Small steps, giant leaps

Good morning. Small steps create big leaps. 

2024 is in full go mode but for me things started off with a lower back injury that left me pretty immobile for over a week. Momentum came to a grinding hault. It felt like I was stuck in a perpetual Monday morning, know what I mean? The kind where even your coffee needs a coffee? I found myself getting down because I was losing momentum on the start of the year. But actually it ended up being a great refresher for me on how momentum is built in the first place.

So today we're diving into the art of building momentum and how those small steps can lead to big victories. Let’s ride!

Step 1: The Tiny Triumphs

"Small wins can lead to big gains," says organizational psychologist Adam Grant. It's like leveling up in a video game – you start with the low-hanging fruit and work your way up. So, celebrate those tiny triumphs! Did you reply to that email you've been avoiding? Victory dance time.

Step 2: The Power of Consistency

Robert Greene, author of "The 48 Laws of Power," once said, "The successful among us delay gratification and take small, incremental steps to build momentum." Consistency is the secret sauce. It's not about the one big move; it's about the daily grind that adds up over time. Just like compound interest, but for your achievements.

Step 3: Embrace the 'Two-Minute Rule'

Ever heard of the 'Two-Minute Rule'? If a task takes less than two minutes, do it now. It's the brainchild of productivity guru David Allen. Taking care of those quick tasks instantly boosts your productivity and sets the tone for the day. Your to-do list will thank you.

Step 4: Mix in Some Laughter

In the wise words of someone who probably spilled coffee on their keyboard at least once, "A day without laughter is a day wasted." So, sprinkle in some humor along the way. After all, who says building momentum can't be fun?

Step 5: Surround Yourself with Positive Vibes

Adam Grant also suggests surrounding yourself with givers – those who are genuinely supportive. Positive energy is contagious, and when you have a team of cheerleaders, the journey becomes a lot more enjoyable.

Step 6: Pivot, Don't Panic

Life is unpredictable, a bit like trying to predict the weather in April. Embrace the unexpected, pivot when necessary, but don't hit the panic button. As the saying goes, "Smooth seas do not make skillful sailors." Each challenge is a chance to showcase your resilience.

Step 7: Reflect and Refuel

In the words of Robert Greene, "To get what you want, you have to know exactly how much you are willing to give up." Take time to reflect on your progress, recalibrate if needed, and refuel your energy. Building momentum is a marathon, not a sprint.

So, CG Sports Crew, let's raise our coffee mugs to the small steps that lead to giant leaps. Remember, the journey is just as important as the destination. Now, go out there and conquer the day – one small step at a time!

Cheers to momentum,

Cejih

OTHER BIG NEWS THIS WEEK:

  • To date, 743 individuals have qualified for the 2024 U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials! 

P.S. Nervous about missing upcoming news from CG Sports? Follow us on Instagram (@cgsportsco), Facebook (CG Sports Management), and, of course, our weekly newsletter.

Alex Massialas teamed up with Miles Chamley-Watson, Chase Emmer, and Nick Atkin for a victorious men's foil team event. The group took home the gold medal in Paris, France.

After the event, Massialas posted on social media, "We fence for days like these. GOLD in Paris with the team in front of an electric crowd! It was fight after fight after fight but each time we got knocked down, the team stood back up even stronger." 

The 2024 TYR Pro Swim Series splashed into action in Knoxville this past weekend. Athletes began the Olympic year with a bang, posting top times all around, including: 

  • Jack Dahlgren: 200 freestyle (1:51.44, 8th) and 200 butterfly (2:00.83, 10th) 

  • Lilly King: 100 breaststroke (1:05.67, 1st), 200 breaststroke (2:24.34, 2nd), and 400 IM (4:49.92, 4th)

  • Kieran Smith: 200 free (1:47.60, 3rd), 400 free (3:54.17, 3rd), 100 back (54.81), and 200 IM (2:00.77, 4th)

Click here to view full results from Knoxville. 

NIL Sponsorship Deals: What You Need to Know, Part 2

NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) sponsorship deals for athletes can vary widely based on the athlete's popularity, sport, and marketability. Last week, we shared five elements that a basic athlete Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) sponsorship deal might include to be considered a good deal. Today, we are sharing the remaining six:

  1. Performance Metrics:

    • If applicable, establish measurable performance metrics that, when achieved, trigger additional compensation or bonuses. This could be tied to the athlete's on-field performance, social media engagement, or other relevant indicators.

  2. Product or Service Benefits:

    • Specify what the athlete will receive in terms of the sponsor's product or service. This could include free products, discounts, or other perks. It's essential that both parties clearly understand what is being exchanged.

  3. Termination Clauses:

    • Include provisions for early termination by either party. This might include conditions under which the deal can be terminated without penalty or with specified penalties.

  4. Legal Considerations:

    • Ensure that the contract adheres to all legal requirements and is reviewed by legal professionals. Include provisions for dispute resolution to handle any potential conflicts.

  5. Public Relations:

    • Outline how both parties will handle public relations aspects of the sponsorship. This could include joint press releases, promotional events, and guidelines for addressing any controversies that may arise.

  6. Image Protection:

    • Include clauses that protect the athlete's image and reputation, especially in situations where the sponsor might be involved in controversial issues.

Before entering into any NIL sponsorship deal, it's advisable for athletes to seek advice and consult with an agent or representative experienced in sports marketing to ensure that their interests are protected!

Jack Wallace joined researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder, participating in a study to test the effects of stick length on skating in sled hockey. 

Click here to see Jack in action! 

TallSlim Tees

Many of us have struggled with clothing sizes at one point or another in our life. Dan Deceuster was able to relate to this when he struggled to find shirts that fit his torso well AND were long enough. The solution? 17 measurements and his own custom t-shirt! 

Fast-forward and TallSlim Tees has been joined by Sam Huebner and Redwood Tall Outfitters. Together, the two companies have forged a brotherhood that provides tall, comfortable clothing for all of the tall, slim men in the world. 

Click here to shop all that TallSlim Tees has to offer! 

Champion's Mojo, Episode #245: "US Masters Swimming Believes in Grown Up Swimming and Brian Robbins" 

Remember that feeling of triumph when you touched the pool wall first during those childhood swim meets? We tap into that exuberant spirit with Brian Robbins, the founder and driving force behind Grown-Up Swimming, in an episode that will open your eyes to a new option for fun and competition for adult swimmers everywhere.  You'll get the scoop on Grown-Up Swimming's new partnership with US Masters Swimming and their exciting plans for expansion! 

We explore the Grownup Swimming League's mission to offer the novel idea of short format, low key swim meets, making it easy for anyone to jump in—figuratively and literally.  Like short swim races, music, social time? Then grab your swim gear, because Brian Robbins is here to remind us that the race isn't always to the swift, but to those having the most fun.

Catch up on EVERY episode at ChampionsMojo.com.

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