Laces Out: Tackling Pressure & Stress for NFL Players

By Damien Rider

"Lace Out - Tackling Pressure and Stress for NFL Players" explores the dynamic and ever-changing world of professional football, shedding light on the disorientation and detachment experienced by players within this high-pressure environment. In this book, we delve into the emotional struggles that arise from feeling overwhelmed, stressed, and anxious, which can hinder performance, decision-making, and overall well-being. The perception of lacking control and diminished self-assurance regarding the future further compounds these mental and emotional burdens.

But what if there was a simple solution to quieting the mind and blocking out the distractions and pressures from fans, media, performance expectations, endorsements, and uncertainties? What if you could develop a connection that allows you to predict the future and adapt quickly to changing circumstances in a way that benefits both your personal goals and those of your team?

In "Laces Out," we introduce practical techniques that involve taking deep breaths and engaging in positive self-talk to calm the nervous system, reduce stress, and alleviate anxiety. By doing so, players gain clarity of thought, enabling them to identify patterns more clearly and make more accurate predictions, ultimately paving the way to achieving their desired future. Whether it's excelling in a game-day performance, securing endorsement deals, or even finding the right life partner, the ability to be present, grounded, and in tune with personal aspirations becomes attainable through these practices.

Furthermore, the benefits of cultivating a strong breath connection extend beyond individual well-being and self-reward. We explore the power of assertiveness, confidence, and direct action as key drivers of success in football. The competitive nature of the sport necessitates players asserting their desires, communicating effectively with teammates and coaches, and taking charge of their roles and responsibilities. This assertive approach empowers players to be proactive in their careers, making their voices heard and forging a path to success.
Simultaneously, we emphasize the importance of self-compassion, gentleness, and introspection. Acknowledging and accepting emotions and experiences, being kind to oneself, and engaging in self-reflection are integral components of personal growth and insight. By finding a balance between assertiveness and self-compassion, players can cultivate resilience, confidence, and self-trust, both on and off the field.

In "Laces Out," we provide a comprehensive toolkit and practical suggestions that bridge the gap between these two approaches, enabling players to become unstoppable, calculated, and focused individuals who possess the confidence and self-trust necessary to succeed in their sport and be exceptional human beings beyond the game.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Damien Rider
• Release date: Jun 5, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215433591

Damien Rider

Damien Rider, an Australian, had been tormented by his childhood memories every day, and this continued even into his adulthood, causing him great pain and triggering flashbacks that led to self-destructive behavior. Despite seeking help from various psychologists without success, Damien decided to take charge of his own healing journey, confront his inner demons, and find the answers he needed.This marked a new phase in Damien’s life, which began with his solo and unassisted 800km paddleboard adventure from Gold Coast to Bondi, and he became even more motivated to assist others who have faced trauma, abuse, or difficulties in their daily lives. He utilized extreme endurance events to purposely put himself through various physical and mental pain to understand how to overcome them and keep moving forward smoothly, he would use these events as a medium to spread his message to the world, and his accomplishments in this area are incredibly inspiring.He has broken multiple world records and achieved several world-first events, authored books, produced films, and is now a highly sought-after speaker, a life coach to many celebrities, and a recognized innovator and leader in wellness worldwide.Damien Rider is a multi-faceted individual with a diverse range of skills and accomplishments. As a Life Coach and Mindset Mentor, Damien helps his clients shift their focus from problems to solutions, empowering them to approach challenges with a positive and proactive mindset. He encourages clients to identify clear solutions and goals, rather than dwelling on the complexities of life.Damien’s expertise in neurophysiology, and his passion for men’s health, gained him multiple awards for his wellness programs. His achievements as an Adventure & Extreme Sports Athlete, his international humanitarian work, and his contributions to the field of meditation further demonstrate his dedication to helping others discover their full potential mentally and physically.

Book preview

Introduction

In the dynamic and constantly evolving landscape of professional football, individuals may experience a sense of disorientation and detachment from their own selves and the people around them. This emotional state can give rise to feelings of being inundated, stressed, and anxious, leading to difficulties in concentration, decision-making, and career discernment. The perception of lacking control, coupled with diminished self-assurance regarding the trajectory of one’s future, exacerbates the burden of negative mental and emotional strain.

But what if there was a simple way to quiet your mind and tune out distractions and pressure of fans, media, performance, endorsements, and what-ifs? To have a connection that allows you to predict the future and quickly adapt to a changing plan to benefit you and your goals.

Taking a few deep breaths and focusing on positive self-talk can calm your nervous system and reduce stress and anxiety. But the benefits of a breath connection go far beyond your well-being and self-rewards. They will allow you to see patterns more clearly and make better predictions to create your desired future. This can be a club draft or game day on-field performance, endorsement deals, or even the partner you want. You will become more present, grounded, and in tune with your wants.

Straight Talk

Assertiveness, confidence, and direct action drive your success in the sport. The competitive nature of football often requires you to assert your desires and intentions, communicate assertively with teammates and coaches, and take charge of your role and responsibilities. You may rely on self-assurance and determination to overcome obstacles, seize opportunities, to achieve your goals. This assertive approach can empower you to be proactive in your career, making your voice and mark in the sport heard and forging a path to success.

You may thrive when practising self-compassion, gentleness, and introspection. This approach emphasizes being kind and understanding towards yourself, acknowledging and accepting your emotions and experiences, and engaging in self reflection to gain insight and personal growth.

It’s essential to recognize that these approaches are not mutually exclusive. You may find value in both aspects and employ different strategies depending on the circumstances encountered.

This book’s tools and suggestions will help bridge the gap between both traits to become an unstoppable, calculated, and focused player. With confidence and self-trust to also be a good person off the field.

Unlocking the Ultimate Game Changer

In NFL, where you are under immense pressure to perform at your best, the mind and body connection is essential. High levels of unchallenged stress and anxiety can not only affect your mental well-being, but they can also impact your physical performance on the field. Fortunately, there are strategies that you and your coaches can use to help tackle these pressures.

The concept of the mind-body connection may sound like a new-age concept, but it has been around for centuries. It is the idea that your thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations are interconnected and influence each other.

There are three critical connections - the connection of breath, the connection to self, and the connection of movement.

Over the years, studies have shown common tools used intuitively throughout life that allow you to remain calm under stressful situations and keep moving forward. The studies always came back to having control and understanding the ability to regulate physical, mental, and emotional stress without stopping for long periods to compose yourself. Being openly aware of the bigger picture by reconnecting to spatial awareness and expanding visions and perceptions, look far beyond what is in front of you and broader than your peripheral vision.

By consciously widening your vision, the brain can stimulate regeneration growth, opening the mind up to new thought patterns. Through training and awareness of constant movement, the brain can change the mood of the perceived triggered reaction and remove the blinkers blocking what the eyes see. This is a game-changing ability for football players; as you can see, the movements on the field are more precise before they happen. The plays will slow down, and you will create openings other players don’t see.

In recent years, science has begun to catch up with this idea, and research has shown that your mental state can significantly