What follows is a philosophy based on the concept of being a "Hammah." It represents more than just teamwork—it's a transformative approach to excellence under pressure that I've seen work wonders across different environments and teams.
Through my experience as a performance coach in athletics and business, I've learned that true team excellence comes from mastering our internal state while staying connected to those around us. The breathing techniques and principles I share aren't just theoretical—they're battle-tested tools that have helped teams thrive in some of the most challenging situations.
Whether you're leading a business team, working in emergency services, or simply seeking to perform better under pressure, I believe the lessons and practices outlined here will resonate with your own journey toward excellence.
I experienced a transformative revelation about team excellence in my sophomore year of football at Georgia Tech. We weren't just teammates—we were "Hammahs," individuals united by a shared commitment to performing under pressure while maintaining inner peace. This experience became the foundation for a philosophy that extends far beyond sports, applicable to anyone facing life's demanding circumstances.
The Essence of Being a Hammah
A Hammah embodies two fundamental principles that distinguish them from ordinary team members:
The capacity to look beyond individual differences, united by mutual support and acceptance despite differences, recognizing that unity transcends personal preferences.
The discernment to know when to lead, follow, or step aside—understanding that team success depends on each member embracing their role with clarity and purpose.
Mastering Performance Through Breath
The journey to becoming a Hammah is anchored in three progressive levels of breathing mastery, each building upon the last to create extraordinary team performance.
Level One: Finding Calm Within Chaos
The foundation begins with the ability to settle down through purposeful breathing—a strong inhale, followed by a mindful pause, and a forceful exhale. This technique expands awareness from individual physical sensations to encompass the entire experience, creating an anchor of stability in moments of disruption.
While with Punahou Girls Volleyball, I witnessed the importance of this practice during a crucial volleyball match in hostile territory. When our star player took a powerful hit to the face, the opposing crowd's sudden silence threatened to derail our team's momentum. This moment highlighted how collective breath awareness could have helped maintain composure under pressure.
Level Two: Heart Center Integration
The second level reveals a powerful paradox: by creating space to experience our emotions without judgment, we discover greater peace and clarity. This was particularly evident during a night game against LSU in the bayou. Despite warnings about overwhelming crowd noise—"You won't be able to hear yourself think"—focused breathing transformed an intimidating atmosphere into a manageable challenge. By staying connected to both breath and teammates, we maintained our competitive edge.
Level Three: Expanded Awareness
The culmination of breathing mastery lies in maintaining full functionality during intense sensory experiences. This level is achieved through progressive exposure to challenging environments while preserving mental and physical control. First responders exemplify this mastery—arriving at accident scenes with severe injuries, they must remain present and functional. Their practiced breathing becomes an anchor, enabling focused performance amidst chaos and trauma.
Building Lasting Excellence
The Hammah philosophy transcends individual achievement, fostering extraordinary outcomes through collective strength and unwavering unity. When team members lift each other through adversity and celebrate collective wins, they forge connections rooted in mutual respect and deep trust. These relationships persist long after those challenges are overcome, enriched by the shared experience of conquering difficulties as one unit.
This transformational philosophy at Georgia Tech elevated us from being teammates to Hammahs, embodying unifying principles daily. Our unified commitment to excellence and steadfast support created something extraordinary that continues to influence my approach to team dynamics.
The insights gained about pressure-tested breathing, celebrating differences while providing unconditional support, and understanding individual roles have created a blueprint for success that extends far beyond athletics. This approach to team excellence offers a transformative path forward for any group facing challenging circumstances, uniting individual growth with collective achievement.
That's HiLevel!