Coaches are philosophers.

They embrace and develop ideologies that make them more

effective at creating a winning team culture, season after season.

Those coaches that can effectively ingrain their philosophy in their players are the ones
who leave a legacy to remember. From embracing meditation to focusing on the
fundamentals, legendary coaches hone a clear and consistent world view that
empowers and inspires their players to perform their best.

Here are seven championship-winning philosophies to embrace.

1. Phil Jackson

Chicago Bull's coach Phil Jackson became an avid practitioner of meditation after
reading the book Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind. He led meditation groups preaching
compassion, mindfulness and selflessness, and his meditation practice helped him win
eleven NBA championships. The goal of meditation, Jackson noted, was to "build the
muscle of the mind," so that athletes could learn to focus and center themselves,
leaving only that which was needed to perform their best. He even had his player's
practice literally sitting still. Jackson said, "I taught them how to hold their hands, where
their shoulders had to be, the whole process of being in an upright situation so you're
not slouched... and they bought into it."

Meditation helps us perform under pressure. "Build the muscle" of your mind by learning
to center yourself in moments of calm, and you'll be better prepared to perform and
focus in times of strife. Meditate, stay calm under stress, and keep your eyes on the end
goal.

2. Bill Belichick

As Patriot's head coach, Bill Belichick has won fourteen consecutive seasons, has six
AFC championships, and has four Super Bowl titles. His philosophy? "Do your job."
That's it.

Belichick trains his players to focus on only what they can control - their own
performance and output. Anything else is just noise. In today's hyper-connected and
fast-paced work environment, it can be easy to be distracted or to try and do everything.
But ultimately, the best performers are those who can execute on their key
responsibilities. Own your work and embrace the clarity that comes with it.

3. John Wooden

UCLA basketball head coach John Wooden had a trio of rules, "Don't whine, don't
complain, and don't make excuses."Do your best. And when things go wrong: don't
whine or complain or look for blame, just keep moving forward.

4. Mike Krzyzewski

Duke basketball head coach Mike Kryzewski's outstanding record can be credited to
his "next play" philosophy. It's not about what has happened, the mistakes you've made,
or the success you've had. It's about the next thing you're going to do.Focus on your
next play or fall behind.

5. Bill Walsh

In his book, The Score Takes Care of Itself, San Francisco 49ers head coach, Bill
Walsh explains the concept of writing your own script for success. Before each game,
he would write down all possible plays for every type of situation. This practice not only
prepared him for all sorts of contingencies, but gave him the confidence that he could
execute under pressure, because the hard work and decision making was already done.
Work for the best outcome, but prepare for the worst.

6. Paul "Bear" Bryant

When college football coach Bear Bryant moved to Alabama, a restaurant owner asked
him for a signed photo. Bryant sent over a photo a few days later. A few years later,
Bryant tried to recruit a player who initially rejected him, but then, surprisingly changed
his mind and took the offer.

When Bryant asked why he changed his mind, the athlete explained that his grandfather
was the restaurant owner who had asked for a photo all those years ago. "My grandpa
said that [...] he never expected you to remember him [...] He said you could teach me
more than football, and I had to play for a man like you, so I guess I'm going to."

In life and business, it doesn't cost anything to be thoughtful--and the rewards are
unimaginable.

7. Pat Summitt

Even after a diagnosis of early-onset dementia, Pat Summitt, the winningest NCAA
basketball coach of all time, didn't call in sick. Instead, she came up with a game plan to
handle her illness and got to work. Such a decision isn't surprising from someone who is
famous for her motto: "Attitude is a choice."

Every day you make the decision to come at the world from a negative or positive point
of view. It's your choice, and no one else's.

What's your guiding philosophy for work and life?

PUBLISHED ON: OCT 28, 2015