Author: Jim Fannin

For over 40 years, a top-secret tool has been wielded by the best athletes and corporate leaders in the world. With this confidential success principle of managing their performances, records have been shattered and dreams have turned into reality. The B2A Principle™ is an integral part of the potent S.C.O.R.E.^® Success System. Now let this simple application be revealed.

We’ve been taught at an early age that to reach any destination in life you must go from point A to point B. Champions that I’ve personally coached, however, use a different approach that has proved successful.

Every Vision and goal for all my clients has been reverse engineered chronologically from point B back to the starting point A. This meticulous process ultimately illuminates a pathway to walk on from A to B. That’s the essence of B2A—Begin with the end in mind, then engineer the steps backward to the present moment.

Let’s say you want to lose 25 pounds in four months. When this arbitrary date is reached you will weigh 200 pounds. By starting with the end result in mind and reversing what you will do the day before it occurs, and then the week before and the month before, it ensures you will stay on track until the goal is complete.

Now with an imagined, illuminated pathway like a runway at an airport at night, your Self-discipline (the “S” in S.C.O.R.E.^®) will be locked in place. You will have concrete milestones acting as mile markers for your weight-loss journey.

If you fall off the pathway for any reason, it’s still illuminated for you to find your way back.

S.C.O.R.E.^® and B2A in Action: Examples from the Zone

Sales: The Fortune 500 Closer

A financial advisor I coached once envisioned doubling his high-net-worth client base in 12 months. We B2A’d this dream: starting from the Vision of signing the 100th ideal client, we worked backward—identifying key strategic partnerships, refining scripts, and scheduling high-impact meetings. With each step, he increased his Concentration (C) and narrowed his focus. The result? A 300% improvement in results—because the end goal was crystal clear and each day had purpose.

Business: The Entrepreneur’s Blueprint

A tech entrepreneur came to us frustrated, overwhelmed, and stuck. He wanted to “dominate his niche within 18 months.” Through the B2A Principle™, we restructured his strategy starting from the image of an award-winning product launch. Each previous quarter had mapped tasks: branding, product dev, user testing. His Optimism (O) surged—he could see success, measure it, and feel it. He slept better. Delegated better. Delivered better. He was in the Zone.

Athletics: The Big League Dreamer

Before Frank Thomas entered the Hall of Fame, he visualized it. With the B2A process, every season, every at-bat, and every training session aligned with the Vision. By the time he stood in Cooperstown, he’d already been there in his mind. Visualization and Relaxation (R), both hallmarks of the S.C.O.R.E.^® System, allowed him to block distractions and perform in the Zone. He didn’t chase results—he followed a pre-lit pathway he designed backwards from his dream.

Use the B2A Principle™ for speeches, meetings, important phone calls and any other performance that you desire. Just before I give a speech on stage in front of thousands in the audience, I think, “What do I want these people to think once they are alone in their car driving home?” Try this before your next meeting. Ask yourself, “What do I want these people to think and ultimately do after this meeting is over?”

Remember: in the S.C.O.R.E.^® System, every performance has three time phases—pre-performance, performance, and post-performance. The B2A Principle™ is the pre-performance master tool. It ensures you always finish first—because in your mind, you already have.

The B2A Principle™ has been utilized effectively in over 50 industries for conventions, meetings and sales calls and it’s been wielded by athletes from 10 professional sports and every amateur sport. With the B2A roadmap in hand, and S.C.O.R.E.^® fueling your mindset, you’re already halfway to the Zone.

“Hmmm…what do I want you to think and do once you put down this article?”

Be in the Zone!™

In the game of soccer, skill, speed, and strength only get you so far. What separates the good from the great—the contenders from the champions—is what happens between the ears. The ability to focus under pressure, bounce back from mistakes, stay relaxed in high-stakes moments, and love the process… that’s what defines greatness. Incorporating mental soccer training can enhance these critical skills.

This is where the S.C.O.R.E.® System, developed by renowned mental performance coach Jim Fannin, enters the game.

Mental soccer training is essential for developing the mindset necessary for success.

S.C.O.R.E.® stands for:

• Self-discipline
  
• Concentration
  
• Optimism
  
• Relaxation
  
• Enjoyment
  

Together, these five markers form the foundation of what we call The Zone—that rarefied state of peak performance where everything flows, and players feel confident, calm, and completely in control. Whether you’re a high school athlete looking to level up, a college standout with professional aspirations, or a seasoned pro seeking consistent performance, mastering your S.C.O.R.E.® Level is your ticket to the Zone.

Let’s break down how each component of the S.C.O.R.E.® System applies directly to soccer—and how it can help players, coaches, and even parents unlock next-level performance and fulfillment.

1. Self-Discipline: The Bedrock of Consistency

On the pitch, discipline isn’t just about avoiding yellow cards—it’s about doing the right thing, the right way, every day.

For players, Self-Discipline shows up in your preparation, your training habits, your recovery routines, and your attitude during adversity. It’s the mental muscle that keeps you aligned with your long-term goals when the short-term temptations creep in.

With the S.C.O.R.E.® System, players learn how to:

• Establish game-day rituals that trigger mental readiness
  
• Set daily and weekly goals tied to development and performance
  
• Stick to high-performance habits, even when motivation dips
  

For coaches, self-discipline is about modeling structure and accountability for your team. It’s also about helping each player develop their own internal compass, so they don’t need to be constantly pushed—they push themselves.

For parents of younger players, understand that Self-Discipline doesn’t start with punishment—it starts with vision. When your child has a clear picture of their goals and feels ownership over them, discipline becomes intrinsic. The S.C.O.R.E.® System helps cultivate this sense of purpose and personal ownership early.

2. Concentration: The Power of One Thought

Soccer is a fast, fluid game—decisions are made in milliseconds.

Whether you’re a center back tracking a run or a striker preparing to finish, the ability to concentrate fully in the moment is what separates the elite from the average. But Concentration is more than just “trying harder”—it’s about reducing internal noise, controlling your focus, and eliminating the mental clutter that leads to mistakes.

With the S.C.O.R.E.® System, players learn to:

• Narrow their focus to one thought per moment
  
• Use the Cheetah Focus™ tool to snap into mental clarity before key plays
  
• Develop a reset strategy for bouncing back after missed touches, bad calls, or conceded goals
  

Coaches can integrate Concentration drills into training sessions—simple cue-based exercises that replicate match distractions and help players stay locked in.

Parents, take note: Concentration can be trained off the field, too. Encourage your child to practice mindfulness and limit digital distractions (especially pre-game). The ability to be present is a learned skill—and it can start at any age.

3. Optimism: The Unshakable Inner Belief

Confidence is everything in soccer. One bad touch can spiral into a bad half, a bad game, or a bad week—if a player doesn’t have the tools to self-correct mentally.

Optimism in the S.C.O.R.E.® System isn’t blind positivity—it’s a resilient belief in one’s ability to adjust, grow, and succeed. It’s the “NEXT PLAY!” mindset. It’s having the confidence to keep demanding the ball after a mistake, or stepping up for the penalty even after a miss last match.

S.C.O.R.E.® teaches players how to:

• Create a personal Magic Mantra™ to reinforce belief
  
• Use positive self-talk in pressure situations
  
• Reframe setbacks as fuel for growth, not evidence of failure
  

Coaches play a key role in fostering Optimism. By using feedback that emphasizes improvement and opportunity, rather than solely outcomes, coaches can instill durable self-belief in their players.

For parents, it’s essential to avoid overly critical language after games. Your child already knows when they’ve played poorly—what they need is a trusted voice reminding them of their strengths and helping them find lessons in the loss.

4. Relaxation: Calm Under Chaos

Champions stay cool when others get tight. Whether it’s the final minutes of a tied match, or the roar of a rival crowd, the ability to regulate your emotions is essential.

Tension doesn’t just affect the mind—it affects the body. It stiffens first touches, slows decision-making, and creates hesitation. The S.C.O.R.E.® System provides athletes with physical and mental tools to stay relaxed and composed under pressure.

Players learn to:

• Use the Breathe Like a Baby™ technique to calm their nervous system mid-match
  
• Develop a pre-kick routine to stay calm during set pieces and penalties
  
• Identify their “Zone triggers” that help them reconnect with flow
  

Coaches can implement relaxation tools during warm-ups, at halftime, and even during substitutions to regulate the emotional state of the team. Remember: the team often mirrors the energy of the sideline.

Parents, if your child struggles with nerves or performance anxiety, relaxation is the first step to breakthrough. Help them anchor into their breath and body before matches. Sometimes, a calm pre-game car ride and supportive words do more than you think.

5. Enjoyment: The Fuel of Passion and Flow

When players love the process, they play free, confident, and energized. Enjoyment is the final piece of S.C.O.R.E.®—and the one that often gets lost in elite environments where pressure is high.

Soccer is meant to be enjoyed. Even the grind. Even the setbacks. When players are connected to the joy of the game, they play looser, take more creative risks, and enter the Zone more frequently.

S.C.O.R.E.® helps players:

• Reignite their intrinsic motivation
  
• Find daily wins in their development
  
• Build a personal vision that keeps them connected to purpose
  

Coaches who foster a positive, uplifting culture help players perform better and stay with the sport longer. Joy and high performance are not mutually exclusive—in fact, they reinforce each other.

And parents, this might be the most important marker to monitor. If your child’s passion is fading, or they’re playing with visible tension or dread, something needs to shift. S.C.O.R.E.® helps bring back the joy—by clearing out mental clutter and bringing players back to why they fell in love with the game in the first place.

The Zone Is Not a Mystery—It’s a System

You’ve seen it before. A player who’s “on fire.” They’re making every right decision, gliding past defenders, and creating magic on the pitch. That’s The Zone—a state of purposeful calm, where mind and body operate in harmony.

With the S.C.O.R.E.® System, getting into the Zone isn’t left to chance—it’s engineered through daily habits, mental tools, and simple adjustments that can be made in 90 seconds or less.

Whether you’re a player seeking your breakthrough season, a coach building a championship culture, or a parent supporting your child’s growth, S.C.O.R.E.® offers the blueprint to maximize both mental performance and physical execution on the field.

In the world of sports, particularly tennis, mastering mental tennis is essential for achieving peak performance.

Every tennis player, at some point, has felt it.

Engaging in mental tennis allows players to connect their physical skills with a strong mental approach, creating a seamless experience during matches.

Mental tennis is not just about skills; it’s about developing a mindset that embraces challenges and fosters resilience.

Practicing mental tennis techniques can lead to breakthroughs in performance, enabling players to excel under pressure.

By focusing on mental tennis, athletes can harness their full potential and maintain composure in high-stakes situations.

This system emphasizes the importance of mental tennis, which helps players navigate the unpredictable nature of the game.

Mental tennis strategies can enhance focus, enabling players to achieve a state of full concentration during critical moments.

The serve feels automatic.
Your movement is fluid.
You’re reading your opponent’s shots before they happen.
Time slows down.
Your mind is still, your body is alert—and the game feels effortless.

Understanding mental tennis is crucial for athletes who want to gain an edge over their competitors.

Incorporating mental tennis into training routines can lead to improved decision-making on the court.

Embracing mental tennis allows players to remain composed and confident, regardless of external pressures.

That’s the Zone.

This approach to mental tennis cultivates a competitive mindset that is essential for success.

Practicing mental tennis will allow you to make quick adjustments during the game.

By mastering mental tennis, players can transform their approach to each match, focusing on their strengths.

Understanding the nuances of mental tennis can significantly enhance performance, regardless of skill level.

Players who excel in mental tennis often outperform those who focus solely on physical training.

Emphasizing mental tennis in practice can create a more holistic approach to the sport.

Ultimately, mental tennis is about finding harmony between body and mind to achieve peak performance.

By integrating mental tennis into their routines, players can enhance their overall game strategy.

It’s rare. It’s powerful. And for most players, it feels impossible to control or repeat.

But what if you could learn to enter the Zone more often—on command? What if the mental chaos, self-doubt, and performance slumps that derail so many matches could be replaced with clarity, confidence, and consistency?

Recognizing the significance of mental tennis is key to developing resilience and mental fortitude.

The ability to engage in mental tennis is vital for maintaining a competitive advantage.

Through mental tennis, players can learn to navigate the pressures of competition with confidence.

Lastly, mental tennis is about creating a positive mindset that fosters growth and improvement.

That’s exactly what the S.C.O.R.E.® System is designed to do. To play mental tennis.

Whether you’re a junior player climbing the ranks, a collegiate athlete pursuing excellence, a pro grinding through the tour, or a coach or parent looking to support someone you care about—understanding the Zone and mastering S.C.O.R.E.® can be a game-changer.

What Is the Zone in Tennis?

In tennis, the Zone is a peak performance state—a mental, emotional, and physical alignment that allows you to play at your absolute best.

When you’re in the Zone:

• You’re fully present in the moment.
  
• You trust your instincts.
  
• You’re not overthinking.
  
• You move without hesitation.
  
• Your confidence is steady, regardless of the score.
  
• Distractions fade. The noise disappears. All that exists is the point you’re playing.
  

Players often describe the Zone as a feeling of flow. You’re not forcing anything—your body and mind are in sync. You’re calm, yet energized. Fully focused, yet relaxed. This is mental tennis.

It’s not luck. It’s not magic.

It’s a learnable skillset—and that’s where S.C.O.R.E.® comes in.

The Mental Side of Tennis: Why It Matters More Than Ever

Tennis is arguably the most mentally demanding sport on the planet.

You’re alone on the court. No timeouts. No substitutions. Every point, every decision, every mistake—it’s all on you. Matches can turn in seconds. A break of serve. A missed call. A double fault. And if your mindset isn’t strong, the match can slip away just as fast.

What makes this worse? Most players train for hours on technique and fitness… but spend very little time training their mind.

That’s like building a Ferrari and never learning how to drive it.

The S.C.O.R.E.® System changes that. It gives players a clear, actionable way to strengthen their mindset—so they can consistently perform at their highest potential, regardless of circumstances.

What Is the S.C.O.R.E.® System?

S.C.O.R.E.® is a performance framework built around five essential markers of peak mental performance:

• Self-discipline
  
• Concentration
  
• Optimism
  
• Relaxation
  
• Enjoyment
  

Each element plays a unique role in helping players enter the Zone. When all five are aligned, the path to peak performance becomes accessible. When even one is off, performance suffers.

Let’s break it down.

Self-Discipline: The Foundation of Greatness

In tennis, self-discipline isn’t just showing up to practice—it’s about having a clear vision and doing the little things that lead to big wins.

With S.C.O.R.E.®, players learn how to:

• Develop powerful pre-match and daily routines.
  
• Set specific, measurable goals for practices and tournaments.
  
• Stick to healthy habits that build confidence and consistency.
  

For coaches, this means creating a culture where mental tennis preparation is as important as forehands and footwork. For parents, it’s about encouraging structure—not perfection—and helping your child understand that success is built, not found.

Concentration: Focus One Point at a Time

One lapse in focus can cost you a set—or a match.

Concentration is the ability to be mentally present, regardless of pressure, noise, or distractions. In S.C.O.R.E.®, we teach players to:

• Maintain one thought per point.
  
• Use tools like Cheetah Focus™ to reset quickly after errors.
  
• Recognize and block out distractions, both internal and external.
  

This is especially powerful for junior players who tend to get caught in thought loops or over-analyze mid-match. Parents and coaches can help by encouraging players to focus on process over outcome—and celebrate effort as much as results.

Optimism: Confidence That Doesn’t Crack

Every tennis player will face adversity—missed calls, tough opponents, off days. But what separates great players is how they respond.

Optimism isn’t blind positivity. It’s an unshakable belief in your ability to learn, adjust, and succeed—regardless of what’s happening around you.

S.C.O.R.E.® equips players to:

• Bounce back from mistakes with a “NEXT POINT” mindset.
  
• Use positive self-talk and a Magic Mantra™ to anchor confidence.
  
• Reframe setbacks as stepping stones, not stumbling blocks.
  

Coaches can reinforce this by emphasizing effort, learning, and growth—not just wins. Parents play a vital role too. Avoid over-analyzing losses. Instead, ask questions that help your player reflect, grow, and stay optimistic.

Relaxation: Calm the Mind, Free the Body

Tension is the enemy of rhythm and fluidity. When you’re tight, your serve falters. Your movement stiffens. Your decision-making slows down.

Relaxation is a core part of reaching the Zone—and it can be trained.

S.C.O.R.E.® teaches:

• Techniques like Breathe Like a Baby™ to lower anxiety and stay centered.
  
• Pre-point routines to regulate emotions and stay calm.
  
• Ways to release tension between points and during changeovers.
  

For younger players who struggle with nerves, these tools are especially valuable. Coaches can introduce relaxation exercises into warmups or recovery. Parents can model calm, supportive energy pre- and post-match.

Enjoyment: Love the Game, Love the Process

Here’s the secret no one talks about: when you love the game, you play better.

Enjoyment is the final—and often most neglected—element of peak performance. If tennis feels like a chore, players tighten up, lose motivation, and drift from the Zone.

S.C.O.R.E.® helps players:

• Rediscover their “why” and connect with their love for the sport.
  
• Find small victories in every match or practice session.
  
• Shift their mindset from fear of failure to passion for progress.
  

Coaches and parents play a huge role here. Create an environment where laughter, joy, and curiosity are welcome. Celebrate growth, not just trophies. Remind players that the journey matters just as much as the destination.

Putting It All Together: Why S.C.O.R.E.® Works

The beauty of the S.C.O.R.E.® System is its simplicity—and its depth.

It doesn’t rely on abstract theory. It gives players concrete tools they can use in the moment. Whether it’s calming nerves before a big serve, refocusing after a double fault, or bouncing back from a tough set, S.C.O.R.E.® provides a mental GPS that brings players back to their Zone.

It’s fast. It’s practical. And it works.

A Final Word for Parents and Coaches

Supporting a tennis player—especially a junior—can feel overwhelming. You want to help, but you’re not always sure how. Here’s what we recommend:

Prioritize mental training as much as physical skills.
Model calm, positive behavior, especially during matches.
Encourage reflection, not reaction after wins and losses.
Celebrate joy and effort, not just rankings and results.

With the right tools, players will not only perform better—but enjoy the journey more.

Ready to Step Into the Zone?

Whether you’re a player, coach, or parent, the S.C.O.R.E.® System offers a clear path to consistent, confident, peak performance.

Discover your current mindset. Identify the gaps. Attract the Zone.
Take the Tennis Mindset Assessment today and start your journey toward total mental clarity, emotional control, and physical flow—on and off the court.

“He’s in the Zone!”

We’ve all said it. We’ve all seen it. That magical moment when a ballplayer becomes untouchable. The ball looks bigger, time slows down, and every movement feels effortless. The strikeout with bases loaded in the bottom of the 9th with the game on the line. The diving catch in the outfield to save a run. The line-drive to left field to score two runs in a moment of truth. Fans call it “being on fire.” Teammates call it “dialed in.” Coaches call it “locked in.”

ZoneCoach® founder Jim Fannin calls it what it truly is: The Zone—a state of present-tense performance where mind and body sync to achieve your absolute best.

But the real question is: How do you get there… consistently?

For high school players looking to earn a college roster spot… for college athletes competing at the highest level… and for professionals chasing MVPs, Gold Gloves, and rings—the Zone isn’t luck. It’s a trainable mindset.

And the blueprint for that mindset? It’s called S.C.O.R.E.®.

What Is the Zone in Baseball?

The Zone is the highest level of human performance. It’s the space where doubt disappears, pressure becomes fuel, and execution is flawless. It is the perfect synergy between mind and body where peak performance resides. 

• For hitters, it means seeing the seams, recognizing spin, and letting instincts take over.
• For pitchers, it’s the ability to command the zone, execute with purpose, and stay cool when the game gets hot.
• For fielders, it’s anticipation, agility, and split-second trust in your training.
  

The Zone is powerful, but it’s also fragile. One thought—just one—can knock you out of it. That’s why training the mind is just as important as training the body.

Enter the S.C.O.R.E.® Success System, the world’s first and only consistently proven blueprint for attracting and maintaining the Zone mindset. Created by Jim Fannin, America’s ZoneCoach®, this system has elevated the lives and careers of over 1,000 professional athletes, 350 Fortune 500 CEOs, and thousands of students, parents, and coaches around the globe.

What Does S.C.O.R.E.® Stand For?

The acronym S.C.O.R.E.® represents the five intangibles that every champion possesses at peak performance:

1. Self-Discipline – Vision, preparation, routines
2. Concentration – Present-moment awareness, precision focus
3. Optimism – Confidence, belief, and positive expectancy
4. Relaxation – Composure, calmness, fluid motion
5. Enjoyment – Passion, fun, and love for the game
   

Master these, and balance them at their highest level and the Zone shows up on command. Ignore them, and you’re at the mercy of your emotions, the crowd, the scoreboard, and the pressure.

Hitters in the Zone: Mastering the Mental At-Bat

Frank Thomas. Alex Rodriguez. JD Martinez. Jim Thome. Carlos Delgado. All MVP-caliber hitters. All students of the S.C.O.R.E.® System.

So what separates a good hitter from a great one?

It’s not just bat speed or strength. It’s mental clarity.

When hitters apply S.C.O.R.E.®, they:

• Create powerful pre-pitch routines that calm the mind
• Use visualization to “see the ball, hit the ball” before it even leaves the pitcher’s hand
• Let go of strikeouts or slumps using the 90-Second Rule™ to reset their mindset instantly
  

“I hit solid with an accelerated bat head.”
— Alex Rodriguez’s daily mantra, used over 10,000 times

That’s not just superstition—that’s precision thought engineering.

Pitchers in the Zone: Calm Under Fire

Randy Johnson. Orel Hershiser. Jack McDowell. Barry Zito. Four Cy Young Award winners. Four minds that mastered their mound.

Pitchers in the Zone are unshakable. The game speeds up for others. Not for them. They control their breathing and maintain 6-8 breaths per minute while locked in on the mound.

With S.C.O.R.E.® principles and tools like the “Breathe Like A Baby™” technique, they:

• Keep rhythm and composure between pitches
• Focus only on what’s controllable—the next pitch
• Eliminate noise, doubt, and overthinking
  

They use mental anchors like the “Magic Mantra™” to stay locked in. They know how to use breath and posture to reset their energy in under 90 seconds. They’ve trained their minds to stay ahead of the hitter—and stay in the moment.

Fielders in the Zone: Reaction Becomes Instinct

Defense isn’t just skill—it’s feel and it’s timing. 

When elite fielders like Robin Ventura, Magglio Ordóñez, or Carlos Lee trained with Fannin, they didn’t just take ground balls—they trained their internal response systems.

Through various S.C.O.R.E.® System tools fielders are able to give themselves more time in the field to give the hitter less time to advance to the base. When fielders are locked into the Zone state they:

• Eliminate distractions between pitches
• Read the game like a chess board
• React before the swing even happens
  

Fielders in the Zone move smoother, cover more ground, and rarely make errors—not because they’re trying harder, but because they’re thinking less and reacting more.

Why Parents & Coaches Should Care

Parents, if your child wants to thrive in baseball, don’t overlook the mental side.

Baseball is 90% mental—and the other half is physical (Yogi was onto something). Most young athletes train their bodies relentlessly. But few train their minds.

With S.C.O.R.E.®, young players learn:

• How to bounce back from strikeouts or errors—in 90 seconds or less
• How to handle the pressure of showcases, scouts, or tryouts
• How to find joy and purpose in every game—not just results
• How to consistently hit their daily standard over a long period of time
  

Coaches who integrate S.C.O.R.E.® into their programs gain a culture of focus, resilience, and camaraderie with a unique shared Vision.

The system has been used in:

• College programs  
• MLB dugouts, bullpens, and clubhouses
• Youth academies across the U.S.
  

Meet the Champions

Here’s a small sample of the baseball elite coached by Jim Fannin:

• Frank Thomas – 2x MVP, Hall of Fame
• Alex Rodriguez – 3x MVP, 14x All-Star
• Jim Thome – 612 HRs, Hall of Fame
• JD Martinez – 5x All-Star, World Series Champion
• Randy Johnson – 5x Cy Young, Hall of Fame
• Orel Hershiser – Cy Young, World Series MVP
• Jack McDowell – Cy Young Winner
• Barry Zito – Cy Young, World Series Champion
  

All had the talent. S.C.O.R.E.® gave them the Zone blueprint to think, feel, and act like champions—on and off the field.

Final Inning: What’s Your Plan?

Whether you’re chasing a scholarship, a roster spot, a gold glove, or just one more season to remember—your mental performance determines your physical success.

The S.C.O.R.E.® System gives you the tools to:

• Step into the batter’s box with purpose
• Toe the rubber with poise
• Make plays with confidence
• And live your life like a true champion
  

Because the Zone isn’t just for the field. It’s for your future.

Remember: Good fortune favors the bold. The Zone favors the prepared. Are you ready?

Yes…it’s March and madness is everywhere.  What is madness?  Webster’s Dictionary has its definition of madness as folly, insanity, enthusiasm and ecstasy.  Two big events every March bring out these characteristics in all of us.  They are: Champions who adjust and adapt for winning AAA solutions.

St. Patrick’s Day
NCAA College Basketball Championships

I’m in New York City and the talk is all about the NCAA College Basketball brackets.

From coast to coast, college hoops has put politics, business, weather and academics in the trunk of the car and I doubt they’ll fully surface until the Final Four has concluded.  Even A-Rod and J-Lo are an afterthought. Will executives be working these next few weeks?  Attend a board meeting? No. Take customers to dinner? No. Scrutinize profit & loss statements?  No. They’ll be drinking green beer in an Irish pub somewhere, while watching college hoops.

Are they mad?  Yes!
Will this year be different? No!

On March 17^th all of us will become Irish.  We will celebrate St. Patrick, the apostle saint from the 5^th century.  Some say he banished snakes from Ireland. Awesome! I’ve been there.  I saw no snakes. His celebration has its parades, alcohol and mad partying into the wee hours. I’m Irish. I will wear green. We will all wear green.  There is a legend that wearing green makes you invisible to leprechauns that will pinch you if they can see you. 

Are we mad?

Getting into the “Big Dance” is paramount for most college basketball programs.  Millions of dollars will change hands as university coffers grow with every win. Baby-faced, scholastic ballers will launch their professional careers by getting in the Zone at the right time and place. Campuses across America will go crazy as their favorite team runs onto the court with shouts of “We’re #1!” reverberating from students, faculty and alums everywhere.

Why do we wear the cloth of madness in March?  After a long winter, we want to let our hair down and root for our alma mater.  We want to celebrate our Irish heritage, even if we’re only 1/10^th Irish or not. We long to be a kid again.  We need to put aside our economic challenges, political views, family squabbles and other hardships. With two events we can party in the moment, forget our troubles and recapture our youth.  Who doesn’t want that?

March is a mad, mad, mad Zone month. Adjust and Adapt.

It can be easy to lose focus of the big vision during these exciting and “maddening” times. As the first quarter of the year comes to a close we can find ourselves raising our Relaxation and Enjoyment levels while our Self-Discipline and Concentration may falter. What do champions do however? What do the best in the world do during times of chaos and uncertainty? They use AAA. They never lose focus of their Blueprint.

We’ve all been in an emergency situation.  We have flat tires.  We run out of gas.  We get into collisions away from home.  We get stuck in the mud or snow. 

What do we do?  We call on AAA.

The best in the world do the same when they are performing and something goes wrong.  Even the best performers forget their lines in a play.  Professional athletes twist an ankle or become dehydrated.  They even begin to choke during crucial performances.  Salespeople find themselves not as prepared as the consumer. Parents freak out when their child is performing poorly.  Students can go blank when they don’t know an answer to a test.

What do champions do?  They call on AAA.  They Adjust. They Adapt. They Adhere.

Adapt.

Champions acclimate themselves to the external conditions of an upcoming event.  Football teams practice indoors with loud, blaring noise piped in to replicate the possible hostile environment of an opposing stadium.  Athletes that perform in a cold environment acclimate their bodies to this temperature change.  If the weather is frigid, the performer becomes an Eskimo.  If the weather is hot, they adapt like a nomad in the desert. 

The best adapt to all weather changes while they perform.  They may pick up the pace or slow things down.  They can adapt to a muddy field by changing to longer cleats or go with shorter cleats when they perform on faster turf.  Tennis players adapt when they change court surfaces from hard, grass or clay courts.

You can adapt to the opposition.  If they are too aggressive for your style, adapt by focusing on defense.  If the opponent is cheating then you can adapt by seeking referee or umpire assistance.

Adapting to the spectator environment can be a serious challenge for most.  A speech in front of 10 familiar associates is not the same as a speech in front of 5,000 strangers.  It’s the same talk, but one must adapt to the size and nature of the group.

I was totally prepared (so I thought) for a parent speech entitled “Coach Your Child to Greatness” at an indoor tennis club in Peoria, IL some years ago.  It was just a tennis club.  I expected the audience to be in warm-ups or tennis clothes and that was how I was dressed.

Was I caught off guard!  Upon arrival I couldn’t find a parking spot.  As I approached the building, I met a couple and asked them, “What’s going on?”  They said, a top speaker from Chicago was giving a parent talk on coaching their children to greatness.  The father was wearing a suit and mom was business casual.  Yikes!

Upon introduction, I gazed into a sea of two thousand people with most dressed business casual as they just arrived to the club from their work.  Within 90-seconds I needed to adapt to the formality of the event.  Swiftly, I asked all of the parents that wore a tie to take them off.  Then I said, “let’s get comfortable and talk about one of your most favorite subjects…your kids.  Adjust when things aren’t in your favor.

Adjust.

Every performer has the same amount of time as their competition to get prepared.  Some do this better than others.  If the condition, circumstance or situation changes, you may need to adjust your performance.  Champions do this swiftly.  Others may adjust but most of the time it was too late and the damage was done.

You can adjust your behavior by picking up the pace or tempo or slow it down.  You can adjust your strategy or tactics at any time.  I’ve seen simple tactical adjustments completely reverse a negative performance and turn the tables into a victory.  We love watching this unfold unless it’s with our favorite team or player that’s on the losing end. The best can and do adjust sooner than later. 

You can adjust your technique in sports by preparing a technical key word that triggers the needed adjustment.  This must be practiced so it can be deployed under pressure. This is called a swing key in golf, but it applies to everything where technique is required for a solid performance.

The best in the world adjust seamlessly within a performance.  Sometimes the adjustment is so subtle you don’t see it.  I coached a seasoned stage actor that forgot his lines in a crucial part of his starring role in front of a packed audience.  Without a hitch he adjusted his monologue and adlibbed his way to a standing ovation.  As I sat in the audience, I knew what had happened and was the only one that noticed.  He was a master of adjustment.

Adhere.

Even though you may need to adjust or adapt your performance, you must adhere to your principles, values, convictions, personality, talent strengths, and overall performance style.  If you are passive and defensive minded, then adhere to this personality trait.  Years ago a world’s top 10 ranked professional tennis player was arguably the best defensive player in the world.  He was a nightmare to play against, especially on the slow, red clay tennis courts of his beloved Italy.  He told me, “I aggressively go to the net less than 10 times a match, but I win most of those points when I do.  I want to double that statistic and attack more frequently.”  I vehemently disagreed.  We parted ways due to this vast difference in philosophy, regarding how he could ascend higher to the #1 ranking in the world. 

In his very next match he began attacking relentlessly.  Within a few months of his decision to NOT adhere to his personality and core strengths, his ranking began to plummet.  He continued to attack.  Soon he fell out of the top 10 and eventually left the top 100.  His tournament winnings shrank and financial woes entered his once opulent life.  Along came an injury, frustration and impatience.  And “so long,” said his wife as they divorced. 

When things DO NOT go your way or when the opposition seems insurmountable, remember to Adjust, Adapt and Adhere.

A guide to unlocking the power of intuition

How do you tap into your sixth sense?

The answer lies in the power of the Zone. This is the mental state in which a person performing an activity (sports or non-sports) is fully immersed in a feeling of energized focus with full involvement of the six senses while passionately executing the process. This type of complete absorption in what you do, where there are little or no future or past tense thoughts, is the Zone. It’s achievable by everyone.
The Zone is a “purposeful calm” feeling providing the belief that nothing can go wrong. This single purposed immersion represents the ultimate experience in harnessing all of your emotions while performing and or learning any task.

Colloquial terms for the Zone include: to be… in the moment, present, on a roll, treeing, wired in, on the beam, in blinders, honed, in the groove, in the trench, on fire, dialed in, piped, in rhythm, in the crosshairs, on target, in the flow, lasered in, locked in, raking, satori, in tune, cruisin’, in sync, synced up, enlightened, centered, or singularly focused.

While in the Zone all of your emotions are positive, energized and in total alignment with the task at hand. You are fully disciplined as to not allow any thought to enter and disturb this sixth sense mindset. Your every move mentally and physically is purposeful and direct. Your confidence soars and is coupled with a spontaneous passion for being in the moment. Relaxation enters all of your muscles allowing them to follow the blueprint in your mind. This, in turn, assists the synchronization of all your muscle groups producing tangible results at the highest level.

When in the Zone, your mind is tight and your body is loose.

Your overall thoughts while in the Zone are compressed to 30-40% less quantity than normal. Less is definitely more. The mind-body balancing act of opposites challenges even the most seasoned professional athletes.

Lastly, with the conscious mind and body in total synchronization, the subconscious mind takes over the controls and delivers the sixth sense for your usage. Intuition is real-time information that your conscious mind does not possess. This sixth sense can gather pertinent data within your environment, including other subconscious minds, and bundle and deliver the information for your immediate action as in, “Get out of this car!” or “the next pitch is a slider on the outside corner.”

Less thought produces more intuition and thus, more productivity.

There are five intangible markers that, once balanced at a high state, will produce the Zone phenomenon and ultimately tap into the sixth sense. They are Self-discipline, Concentration, Optimism, Relaxation, and Enjoyment. To be in the Zone you are only as strong as the weakest link of S.C.O.R.E.®

Here is a simple “awareness focusing” technique that my clients use every day to balance these components and ultimately, attract the Zone using their sixth sense. It’s simply called the S.C.O.R.E.® Check. In fact, I’ve used this 90-Second Rule™ tool to prepare for all my meetings, coaching calls, radio interviews and major speaking performances.

Here’s my S.C.O.R.E.® Check just before my radio interview…

Self-discipline: Have I visualized how I want the show to unfold? Do I have well-defined goals? What do I want the listeners to think when the interview is over?
Concentration: Am I here now? Do I have 3-5 points to make?
Optimism: Do I expect a great interview? Do I believe in me?
Relaxation: Am I comfortable being here? Am I relaxed?
Enjoyment: Ready to have some fun? Am I enthused to be here?

If any answer is no, I would stop immediately and deal with it. Just the awareness of a low component of S.C.O.R.E.® solves it 90% of the time. This simple S.C.O.R.E.® Check took me less than 90-seconds.

Unlocking Your Sixth Sense for Enhanced Performance

How do you tap into your sixth sense?

Use the S.C.O.R.E.® System with the S.C.O.R.E.® Check tool to attract the Zone and let your intuition guide your performance.

Commitment is the one key element that causes most dreams to fall short

Too many times we toss words of performance around like pillows in a pillow fight. Success…triumph…concentration…victory…courage…and belief are said without deep thought and consideration. Saving money…losing weight…controlling your temper…quitting nicotine or caffeine…changing careers…climbing the corporate ladder or chasing a world title, all are worthy quests. We’re fast and furious at the start but half-hearted when things get rough. Eventually we fade and stop short of the goal line. We’ve all been there in some challenge.

We’re serious in the endeavor at hand but not emotionally serious to what we’ll truly sacrifice. What would you pay for your success? There’s always a tax and the greater the prize the higher the fee. The sacrifice of time, friends, family, money and even health is the currency needed to purchase the greatest achievements. Most of us fold when the success tax collector bangs on the door. There are many endeavors where the price is too steep.

Regardless of the level of achievement desired, the one word that is needed throughout the quest is commitment. Commitment is the main ingredient of self-discipline…the primary intangible for overcoming the perception of insurmountable obstacles.

The story of Florin and commitment

His name was Florin. He was from a small town in Romania about 100 kilometers from Bucharest. Now he drives a cab. He is committed. Emotionally he is bound to a higher purpose of being. He has been in America only three years but he gets it. Work hard. Save money. Dream big. Act in small steps. Chip away relentlessly. Every day.

Florin is committed.

“What will you pay for success in America?” I ask. “Everything,” he replied. “I left my wife and two children back in Romania. They patiently wait for my checks and the time when I can bring them here for good. I miss them.”

Working long hours for fares and tips that he turns over to a college administrator, Florin personifies commitment. A student by day and a taxi driver by night he is locked on a pathway to prosperity.

Were you poor in Romania? “What is poor? According to your U.S. standards…yes…I was poor. But we didn’t expect what you expect here. Food was for eliminating hunger, not lavish dining. Over-abundance was never expected.”

You speak English very well. Could you speak English when you arrived? “No. It was a big challenge but I had no choice if I wanted to work. It was difficult. I’m improving.”

Florin is committed.

Achieving greatness can only be measured by what you sacrifice. And sacrifice will not happen without commitment. It is that instance where you become emotionally obligated or impelled. It is a personal, binding agreement to do something in the future. It begins by committing the first step. And once that first step is taken…there is no stopping or retreat. None. You are emotionally tethered to your dream. This is commitment.

It is the mental image of success that wakes you up in the morning and tucks you in at night. You are committed to walking an illuminated pathway to get there…no matter what the circumstances or conditions. This is commitment.

Commitment in everyday life as a means to achieve your goals

Many of us get ambushed while pursuing our dreams. Mental, physical and emotional distractions lurk at every corner. Chaos can attack us with blinding speed. Like thieves in the night, they sneak up on our dreams and rob us of desire, passion and discipline.

But like a fortress protected with alarms and sentries, commitment rules. It fights the desire to party. It wrestles the want to relax and rest. It attacks complacency and laziness. And most of all, it abhors procrastination and swiftly eradicates its wanton ways.

Commitment is only a word. It can be easily tossed around. Embracing it will ignite your talent and fuel your long journey to success.

What will happen to Florin? Will his family make it to America? Will he graduate from college? Will he buy a home and live his dream? Bet the farm on his success.

Florin is committed.

Golf isn’t just a game—it’s a journey of personal growth and transformation. In the latest episode of Living in the Zone, Zone Coach Jim Fannin welcomes golf professional and Sedona icon David Bisbee. Together, they explore the intersection of personal development, golf mindset, and one of the world’s most awe-inspiring destinations: Sedona, Arizona.

Sedona: Where Personal Growth Meets Golf Paradise

Nestled in Arizona’s red rock country, Sedona has long been known as a hub for spiritual awakening and outdoor adventure. For David Bisbee, Sedona became more than a destination; it became his home and the catalyst for a 22-year career at Seven Canyons Golf Club.

David recounts how he stumbled upon Sedona:

“I thought I’d be here for six months, and 22 years later, I was still standing on the most beautiful driving range in the world.”

Seven Canyons Golf Club, with its unparalleled vistas and world-class facilities, is more than just a golf course—it’s a sanctuary for personal reflection and connection.

Golf as a Tool for Personal Growth

David’s experiences at Seven Canyons highlight the deep connection between golf and self-improvement. As co-author of Back on Course: Drive Business Performance Through Golf, he emphasizes how golf teaches essential life skills such as discipline, focus, and resilience.

“Golf introduces you to yourself,” says David. “It’s simple in concept but challenging in execution—just like life.”

The Magic of Sedona’s Energy

Sedona is often described as a vortex, a place where natural energy inspires transformation. David shares stories of mystical encounters, such as a profound experience with a coyote in Boynton Canyon and the surreal beauty of Sedona’s ever-changing landscape.

“Sedona has a gravitational pull,” David explains. “It draws you in and encourages you to live in the present moment.”

Whether running trails at sunrise or playing golf surrounded by towering red rocks, David believes Sedona’s unique environment fosters personal growth and mindfulness creating the ultimate golf mindset.

Plan Your Next Golf Destination: Seven Canyons

If you’re seeking a transformative golf experience, Seven Canyons should be on your list. Known as one of the most beautiful golf destinations in the world, it offers:

• A breathtaking course designed by Tom Weiskopf.
• A serene practice park with panoramic views of Sedona’s red rocks.
• Opportunities for both personal reflection and professional networking through golf.

What’s Next for David Bisbee?

As David transitions into a new chapter, his focus remains on helping others unlock their potential through golf. His passion for combining business and golf experiences continues to inspire organizations and individuals alike.

Experience the Zone for Yourself

Whether you’re a golfer or someone seeking personal growth, Sedona offers a unique blend of natural beauty and transformative energy. Plan your visit today and discover why it’s a destination that resonates with so many.

Learn more about David’s book and programs at backoncoursegolf.com.

Final Thoughts

David Bisbee’s story is a testament to living with purpose, embracing challenges, and finding joy in the journey. His work at Seven Canyons and beyond demonstrates the powerful connection between personal growth, golf, and extraordinary destinations like Sedona.

Listen to the Full Conversation

Ready to create a golf mindset? Tune in to this week’s episode of Living in the Zone to hear David Bisbee’s insights on golf mindset, transformation, and the power of Sedona.

Stay Connected:
Follow Living in the Zone for more inspiring conversations with leaders, creatives, and change-makers who are living in their Zone. Let’s grow together!

Have you ever watched a magician perform and wondered, How do they make the impossible seem so real? The answer often lies not in the trick itself, but in the preparation, mindset, and connection that create a sense of wonder and magic focus. In this week’s Living in the Zone podcast, we had the pleasure of sitting down with renowned magician and mentalist Randy Bernstein, who pulled back the curtain to reveal the real magic behind his craft: the power of mindset as a means for personal growth.

Finding Magic in the Everyday

Randy Bernstein has performed for audiences around the globe, stunning crowds with illusions that defy logic. But beyond the sleight of hand, Randy’s success is built on principles that anyone can apply to their own life.

“One of the most magical things we can do,” Randy shared, “is embrace curiosity and find wonder in the everyday.”

Curiosity, he explained, is what fuels creativity and keeps us in a state of openness and discovery. Whether you’re pursuing a career, a passion, or a personal goal, adopting a mindset of curiosity can lead to breakthroughs you never thought possible.

The Power of Focus

Another key to Randy’s magic—and life success—is focus. Behind every illusion is countless hours of practice and preparation. For Randy, this focus isn’t just about perfecting the mechanics of a trick; it’s about being present in the moment and fully engaged with his audience.

“Focus is a form of magic,” Randy said. “It allows you to tune out distractions and give your best to whatever you’re doing.”

Whether you’re preparing for a presentation, tackling a new project, or simply connecting with others, being fully present can elevate your efforts to a new level.

Resilience: Learning from the Unexpected

Like any performer, Randy has faced his fair share of challenges. From tricks gone wrong to navigating the ever-changing entertainment industry, he’s learned that resilience is a crucial part of staying in the Zone.

“Failure isn’t the end—it’s part of the process,” Randy emphasized. “Every setback teaches you something new, and that’s where the real magic happens.”

By reframing failure as an opportunity to learn, you can overcome obstacles with greater confidence and creativity.

Creating Your Own Magic

At the heart of Randy’s message is the idea that magic isn’t just for magicians. Each of us has the ability to create wonder and inspiration in our own lives.

Here are a few takeaways from Randy’s journey of personal growth to help you step into your Zone:

1. Cultivate Curiosity: Look for the extraordinary in the ordinary. Ask questions, explore new perspectives, and stay open to surprises.
2. Practice Presence: Focus on the moment and the people around you. By being present, you can connect more deeply and authentically.
3. Embrace Resilience: View challenges as opportunities to grow. Every “failure” is a step closer to success.

Listen to the Full Conversation

Ready to uncover the magic within? Tune in to this week’s episode of Living in the Zone to hear Randy Bernstein’s insights on mindset, creativity, and resilience. You’ll walk away inspired to create your own magic—and step into your Zone.

🎧Listen now and don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments!

Stay Connected:
Follow Living in the Zone for more inspiring conversations with leaders, creatives, and change-makers who are living in their Zone. Let’s grow together!

#LivingInTheZone #Mindset #Magic #PersonalGrowth #Podcast

What if you could unlock your creative potential at will and write in a state of effortless flow? For New York Times bestselling author Tom Greanias, this is no hypothetical—it’s his reality. In the latest episode of the Living in The Zone Podcast, Tom joins America’s ZoneCoach®, Jim Fannin, to explore how the S.C.O.R.E.® System helped him transform Raising Atlantis into a bestselling trilogy and take his storytelling to unparalleled heights.

Whether you’re an aspiring writer, an experienced creative, or simply someone eager to achieve your personal best, this episode is a masterclass in harnessing the Zone for creativity and life success.

The Power of the Zone: Where Creativity Thrives

The Zone is a mental state where peak performance feels effortless. In this state, distractions fade, time dilates, and focus sharpens. For Tom Greanias, entering the Zone meant being able to tackle complex plots and bring vivid characters to life while staying aligned with his creative vision.
ZoneCoach® Founder and Podcast Host Jim Fannin describes the Zone as “a state of mental simplicity and clarity, where self-discipline, concentration, optimism, relaxation, and enjoyment (S.C.O.R.E.®) are perfectly balanced.” The Zone isn’t limited to athletes or professionals; it’s accessible to anyone willing to adopt the mindset and techniques to get there.

As Tom reveals, achieving this state was the key to expanding his creative universe. Writing in the Zone allowed him to craft compelling stories with greater ease, transforming his projects into dynamic successes.

How the S.C.O.R.E.® System Fueled Tom’s Creative Journey

The S.C.O.R.E.® System is built around five essential components that foster the Zone:

Self-Discipline: Setting clear goals and creating a structured approach to achieve them. For Tom, this meant mapping out his writing sessions with precision and sticking to his vision. Tom had a specific window each day he would sit down to write.

Concentration: Learning to block out distractions and fully immerse in the task at hand. Tom credits this principle for enabling him to dive deep into his story world and emerge with intricate, engaging narratives.

Optimism: Maintaining confidence in the face of challenges. As Tom shares in the episode, setbacks during the creative process became opportunities for breakthroughs when he embraced an optimistic mindset.

Relaxation: Letting go of tension to allow creativity to flow naturally. For Tom, this meant taking warm baths before bed to allow his creativity to come to the forefront.

Enjoyment: Rediscovering the joy in writing and storytelling. By tapping into his passion, Tom brought authenticity and energy to his work.

Writing in the Zone: Tom’s Practical Tips

In the episode, Tom shares actionable strategies he used to foster his creativity and master his craft:
Visualization: Before each writing session, Tom mentally rehearses using the B2A Principle™. Using the 90-Second Mental Movie™ tool, he pictures his story coming to life, ensuring his focus is sharp and his mind is primed for success. Tom would see readers interacting with the book and its characters and see how he wanted readers to feel and respond after each chapter.

Daily Check-ins: A key part of the S.C.O.R.E.® System is self-awareness. Tom developed the habit of doing a “S.C.O.R.E.® Check √” before and after each writing session to evaluate his focus, mood, and progress.

Optimistic Mantras: To counteract self-doubt, Tom adopted a personal mantra inspired by the S.C.O.R.E.® System: “The story I need to tell will come to me effortlessly.” This mantra became a powerful anchor for his creative process.

Cheetah Focus™: Like the precision of a cheetah on the hunt, this tool helped Tom isolate his focus during allocated writing blocks, allowing him to stay locked into his creative rhythm.

Lessons for Every Creative

While this episode focuses on writing, the insights shared by Tom and Jim are universally applicable. The ability to achieve flow, sustain focus, and overcome mental blocks can benefit anyone, regardless of their field or endeavours.

For instance, Tom’s use of the Light Switch™ technique to shift quickly into “creative mode” is just as relevant for professionals preparing for a big presentation or parents juggling work-life balance. The principles of the S.C.O.R.E.® System can elevate performance in any area of life.

Beyond Writing: Living in the Zone

One of the most inspiring takeaways from this conversation is the idea that living in the Zone isn’t just for creative projects or peak moments—it’s a way of life. Tom explains how the mindset he developed through S.C.O.R.E.® transcends writing. It’s helped him manage stress, stay present, and find joy in daily life.
This conversation reminds us that the Zone is accessible to everyone. With practice and the right tools, we can reduce mental clutter, focus on what matters, and align our actions with our deepest goals.

Your Turn: Unlock Your Zone

As you listen to this episode, reflect on how you can apply the S.C.O.R.E.® System to your own life. Are you ready to eliminate distractions, boost focus, and live with greater purpose? The tools Tom and Jim discuss are simple yet transformative—and they just might change the way you approach your goals.
To dive deeper into the conversation and learn how to unlock your creative flow, tune in to this week’s episode of the Living in The Zone Podcast. Your Zone awaits.