do without thinking about it because they have done it so many times before. They know where they want to be and have a road map to get there. Nick realised that he needed to make representative teams and worked hard long before that he became a member of these teams, so that the selectors would think about overlooking him. He did not always start off as the "best" player in a team, but soon found out what was needed and worked on improving his skills so that often he finished the season with the "most consistent" award. So work out what steps you need to take to get where you want to be and make small consistent improvements on your skills.
3. I will make it happen
You need to take responsibility for making your dreams come true. I think this involves taking ownership of both the good and bad sides. When things have gone off track ask yourself what have I done to make this happen and what do I have to do to change it? Do not blame anyone or anything else. Firstly check your own actions and attitudes before looking outwards because in the long run that is the only thing that you are in complete control of. But also take ownership of all the positive things too. Be proud and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small they might seem at the time. This will not only make your journey much more enjoyable, it will also bolster your confidence to take the next step.
4. Who else do I need on my team?
Nick was also the under 10 regional tennis champion but had to choose between tennis and soccer. Soccer won as it was his true passion, but when I asked him why, he replied that he got to play soccer with his mates, he had a team to enjoy it with and tennis was only fun at squad time. Every champion needs to have a team with them to get them over the line. A coach, to point out what skills that needs to be worked on and to give ideas for improvement. A trainer, to push them when they do not have the motivation or confidence to take the next step. Mentors, in whose footsteps you can follow and on whose actions you can learn from and improve on, mentors who you may not have even met personally but have done what you want to do. And finally a cheer squad, the people who believe you can do it and stand on the side line in the cold and rain waiting to tell you how wonderful you are regardless of the outcome. Who do you need to get on (or off) your team in order for you to become a champion?
It really is that easy to become a champion and a hero. So you just need to decide where your passion lies and follow four simple steps so that one day soon you can be a champion in the eyes of your parents, your children or maybe a whole nation if that is what you want.

What Are You Doing to Improve Your Blogging?

Bettering yourself comes so naturally as a kid. whether it be attending weekly soccer practices or getting piano lessons (the two things I did as a kid!), practice and learning seemed like a given. We had a set time each week where we knew we had to be there to learn more about something we love.
I'm not sure if it is just because our parents pushed up, but have you noticed as people get older they seem to focus more on the task instead of bettering themselves in that task. I mean when I was a kid playing soccer, I would always have at least one weekly practice (usually two), but now I am playing futsal (indoor soccer) and we just all rock up 10min before the game not having practiced at all the whole week!
I think that if you want to be good at something you really need to be committed to it - and learning is such a bit part in commitment. If you want to be the best you have to learn from the best.
For example. I recently started singing first at my youth group, then I was given the responsibility of children's worship director and started singing in church. I must say I absolutely although love it and am doing it at either a practice or service 3-4 times a week, I know I can be so much better. I want to be able to do so much more. I have goals of being involved in professional cd recordings for both kids church and youth, and would love to tour the world with our youth band -so I decided I needed to be even better, and to start taking lessons from a professional vocal coach.
After having my first singing lesson today, my eyes have been opened to the possibilities and potential I have as a singer. She was able to tell me what I was doing wrong and the exact steps I needed to take to start seeing results.
I think this is exactly the same as with blogging. So many people are saying they want to be an a-list blogger but what are you doing to prepare yourself to be one. I know you can strike it lucky with digg and stuff like that, but even if you have a lucky break what are you doing to make sure you keep them?
You need to consistently be improving your writing technique, your posting style, your marketing strategies, your blog monetization, your networking. You need to be mentored by someone who knows more about things than you do.
Now it doesn't have to be anything formal. I mean for you it could just be reading ProBlogger and learning from his posts. Or it could be chatting with a higher profile blogger than you and just learning from him.

Football Training - First Touch

Football Training-First Touch
First touch is crucial. Watch all the world class players and you will see benefits of a true first touch. World class players have the skill to bring the ball under control quickly while moving the ball away from defender and into space. But what ever level you play, you cannot afford to waste extra time taking an extra touch to control the ball.
The side of the foot
The most simple and effective of controlling the ball. If done correctly the ball will be under your control on the ground. It's important to note that your first touch should move the ball away from the defender and onto space, secondly you should know where to take your your before you get the ball and keep the ball moving. all player should be able to control the ball with both feet.
Things to remember
1) Get in position early and try not to put all your weight through standing leg. If you stand lightly on the balls of your feet, this allows you react if the ball takes an award bounce.
2) Watch the ball onto your foot and cushion the impact by pulling your foot back slightly.
3) Try to guide into to your stride rather than get the ball stuck under your feet. If the ball is to close to your body it allows defenders to shut you down while you have an extra touch.
Sole of the foot
The with sole of the foot control is often used to control a bouncing ball. It takes great concentration to use the sole of the foot due to less surface area. It's important not to stab the ball, also not to have your foot to far off the ground. this for of control can be extremely effective in poor weather conditions or on a bouncy pitch. A enjoyable way to train this technique is to play futsal.
Dos and Don'ts
-practice both feet
-don't take your eye off the ball
-use the side foot control where ever possible
-keep the ball moving
-move the ball away from defenders
-know what to do with the ball before you get the ball

Exercise Programs for Non-Gym Goers

Even though gym is the 'in' thing nowadays, it is not for everybody. Therefore, I dedicate this article to those who do not intend to sign up for gym but wants to be fit:
1. Conduct your own research
If you have cable TV that has exercise programs on it, check it out.
You can go to bookstores, internet or library to browse on the types of exercise programs available.
Once you have identified the type of exercises that suits you, you can browse in YouTube to get visuals on how the exercise works- just to ensure you do not do it wrongly.
You can also invest in a number of different exercise videos once you check out exercises that you like as one downside of YouTube/ Videojug is that you cannot download the videos. I do not have any personal trainers in the gym and I really a lot on tips that I have learned from YouTube and Videojug.
2. Plan your exercise program
After you have conducted your research, you can now proceed to plan your own exercise program.
Your exercise program should be realistic and with good variety:

• not too intensive that you get discouraged and give up easily
• not to relaxed- that you will not lose any weight at all and end up feeling more negative about yourself.
• variety will stop you from becoming bored with your program.
• During the initial stage, you may want to start with 3 times of 1-2 hours exercise per session or break it down to 5- 6 times of half hour each.

3. Be disciplined

• the success of your exercise program depends on how disciplined you are. After a while of repeated slips up and self made excuses, it is really easy to give up and resort back to your inactive ways. After all, you do not have reminders that you are literally burning your hard earned money if you do not show up at the gym.
• There are many people who do not go to the gym and are very fit and healthy. You can see these people at your normal hiking trails and parks. Years ago, when I was still studying in another state, I used to spend the evenings hiking up a popular hill area. There, I see senior citizens, more than double my age, literally running up the hill paths with literally no effort at all. They love exercise and they love the nature.

4. Get exercise buddies

• Ask around for colleagues or friends who really like to exercise or play games such as badminton, squash, futsal.
• Plan to meet in parks and jogging trails. You can motivate each other to train towards a marathon, long distance cycling trip, mountain climbing, etc. I have seen cycling groups and a few of my friends are avid mountain climbers- they do not go to gym but they practice by going for hiking and jogging.
• Else, scout around the internet for exercise groups nearest to you, or
• If you cannot find anymore, join online supportive groups.

5. Do not sabotage yourself- watch your diet

• the calories that you burn while exercising on your own (unless you are a long distance marathon runner) will tend to be less compared to the same time you spend at the gym. Why? Take a look at running at the park vs running on the treadmill. Treadmill has pre-adjusted speed- if you plan to run 10 minutes at 8km per hour, you cannot slow down on a treadmill or else you will risk tripping. But if you run alone at the park or in your neighbourhood, you have to slow down to avoid the car, check and cross the road or avoid running into other joggers.
• So, make sure you watch your diet. It does not mean that you can help yourself to a plate of steak and fries or lasagna after an half hour hike on the hill. You really need to have more self restraint and work on portion control if you want to see results.

Sample: My exercise programThe following is something that I might plan if I decide to quit the gym. Use your creativity and expand on the exercises that you want. I will invest in some dumb bells and Swiss Ball if I am exercising at home.
Monday:
Morning: rest
Evening: turn on my YouTube dance playlist and dance away (1hr). Else, will alternate with some exercise tapes (tae bo and active moving).
Tuesday:
Evening: Go walking with my colleague- a colleague of mine have been trying to put up the evening walks sessions for friends after work. If it rains and could not make it, will come back and do some Pilates exercises while watch TV

Wednesday:
Rest

Thursday:
Morning: Exercise using videos or cable TV that have exercise programmes. Alternative, switch to MTVs/ CDs and do yoga/aerobic dancing (duration: 1.5hrs to 2hrs)
Evening: Pilates or yoga while watching TV (1/2 hr)
Friday:
Morning: if feel tired, then will do some stretching or light yoga (maybe sun salutation exercise for 20 repetitions).
Saturday:
Morning/Evening: organise with friends to go to park for hiking/walking. Else, can also organise as a family outing with family members to the park, club or swimming pool.
Sunday:
Optional. But try to squeeze in some time for at least 1/2 hour of Pilates or yoga.
The intensity of the exercises above is a lot lesser than what I am currently doing in the gym. So, I will need to watch my carbs intake and stick to light dinners- should be alright for me as I am used to not eating starch based food like rice, noodles and pastas for my meals.

History and Progress of FC Barcelona Football Club

You can visit the fantastic city of Barcelona, if you want to have wonderful football vacation in Europe. The fabulous capital of Catalonia certainly is one of the top venues to enjoy football in Europe. Located on the mouths of Llobregat & Besòs Rivers on the Mediterranean coast, Barcelona surely is a perfect destination for football.
Football is the first passion for the Catalan People. Probably that was the reason that FIFA chose Barcelona as venue for several matches of the 1982 Football World Cup. The magnificent city is widely known for FC Barcelona or Futbol Club Barcelona, which is one of the major sports clubs of Europe.
The Club is best known for its Football team, but the club also has teams for rugby, wheelchair basketball, ice hockey, athletics, baseball, cycling, field hockey, figure skating, and volleyball. Some of the Club's other known teams include FC Barcelona B (Football), Barca's Women's Football, FCB Rugby, Institut Guttman, AXA Barcelona (Basketball), FC Barca Handball, Barcelona Futsal, and Barcelona Sorli Discau (Rink Hockey).
Founded by Joan Gamper with the support of a group of Swiss, English, and Catalan men in 1899, the Club is popularly known as Barca. The club has progressed brilliantly to virtually become the major sports institution of Catalonia. The Club's motto is "Més que un club," that literally means 'More than a club'.
In 1928, the Club teamed up with Real Madrid and Athletic Bilbao to set up La Liga, and it became the first La Liga champion. The club has shown brilliant progress in Football, and has a great contribution to the Spanish and the European Football. The club has 18 La Liga, 24 Copa del Rey, 7 Supercopa de España, 32 Joan Gamper Trophy, 2 UEFA Champions League, 4 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup, 3 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup and 2 European Super Cup titles under its name to date.
The Club's football squad has one of the world's finest football players. Its football squad in 2007 included Víctor Valdés (vice-captain), Gabriel Milito, Rafael Márquez, Carles Puyol (captain), Xavi Hernández (vice-captain), Eiður Guðjohnsen, Andrés Iniesta, Samuel Eto'o, Ronaldinho (vice-captain), Gianluca Zambrotta, Thierry Henry, Edmílson, Sylvinho, Giovani dos Santos, Santiago Ezquerro, Lionel Messi, Deco, Lilian Thuram, Éric Abidal, Oleguer Presas, Yaya Touré, Albert Jorquera, Marc Crosas, Bojan Krki

Football Freestyle - Shoes for Football Freestyle

Shoes or not shoes... it's totally up to you. I would suggest that you start wearing shoes if you plan to do performances in the future. Would be kind of funny if you got a performance in a stadium and performed bare feet=) It is a bit different to juggle bare feet and with shoes.
What kind of shoes are best then? The easiest guideline I would give is that the shoe should be sort of flat and at the front(where your toes are) it should not be hard at all, no sole attaching there etc... totally soft. You want to feel the ball! Also if it's hard and edgy in the front the bounce can be kind of odd sometimes.
The next thing to think about it the sole... if you move on to more advanced tricks you want to have a sole that allows you to juggle with your soles(soccer boots sucks when it comes to sole tricks). Personally I prefer turf shoes because one you freestyle on concrete you will wear the sole out, and a turf sole lasts longer. You might find it a bit harder to do sole juggles with turf shoes... but it's all about practice. Also after a couple of weeks of practicing there is almost nothing left of the studs.
A lot of people prefer indoor shoes though. They are great but as I mentioned above, they doesn't last for as long and they are as expensive as turf shoes. So I would go with turf. Futsal shoes is starting to get very popular but since a lot of them have a rather thin sole they last even shorter. But they are really great, they are very light and you can really feel the football when you're juggling. I would like to recommend "Nike First Touch" if you would like to go for a turf shoe. They do the job for me and I really like them. At one point I bought 4 pairs so I knew I had new ones when it was time to change.
You might also wonder how long a shoe lasts for... well, if you only freestyle indoors they last for a long time. If you freestyle on concrete you will wear them out. How long they will last depends how much you freestyle. But to give you some guidelines, if you freestyle for around 2h a day they will last for around 3 month.
I hope you know a bit more about shoes for football freestyle now!

Why The Name Ronaldo Is So Popular In The Football Arena!!!

Football, which is also known as soccer, is played by over 240 million people in more than 200 countries.
Over the history of the world game, many players have risen to stardom and greatness. One such player is the famous Pelé, he is a former Brazilian football player who is regarded as one of the world's greatest players of all time. In Brazil, he is THE national hero. In the world he has been officially declared as the soccer ambassador by FIFA. Other names he is commonly known as include "The King of Football" and "The King Pele". He truly is the footballer of the century.
So what has Pele got to do with the name Ronaldo? Well in the 21st century the name Ronaldo is the most recognized name in the football world. Why? Thanks to the Brazilians we have again been gifted with 2 of the most talented players in the world, Ronaldo Luis Nazário de Lima and Ronaldo de Assis Moreira Ronaldinho. Together with Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro from Portugal, they all share the name Ronaldo and are the most respected players in the football world today. They are icons similar to Pele that most likely will never be forgotten.
About the 3 Ronaldos:
Cristiano Ronaldo was named after the former US president Ronald Reagan because he was his father's favourite actor.He started playing football at the early age of 3 and by the time he was 17 he represented Portugal in the under 17 national team at the UEFA Under 17 championship. Ronaldo made his international debut in August 2003. He is now one of the most sort after players.
Ronaldinho means "little Ronaldo" in Portuguese and was originally initially a way of distinguishing him from his fellow Brazilian soccer star Ronaldo. In his childhood years his love and skill for the game began to flourish when he was playing futsal and beach football. Later on this grew into a love for the standard game and at the age of just 13 he was in the spot light when he scored all 23 goals in a 23-0 victory against a local team.
He was awarded the FIFA World Player of the Year award 2 times in a row in 2004 and 2005. Additionally he was also the European Footballer of the Year and the FIFPro World Player of the Year in 2005 and 2006.
Ronaldo Luis Nazário de Lima is know as one of the worlds greatest players. He is also known as "The Phenomenon" and was also named by the great Pele as one of the world's greatest 125 players. At the age of 14 he was recommended for the Brazilian Youth Team and later was transferred for US$6 million to PSV Eindhoven.
So if your name is Ronaldo and you are a soccer player, chances are you will be looked upon with high expectations and will have to live up to the great name.