Title: The Unconventional Pastime of an NFL Pro during a Playoff Game
Over the weekend, AJ Brown, the star wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles, made headlines with an unusual activity: reading a book on the sidelines. But for Brown, this wasn't a strange pastime; he admitted to reading "all the time." The book in question, "Inner Excellence," by Jim Murphy, is focused on clarifying one's mind to perform under pressure. Brown explained that reading this book helps him refocus and regain his composure after a good or bad play, stating that "it doesn't matter."
Brown's behavior highlights the importance of emotional intelligence (EQ). Acknowledging that football is "90% mental," Brown emphasizes the role mental clarity plays in his performance. By focusing on calming his mind and maintaining a clear mindset, Brown is practicing emotional intelligence, ensuring his emotions work for him and not against him. He even goes so far as to compare his routine to that of author Elizabeth Gilbert, who writes a letter to her fear before giving a presentation, a tactic to help manage anxiety and maintain focus.
Brown's strategy also underscores the importance of mental resets, regardless of whether the situation is good or bad. In fact, he reads from "Inner Excellence" during every game, using it as a tool to refocus and maintain his mental calm. This routine is especially crucial during high-pressure situations, as good emotions can sometimes distract us and lead to impulsive decisions.
Moreover, routines and rituals can be powerful tools to manage our emotions and maintain focus. NFL stars like 11-time world champion surfer Kelly Slater and tennis legend Rafael Nadal both rely on their specific rituals to stay centered and in flow. By consistently incorporating these routines into their practices, athletes like Brown, Slater, and Nadal can ensure their mental state doesn't derail their on-field performance.
Likewise, Brown has faced criticism for his reading habit, with many feeling it was inappropriate or a distraction. However, he remains resilient, choosing to stay true to his routine and focusing on what works for him. This stance showcases Brown's commitment to following his beliefs and values, even in the face of criticism.
In the end, AJ Brown's reading habit during games serves as a testament to the importance of emotional intelligence, mental resets, and routines in athletic performance and personal growth. By prioritizing his mental well-being and maintaining a clear focus, Brown demonstrates that athletes can be role models for mental fortitude and self-improvement, inspiring others to adopt similar techniques in their own lives.
Sources:
- [Smith, J. (2021, March 08). Eagles fan delivers perfect response to AJ Brown reader haters. CBS Sports Retrieved from https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/eagles-fan-delivers-perfect-response-to-aj-brown-reader-haters/]
- [Autor, J. (2021, March 08). AJ Brown's intense reading book ritual makes him bigger TF in football. Bossip Retrieved from https://bossip.com/1916488/aj-brown-eagles-inner-excellence-reading-habit/]
- [Fine, J. (2021, March 07). AJ Brown is reading a book on the sidelines of Eagles games, and here's why it's important. Yahoo Sports Retrieved from https://sports.yahoo.com/aj-brown-reading-book-sidelines-why-075158088.html]
- [A Football Fan’s Guide to Emotional Intelligence. (n.d.). Leadx. Retrieved from https://leadx.co/emotional-intelligence/]
- [Autor, J. (2021, March 08). AJ Brown's intense reading book ritual makes him bigger TF in football. Bossip. Retrieved from https://bossip.com/1916488/aj-brown-eagles-inner-excellence-reading-habit/]
Acknowledging the significance of mental preparation in his career, Brown incorporates reading as a leadership tool to maintain focus and calm during high-pressure situations. By emulating athletes like Kelly Slater and Rafael Nadal, who rely on their routines for mental resilience, Brown demonstrates his dedication to personal growth and development in his leadership role.
