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Speaker Garrett Kramer Encourages Student Athletes to Enter "The Zone" through Self-Awareness

3/1/12


West Windsor, N.J. -- How is it that on some days, when someone cuts you off on the road, you become enraged, while on different days, you just keep your distance. You may actually feel for the other guy.

According to author Garrett Kramer, who spoke to a packed room of MCCC athletes on Feb. 21, that occurs because sometimes "we operate from the basement and sometime we operate from the penthouse."

Kramer believes his philosophy can help student athletes navigate rough seas -- on the playing field and in life.
"Exploring your state of mind in the moment will determine how well you will navigate," Kramer said.

Noting his love for sports, Kramer said that athletes can use this approach to improve their performance. He encouraged his MCCC audience members to take regular stock of their feelings. "Learn what's happening in your own head during competition and off the field. All the answers are within yourself."

He advised athletes to pull back from desperation during competition. "When you're not playing well, just stay in the game. Allow it to get better," he said.

Kramer observed that coaches and sports psychologists like to throw out strategies - that notion of willpower. "But what I'm talking about is 'stillpower.' The more clarity and quiet you have in your mind, the better your performance will be on and off the field."

Kramer traces every single problem people create for themselves to their thought process and how they handle these thoughts. "When your thoughts are clear, you are 'in the zone.' Those who don't understand this become victims of circumstance."

According to Kramer, the human mind is wired to reach a better place. "When your mind is in a good place, you wouldn't even want to change a poor game. It will make sense - the past, present and the future. You can visualize success from this place. In fact, you can be five plays ahead."

He concluded with a strong message. "Be guided from the inside out. If you allow this to sink in, you've got something in your pocket not many people have."

Kramer is the founder and managing partner of Inner Sports, LLC. He has provided consulting and/or crisis management services to hundreds of athletes and coaches, from well known professionals, Olympians, and teams, to high school and collegiate players across many sports.

Author and professional sports consultant Garrett Kramer encouraged students to be guided from the inside out -- on the field and in life.
Students packed the room to listen to Kramer's message.
Soccer player Vanessa Hernandez speaks with Kramer after his talk.

Kramer has been featured on ESPN Radio, FOX, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Sports Illustrated, and other nationally syndicated sports programs and magazines. He is the author of the book "Stillpower: The Inner Source of Athletic Excellence."

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