My mentor taught me a long time ago that we’re never entitled to win, no matter how good we are or how good we think we are. We’re only entitled to the effort we give before and after. Recently at a poker table, I fell into the trap of thinking I was entitled to win because I was easily top two in the game. The only other good player was a friend of mine, but he’ll tell you that he’s a distant second (I expect an immediate text from him after he reads this- haha).

                                     

I teach a girl who wants to be the field goal kicker on a men’s college football team next year. Should she be able to try out for the team, and would she be taken seriously by the coaches and players if given the chance?    

Indy car racing’s Danica Patrick recently announced that she’s seriously considering switching to Nascar, which is filled with “good-ol’-boy rednecks,” who aren’t too happy with her decision. Should there be a problem if she does decide to make the switch? I’m not educated enough to talk in detail about the racing scene, but I definitely have strong opinions about women competing with the men.  

                                                      

A few years ago, Michelle Wie was given the opportunity to play on the PGA tour against the men, which led to many heated debates on the subject. I don’t have a problem with women competing with the men if there isn’t a women’s league. Ie: Car racing and football. If there’s a woman who can kick further or race faster, by all means, she should be allowed to compete. When Michelle was given a sponsor’s exemption, she took a spot away from a man who could’ve qualified for that tournament, which ultimately took food from his family’s mouth. She has a tour to play on… she should’ve stayed there with her peers! 

                                                                                                                                       

I’ve had this same discussion with my students about Serena Williams’ ability to compete against the top men tennis players in the world. Sorry to say to those who view Serena as this muscle-bound, super woman, who is as strong as most men… 

SHE WOULDN’T HAVE A CHANCE! 

To be frank, she couldn’t beat the #3 player on UCLA’s men’s team- they simply hit too hard and are too athletic. Williams is an amazing competitor, who could arguably be considered the best woman ever to play the game, but would never make it against the men. Serena has also gone on record, saying that the women should make the same amount of money as the men on the tennis court. I totally disagree! The women play 2-3 sets, which may lead to a 2 1/2 hour match, where the men play 3-5 sets, easily reaching 4 hour mark. I know I’m going to get a lot of heat for this, but sorry… they’re just not playing the same game, which means they shouldn’t be paid as if they are. 

There’s nothing wrong with being different. Some are born with blonde hair, others with black… some skinny, others muscular. Take me, for example: I’m incredibly good looking and sexy as hell- don’t be mad! You and I are just different, not better or worse… only different.   

I was originally going to write about Tiger missing the cut at the British Open this week, but I changed my mind. He’ll be o.k. He’s the best that ever lived, and will prove it again this year. Instead of talking about Tiger, I have two quick stories about my Saturday morning. Amazingly, it’s not even 10 am yet, and I’ve already learned a ton. 

It’s all a big puzzle, isn’t it? Lots of pieces scattered about the dining room table, waiting for the perfect fit. Very often, we find that fit, but it feels like those pieces spend most of their time teasing us. We think this is it – this is going to be the one that clicks into place, beginning a cycle of perfect fits. It looks like the corner piece, feels like the corner piece, but is very often the one piece of the puzzle that fits somewhere else.

Danny, a client of mine was arguing that Serena would have even more success if she lost some of her muscle, making her lighter and improving her endurance. Honestly, who cares? I’d rather look at Serena’s muscles through different lenses. 

                                        

I’m sick and tired of listening to those who say that Tiger, Federer, Lance Armstrong, and the rest of the elite athletes should “step aside once in awhile, and let the others have a chance.” You’ve got to be kidding me with this garbage! LET the others?? As if they don’t have a choice to work harder, practice longer, study more? Phil Mickelson is forced to keep his man-boobs, right? Tiger calls him every night, reminding him to shove that extra doughnut down his throat? Prior to his “born-again” status, Roddick was kidnapped, handcuffed and forced to drink that 6-pack before beddie-bye time? Ahhh, I get it… he was physically tossed into those Hollywood clubs and made to stay out all night.

“Roddick outplayed Federer, without question…”