Game Changer 

“Little moments, BIG memories.”

Fergus Connolly has spent his life working with the world’s elite helping them to prepare and win. From Premier League soccer, The NFL, NBA, Olympic Champions, International Rugby and worlds most secret Special Forces. In this episode, I chat to Fergus Connolly who reveals the secrets he has learned first-hand from working with the worlds greatest winners.

Majority of his work and research is within the sports arena and how the most successful coaches and athletes lead, manage, win and create high performing cultures, however, the lessons are adaptable across disciplines and our personal lives. We discuss the keys to winning and it starts with identifying and aligning with values.

Enjoy this chat with Fergus and please leave your comments and questions below.

Guest Bio

Dr Fergus Connolly is one of the world’s leading experts in performance. Fergus has worked with leading CEO’s, professional sports teams and elite special forces units around the world.

He is the author of the ground-breaking book “59 Lessons – Working with the Worlds Elite Coaches, Athletes & Special Forces” and “Game Changer – The Art of Sports Science”, the first book to present a holistic philosophy for all team sports. Fergus Connolly has been Director of Elite Performance for the San Francisco 49ers, Sports Science Director with the Welsh Rugby Union, Performance & Operations Director for the University of Michigan Football.

Topics of discussion 

• How do we get better and increase performance?
• Theory, practice and information overload. Where is the balance?
• Don’t overcomplicate things. Does it affect the scoreboard?
• The importance of values. Identify, align, remind and maintain.
• Three keys to high performance – Hard work, Humility & Honesty.

Quick round questions

Do you have any routines and rituals that you believe contribute to your success?

Reevaluate regularly.

What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?

Don’t change anything.

How would you define success? What does success look like to you? 

Contentment.

What is one tool, skill, resource, or technique that has helped improve your effectiveness and/or productivity? 

I carry everywhere I go a little black notebook and pen.

If I would serve you your last meal what would you request?

Steak.

What activity gives you the greatest sense of joy? 

Reading

If you could pick one book to pass down to your children or future generations, what book would it be? 

A Message to Garcia (Life-Changing Classics) (Volume III) by Elbert Hubbard

The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom (A Toltec Wisdom Book) by Don Miguel Ruiz

59 Lessons: Working with the World’s Greatest Coaches, Athletes, & Special Forces by Fergus Connolly

Game Changer by Fergus Connolly

What quote, phrase or message would you text or tweet to everyone in the world?

“Little moments, BIG memories.”

Do we all have a Hidden Why, a purpose?

Yes. Identify who you then discover purpose and greater happiness.

What does living with passion and purpose mean?

Helping good people do great things.

What do you believe is the underlying motivation behind everything you do? 

Helping people.

How to connect with Fergus. 

Visit his website here – https://fergusconnolly.com/

Further Reading and Resources 

TED Talks: Ideas worth spreading

Psychology Today: Psychology Today is devoted exclusively to everybody’s favourite subject – Ourselves

Life Hack: Tips for Life

Elite Daily: The Voice of Generation Y

Four Hour Work Week: How to escape the 9-5, live anywhere and join the new rich.

The Minimalists: How to pursue a minimalist lifestyle and be happier.

Mind Hacks: Tips and Tricks for Using Your Brain

Rich Roll: Plantpowered Wellness Advocate

The Art of Charm: Build confidence, feel comfortable and networking differently.

American Psychological Association: The largest scientific and professional organization of psychologists in the United State

The Art of Manliness: Encouraging men to be better husbands, fathers, brothers, citizens.

Tiny Buddha: Simple wisdom for complex lives.

Brain Pickings: An inventory of cross-disciplinary interestingness, spanning art, science, design, history, philosophy, and more.

Mind Body Green: Lifestyle media brand dedicated to inspiring you to live your best life.

Zen Habits: Find simplicity and mindfulness in life.

Creative NonFiction: “true stories well told.” 

Addicted 2 Success: Motivation & Inspiration Website full of quotes and inspiring articles for entrepreneurs.

Barking Up the Wrong Tree: science-based answers and expert insight on how to be awesome at life.

The Positivity Blog: Practical articles on happiness, self-esteem, productivity and social skills.