Dear PB Readers,

Claus Bredschneider is an ordinary man who has handled life in an extraordinary manner. After dedicating his life to swimming he had to watch the 1980 Olympic Games on television. North American politicians decided it was best to boycott the Moscow Olympic Games and even though Claus was one of the nation's finest swimmers he would have to miss the games due to politics. Instead of complaining about life, Claus decided to make a difference in kid's lives by becoming a coach and a teacher. I run into Claus on a regular basis and see him at my local swimming pool in Caledon. The Mayfield swim coach/teacher and his assistant coach Ed Clinton did something extraordinary this past week. With one of the top swim teams in the province, Mayfield was in the running for top provincial honors. His kids had trained hard were having an incredible meet at the provincial championships. While his senior girl's 4 x 200m medley relay team celebrated their victory at the end of the meet, Claus knew one of his athletes had jumped the gun and left the blocks too early. None of the judges picked up the error and if it weren't for Claus and his coaching staff's decision to be honest, Mayfield would have gone home with a victory they didn't deserve. Claus and his coaching staff sat down with their athletes and discussed the ethics and lessons to be learned. "The swimmers were compliant and gracious because deep down we knew there was only one thing to do - give the medals back," said the Claus.

Too often in life we hear about leaders who abuse their power. This past week, Coach Claus Bredschneider and his Mayfield swimmers acted with integrity and respect for their sport and their competitors. While his swimmers may have lost their gold medals, they gained much more in the process. We can all only hope that our children and grandchildren are exposed to such wonderful coaches as Claus Bredschneider and Ed Clinton! Hats off to these two fine coaches!

Welcome to our newest readers. People ask me how I can write a positive newsletter for the 230th consecutive week in a row. Aren't I running out of ideas or stories to tell? If you had honestly asked me four years ago if I could have continued to find meaningful stories and lessons I am not sure how I would have responded. I know that I sincerely believed there were many great stories to be told and too few mediums telling them. In the past four years I have realized that stories like the one about the Mayfield swimmers and their coach are found everywhere. Instead of focusing on professional hockey players and owners who can't get along, I would much rather hear about the small but important lessons and stories that go on in virtually every community every day. You get more of what you think about and when you start to believe the world is a fantastic place with unlimited possibility, it miraculously appears before you. I hope you enjoy our newest offering and that you will continue to sign up your friends and family by either going to our website at www.personalbest.ca or emailing me directly at barrie@personalbest.ca Have a great week.

MARCH 7th PB HIGHLIGHTS

* PAUL J. MEYER QUOTE ON ACHIEVING SUCESS
* P.B. EMAIL OF THE WEEK
* BARRIE SELECTED TRIATHLON CANADA COACH OF THE YEAR FOR 2004
* CARON SHEPLEY'S POWE
* CALLING ALL GOLFERS
* FREE COACHING SESSION AND RESOURCES FOR ALL COACHES IN ONTARIO
* FIVE CLUES YOU ARE A RUNNER / TRIATHLETE

PAUL J. MEYER QUOTE ON ACHIEVING SUCCESS

Success does not result from luck or random chance. Success never just "happens" to the fortunate few. Instead, achievers make their own opportunities. They attain the success they want in life by doing more than daydreaming or vaguely desiring. They possess a "Do-It-Now" attitude that motivates them to take the actions required to sear above the rest and bridge the gap between their dreams and reality. The Greek philosopher Plato said, "If people would move the world, they must first move themselves."
This statement offers one of the enduring truths of all time: To accomplish personally meaningful and productive results, translate all of your ideas, your plans, and your decisions into immediate action. The greatest handicap any person can possess is the insidious habit of procrastination. Procrastination is responsible for missed opportunities, low productivity, and general dissatisfaction with life. The most brilliant idea, the most important decision, or the greatest promotion you will ever have will happen only when you take action and make it happen. Adopt the spark and fire of urgency and you can turn your dreams into reality. A "Do-It-Now" attitude and self-generated urgency are universally available, and are the keys to business success and personal happiness. Anyone, including you, can become so motivated that you reach and surpass important life goals. The intensity of desire you develop depends on you; others cannot supply it for you. You cannot become and achieve because your parents, spouse, or coworkers want you to or because someone says you have outstanding potential to succeed.

You are the only one responsible for your success. Take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. Exercise initiative. Set a goal, develop a written plan with deadlines, determine the appropriate time for taking the right action, and then take action with unswerving singleness of purpose. Keep your mind focused on the rewards - not the pain - of doing your best. Adopt a "Do-It-now" attitude today, because now is the time to succeed!

PB EMAIL OF THE WEEK

Barrie, just a quick note to tell you how much I enjoy reading your weekly update. But, more importantly, I've enjoyed getting to know you, from your comments, insights and your perspective. In last week's email, by changing your perception of possibly negative situation, you changed a potential conflict into opportunity. By default, you avoided anxiety, financial loss and stress (and how much is that worth?). Your thinking was terrific - and I appreciate the opportunity for continued learning. I have found (as I get older) that I only have time in my life for people who think and act the way you do (the way I am trying to be in life). Thanks. J.

EDITOR'S NOTE: While I appreciate the kind words, like most of us, I have more then may share of errors in judgment. I do believe however that by us collectively sharing strategies for success, we have a better chance of making the optimal decision when the pressure is on. How many of us will think about how the Mayfield coaches handled their difficult situation and might now act more ethically in the future when we are called up to make a tough decision?

BARRIE SELECTED COACH OF THE YEAR BY TRIATHLON CANADA

Of all the things I do on a yearly basis, the thing I am most proud of is my efforts at coaching. Trying to take a complicated human being and helping them achieve their optimal performance is an incredible thing. Overcoming injuries, financials challenges, time management, fear and lack of initial skills is significant. Trying to do all of that and then overcome your worthy opponents is even more amazing.

This past week I was notified by Triathlon Canada that I am being recognized as their junior and age group coach of the year. Any great coach will agree that you are only as good as your athletes. Only as good as the efforts and commitments your athletes are prepared to make. I can think back to a dozen cold days where wiser athletes would have stayed at home in their warm living rooms. My athletes were out at our workout and brought positive attitudes with them. On behalf of all my athletes and their incredible efforts in the past year I proudly accept "our" award! Thanks to each of the athletes whose performances contributed to this great recognition.

PS: My personal vote would have gone to Patrick Kelly of Victoria B.C. who continues to be an amazing influence of the great kids of Western Canada!

POWER YOGA FOR ATHLETES

Three years ago, I started seeing motivated athletes in many sports calling me because of injuries. Intuitively they knew that training harder would lead to better sport performances. What they didn't realize was that training harder also led to increased soft tissue injuries (knees, hips, shoulders and ankles). I asked my wife Caron Shepley if she could use her 5000 year old Yoga World to create a program for athletes.

Three years and many guinea pigs later (thanks to all the PB and C3 athletes) Caron's DVD and VHS tape debuted this past week. While I may be biased, I have seen the direct benefits in the many hundreds who personally take her classes each week. While you may not live close enough to take Caron's classes in person, I strongly encourage you to make a video purchase for your own home use. Perfect for anyone who wants to improve their own fitness OR athletes of any sport who want to stay away from injuries. Email Caron@personalbest.ca if you are interested in having a DVD or VHS tape sent to you directly.

CALLING ALL GOLFERS

While the snow may still be on the ground my friendly golfers are already swinging their clubs in preparation for spring's imminent arrival. Each year my gang of C3 athletes and I put on a great golf day fundraiser and celebration evening. Half of our golfers only play one round a year (this one). Please consider joining some of Canada's top athletes for 18 holes of golf, a great supper, draw prizes and a silent auction. The day takes place at the Caledon Golf and Country Club on Thursday June 2nd. Join us individually (we'll help individuals network together) or with a foursome. E-mail info@c3online.ca for more details and to register.

FREE COACHING SESSIONS WITH BARRIE AND THE COACHING ASSOCIATION OF ONTARIO

Coaches are incredible people who make lifelong contributions to society. Often they are forgotten and not properly supported and recognized. The Coaching Association of Ontario (CAO) and Barrie Shepley are hosting three free evening sessions across Ontario. Each session will include a free coaching goody bag and a seminar highlighting the newest strategies, techniques and knowledge. Sessions are open to coaches or future coaches, in any sport. Basically if you do coach, or would like to coach, this is a perfect opportunity to enhance your knowledge at no personal cost. Talk 1 is Wed, March 30th at Robert F. Hall High School in Caledon. Talk 2 will be in Northern Ontario at Timikaming High School Thursday, March 31st. Talk 3 will be in southern Ontario at Harrow High School Friday, April 1st. All three talks will occur from 6-9pm. If you are interested, register by contacting the CAO office at events@coachesontario.ca or call Tanya at (416) 426-7427

FIVE CLUES YOU ARE A RUNNER / TRIATHLETE

1. You wear a black, plastic sports watch with your dress clothes.
2. You not only now how you did in a race, but you know exactly how every other runner finished.
3. You get up earlier to run on the weekends than you do for school/work!
4. You can't wait for your next birthday so you move into a new age group.
5. You have more T-shirts in your drawer than a souvenir shop.

HAVE A GREAT WEEK AND TRY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN AT LEAST ONE OTHER PERSON' SLIFE THIS WEEK!