Monthly Archives: March 2017

NFLPA and YOU3

If you are wondering what YOU3 is, you will be interested to know it is one of the underlying tenets of the programs I teach… the work I do as the leading authority on overcoming self-sabotage in love, relationships, and high-performance. It is the belief that we have three diametrically different kinds of love, which we must understand and manage. The first is the love we have for ourselves… the jumping off point of all other love we hope to experience. Another deals with the relationships we have with friends, family, and professional peers and finally, the love we feel romantically.

As I connected with the various attendees and sought to develop relationships at this stellar, and unique event, I was blessed to join and communicate with amazing people: Kim Sherlock Anderson, a former actor and now stand up comic and Larry Mallory, Board of Directors of the Fort Worth Police Athletic League, a 501C organization that provides youth a place to play sports, learn, and to become leaders in the community and my golfing partner, Joe Wesley, now a Safety manager in Houston. Clearly, these communications were in the second category of professional peers, but I could easily see how some of those would shift to more of a friend status over time – you just know when you really develop long-lasting relationships with others.

I thought of the YOU3 of romantic relationships as I met fabulous wives and partners such as Dr. Amy Lewis, A National Board Certified Accupuncturist and President Acupuncture Society of DC, Brooke Kalama, an actress, and speaker, Dr. Monica Hill, a couples and family therapist. In another post, you can read about how a group of us had fun and camaraderie building a dog house and painting them to help raise funds for Forever Loved Pet Sanctuary. All the while, my mind considered the wives and partners of the EXTRAordinary sports figures, knowing that without question they have been-and remain- the backbone of the players… they are the beautiful spirits who inspire athletes and participate in the ultimate game plan as they emotionally and physically support them.

As you can probably tell, there were many layers of connections at this event, and many memories started we will all carry forth to the next annual event! The concept of teamwork extends so far beyond the game!

NFLPA: John A. Amos

As a peak performance expert working to help athletes’ achieve their ultimate game plans, it was a pleasure indeed to connect with John A. Amos, Jr. at the recent NFLPA event. Talk about a person who has figured out being EXTRAordinary – John certainly has!

There is much to be said about John and his career, but all of that can be seen online through various media pieces. What fascinates me is his playing full out in life – not just in his sports. A part of me would like to interview this remarkable young man and inquire, “What was the mental/emotional connection for you between sociology studies, college football, social work, and Golden Gloves boxing?”

And then… there is John’s further life journey that included writing, television roles – some a comedic take on life, and others drama-based such as The District and the 1977 miniseries, Roots. The list of his television roles is lengthy, and his work as writer and producer of Hailey’s Comet gained international acclaim – rounded out by stints on Broadway. and the release of an album of original country music songs. This EXTRAordinary performer has the distinction of winning more TV Land Awards than any other actor.

On a more personal level, we see John’s standards of performance extending to being a veteran of the 50th Armored Division of the New Jersey National Guard and Honorary Master Chief of the U.S. Coast Guard. At the end of the day, all in all, I feel honored and grateful to have met this impactful man – and look forward to seeing just how many more ways he can think of being EXTRAordinary!

NFLPA Former Players Convention 2017 / Scottsdale AZ

Some might have called this a media-fest, but what I experienced left me in awe, and thinking, What an incredible convention! The event? NFLPA Former Players Convention 2017. Imagine the collective of former players, who believe, “We are “One Team”, built around a fraternity of former NFL Players who are aligned, connected and engaged, working together in life beyond football” who met March 17-21 at the beautiful Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch in Scottsdale, Arizona. And guess who was there with amazing sports figures who took time out to reunite and network with teammates, hear from exciting guest speakers, participate in sports skills competitions for prizes, there was a never-ending feast. Between you and me, I was in good company with my appetite. Haha! And we all enjoyed myriad social events? All of this fun and developing powerful partnerships – life can’t get much better than this.

I was privileged to be in attendance when the 2017 Convention Speaker John Amos gave an awesome and funny keynote address to the attendees! He spoke about the poem he wrote called “The Turk” which was penned upon his being cut from the Kansas City Chiefs.

The organization, based in the District of Columbia, develops and communicates the valuable programs and resources available to over 18,000 former NFL players.

As I continue to focus on bringing others to being Irresistible Invincible and Iconic, I was blessed with the distinct honor to be among people who were outstanding in their field, yet remain the “salt of the earth” kind of individuals who continue to positively impact the world.

Imagine my delight… visiting with Wade Manning, President of the Denver NFL chapter and on our golf foursome team… or having “photo moments” with speaker, Anthony Brinkley!

Another great connection was a former player and now TV sports commentator and analyst, John Booty.

It was difficult to not feel “dwarfed” by these NFL Greats… not so much by their size, but by the size of their hearts – such as Big Al Chelsey who gives so much to the world as a speaker and advocate for preventing sexual abuse against
children…

Oh! And how about legendary Isiah Robertson, Hall of Famer with six pro bowl appearances, Nfl defensive rookie of the year in 1971, and founder of The House of Isaiah, a long-term drug and alcohol recovery program for boys and men?

Never Give up – a Philanthropist’s dream

In 2007, Jimmy Walker founded a program for the homeless at St. Vincent de Paul in Phoenix called Never Give Up. The outreach is held every Monday morning and attracts approximately 500-600 homeless men and women. Being a philanthropist and being part of making a significant difference in a community is one of the most fulfilling aspects of my life. I am proud to participate in this program.

You see, in my three-plus decades of helping people become the best version of themselves, I have often seen how volunteerism and doing for others provides positive value to the volunteer. Being of service to others impacts self-esteem, enhances skills and capabilities, expands career paths, and provides healthy physical and mental outlet. Having an opportunity to see others in need also establishes a greater depth of gratitude.

My heart was filled when my friend sang boldly and beautifully before my presentation.

The purpose of the meetings is to provide weekly encouragement to numerous homeless people in attendance. Some of the speakers at the meetings have included Muhammad and Lonnie Ali, Governor Jan Brewer, Dwayne Wade, Danica Patrick, Jerry Colangelo, Doc Rivers, Norm McClelland, Lute Olson, Reggie Jackson, Dr. Robert Spetzer, Harvey Mackay, Meadowlark Lemon, Foster Friess, Phil Francis, John Graham, Mike Manning, Bryce Molder, Ed Robson, Dr. Jeff Trent, Jim Riggs, Melani Walton, Al Molina, Larry Fitzgerald, Tom Shrader, Leo Beus, Shane Doan, Anquan Boldin, Alvin Gentry, Linda Hunt, Ken Whisenhunt, Eric Crown, Roy Vallee, Pat McMahon, Brenda Warner, Steve Wheeler, Herb Sendek, Sharon Lechter, Tara Hitchcock, Jerry Hirsch, Don Henninger, John Bebbling, Tom Van Arsdale, Ken Lamneck, Mike Gallagher, Ralph Sampson, etc.

Each guest speaker shares personal experiences about hard times they’ve gone through, struggles they’ve had, times when things did not work out right, and how they Never Gave Up.

Source: http://jimmywalkerltd.com/never-give-up