A cardinal rule is a fundamental guideline that is considered absolutely essential and should never be broken or violated. In the HiLevel Model, there are three cardinal rules:
The #1 Cardinal Rule: Maintain Attention and Awareness
- Attention is the ability to monitor your mindset, be aware of the expectations and know when to intensify your efforts or step back.
- Awareness is the ability to be grateful, appreciate the opportunity, want to be present and focus on the sensations, feelings and emotions related to proper form, pace and intensity.
Example: Lindsey Napela Berg, a 3-time Olympian and 2-time Silver Medal Winner, stepping back to serve for match point. She recognizes the weakness of the team on the other side of the net. She is aware of the sensations, feelings and intensity needed to serve the proper ball. She executes the Ace, the gold medal is won and she celebrates the amazing accomplishment. In addition, Lindsey was known for her ability play under pressure. And to make everyone around her better.
This example illustrates how a top athlete applies the cardinal rule of maintaining attention and awareness in a high-stakes situation. It demonstrates both aspects:
- Attention: Berg monitors the situation (recognizing the opponent's weakness) and knows when to intensify her efforts (for the match point).
- Awareness: She focuses on the sensations and feelings needed for proper execution, appreciates the opportunity, and is present in the moment.
The result is a successful performance at a critical moment, leading to a significant achievement.
The #2 Cardinal Rule: Maintain Fire/Passion
- Fire is a fast-burning fuel that allows you to get up emotionally, embrace challenges and perform at your best under extreme pressure.
- Passion is the slow-burning fuel that allows you to keep your motivation and enthusiasm high and stay committed to your goals and purpose.
Example: Travis Grant demonstrates both fire and passion at the finish of the Molokai to Oahu Standup race. After battling with the competition for 3 hours, he approaches the finish where a wave is breaking at China Walls.
Travis explains the situation: "This wave usually breaks close to the point, real close to the point. When surf and direction are right, the wave moves away from the point. And when the surf is bigger yet, it moves out into the bay."
When asked about riding this wave, Travis admits, "Actually I should have never taken off on this wave. I thought I was clear of the wave in question. Before I knew it, the wave was there and my instinct kicked in and I immediately knew and felt my mistake. The board was pulling to the right and I had to use every ounce of energy (fire) to make the wave and paddle in without wiping out."
This moment showcases Travis's "fire" - the immediate, intense burst of energy and focus needed to navigate a dangerous situation. His split-second decision-making and the surge of effort to stay on the board exemplify the "fast-burning fuel" that allows athletes to perform under extreme pressure.
The example concludes: "Needless to say, it was his passion for ocean racing that allowed him to compete at this level and break a world record for this race." This highlights Travis's "passion" - the long-term commitment and enthusiasm for his sport that drove him to compete at such a high level and achieve a world record. This passion is the "slow-burning fuel" that sustained him through the grueling 3-hour race and his entire career.
This example vividly illustrates how both fire (short-term intensity) and passion (long-term dedication) are crucial for high-level performance in challenging situations.
The #3 Cardinal Rule: Maintain Mental Strength/Truth
- Mental Strength is the ability to be resilient under the extreme pressure of fear, doubt and the unknown. To make good decisions and lead your life with integrity.
- Truth is represented best in the thoughts and actions that reflect how important your performance is to you and how hard you want to work.
Example: Harold "Swede" Erickson had the most mental strength of anyone I've ever known. I played behind Swede at Georgia Tech and I watched him on every play. I saw him give and take some horrendous hits and he never once got hurt or came out of the game.
After college, Swede served in special forces in Vietnam. He had three tours of duty and he came through some epic battles. In his retirement years, he had a ministry, going deep into the prisons to work with maximum security inmates.
At the end of his life, he had a serious infection. The doctors warned him that it might be fatal. True to his word, he said, "If it will help other people in my situation. go ahead."
Swede did pass in the operation. Swede lived his truth, and those of us lucky enough to know and play or serve with him, or have him as a friend, recognize that Swede was a gift. I'm forever grateful to have had him as a teammate and friend.
This example demonstrates how mental strength and living one's truth can manifest throughout a person's life, from their athletic career to military service, community involvement, and even in their final moments.
SUMMARY:
This document outlines the three cardinal rules of the HiLevel Model: 1) Maintain Attention and Awareness, 2) Maintain Fire/Passion, and 3) Maintain Mental Strength/Truth. Each rule is explained and illustrated with real-life examples from elite athletes and remarkable individuals. These rules form the foundation for HiLevel performance in sports and life, emphasizing the importance of focus, motivation, resilience, and integrity.