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INSIGHTS FROM AN OLYMPIAN BY JOHNNY QUINN | @JOHNNYQUINNUSA

Archive for the ‘Performance’ Category

I Played 1,000 Pickleball Games in 8 Months

Thursday, September 7th, 2023

THE FACTS: Click here to see the spreadsheet I used to track the games. It took 137 days to play 1,004 games Game 1 was played on January 2nd Game 1,000 was played on September 6th I averaged 7.3 games per day of playing pickleball I had 837 wins I had 167 losses My winning percentage came out to 83.4% I played in 10 different states 15 games were the most I played in a day which happened on May 9 in Peoria, IL 3 games were the least amount I played in a day and that happened on three occasions I went through four pairs of shoes I went through four paddles I played 78 of the 137 days at LifeTime Allen I played over 70% of the games alongside my wife, Amanda. That’s 700+ games played together – we never argued once 😉 We typically played in the evening, 7:30 PM was a good start time for us (after bedtime for our children) THE STORY: I like a good fitness challenge. In 2021, I rowed 1,000,000 meters. In 2022, my wife and I had our second child. In 2023, I went on a quest to play 1,000 pickleball games. I will spare you the speech on why pickleball is the fastest growing sport and how the median age has dropped to under 35 years old. Instead, you simply need to know that pickleball is just plain fun! My wife and I were having so much fun playing pickleball we decided to launch a pickleball training app called, Pickle Better to address the greatest threat to pickleball = pickleball injuries! I couldn’t think of a better way to gather data and market feedback then play alongside fellow pickleball enthusiasts. At the beginning of 2023, I joined as many “open…

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Get Ahead of Workplace Burnout

Monday, January 16th, 2023

Workplace burnout is a growing problem that can negatively impact both employees and organizations. Burnout is characterized by emotional exhaustion, a lack of motivation, and a decrease in job performance. Leaders play a critical role in preventing and addressing burnout in the workplace. Here are some strategies that leaders can use to get ahead of workplace burnout. Identify the signs of burnout: Leaders should be aware of the signs of burnout, such as increased absenteeism, high turnover rates, and a decrease in job performance. By identifying the signs early on, leaders can take action to address the problem before it becomes a major issue. Encourage a healthy work-life balance: One of the main causes of burnout is a lack of balance between work and personal life. Leaders should encourage employees to take breaks and disconnect when necessary, and should also provide flexible work arrangements such as remote work options, to help employees achieve a better work-life balance. Foster a positive and supportive work environment: A positive and supportive work environment is essential for preventing burnout. Leaders should create an environment where employees feel valued and respected, and where they are encouraged to share their ideas and opinions. This can be achieved by providing regular feedback, recognizing and rewarding employees for their hard work, and providing opportunities for professional development. Encourage open communication: Open communication is key to preventing burnout. Leaders should encourage employees to speak openly and honestly about their concerns, and should be willing to listen and take appropriate action. This will help to build trust between employees and leaders, and will create a culture of transparency and accountability. Prioritize self-care: Leaders should prioritize self-care and encourage employees to do the same. This includes encouraging regular exercise, healthy eating habits, and rest. Leaders should also model self-care behaviors and…

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Leading in the Great Resignation

Monday, January 16th, 2023

The great resignation is a term used to describe the phenomenon of employees quitting their jobs at a high rate, often due to a lack of engagement, dissatisfaction with management, or a lack of growth opportunities. While this can be a major challenge for organizations, leaders can also take advantage of this situation by using it as an opportunity to improve the company culture and boost employee engagement. Here are some strategies that leaders can use to take advantage of the great resignation. Use exit interviews to gain insight: Exit interviews can provide valuable insight into why employees are quitting. Leaders should use this information to identify patterns and trends, such as common complaints or issues, and take action to address them. This can help to improve the company culture and prevent future resignations. Create a culture of open communication: Open communication is essential for preventing the great resignation. Leaders should create a culture where employees feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and opinions, and where they are encouraged to speak up about any issues or concerns. This can help to build trust between employees and leaders, and will create a culture of transparency and accountability. Recognize and reward employee performance: Leaders should recognize and reward employees for their hard work, as this will help to build a sense of loyalty and commitment. This can be achieved by providing regular feedback, offering bonuses and promotions, and recognizing employees in company-wide communications. Improve work-life balance: Companies that offer a good work-life balance are more likely to retain employees. Leaders should work to create a culture where employees are encouraged to take time off and pursue their interests outside of work. This can help to reduce burnout and increase employee engagement. Emphasize on team work: Encourage team work and collaboration, as this will…

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The Evolution of the Hybrid Leader

Monday, January 16th, 2023

The concept of a hybrid leader has evolved significantly over the past few decades. A hybrid leader is someone who possesses a unique combination of both traditional and modern leadership traits, skills, and styles. This type of leader is able to adapt to changing business environments and lead their organizations through times of uncertainty and change. In the past, traditional leaders were typically seen as authoritative figures who made decisions based on their own experience and knowledge. They were often seen as autocratic and focused on maintaining the status quo. However, as the business world has become more complex and globalized, the need for leaders who can adapt to change and lead in a more collaborative and inclusive manner has grown. One of the key changes in the evolution of the hybrid leader is the shift towards more collaborative and inclusive leadership styles. Today’s hybrid leaders understand the importance of involving team members in decision-making and creating a culture of inclusion. They are also more likely to use a variety of leadership styles, depending on the situation, rather than relying solely on one approach. This allows them to be more flexible and responsive to the needs of their teams and organizations. Another important aspect of the evolution of the hybrid leader is the emphasis on emotional intelligence. Emotional intelligence, or the ability to understand and manage one’s own emotions and those of others, is considered to be a vital trait for leaders in today’s rapidly changing business environment. Hybrid leaders are able to empathize with their team members and create a positive and motivating work environment. The use of technology has also played a significant role in the evolution of the hybrid leader. Today’s hybrid leaders are tech-savvy and able to use technology to improve communication, collaboration, and decision-making within…

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How to Overcome Quiet Quitting

Monday, January 16th, 2023

Leaders in the workplace often face the challenge of dealing with employees who have a tendency to quit too soon. This can be detrimental to the organization as it can lead to high turnover rates, low productivity, and a lack of commitment from team members. Here are some strategies that leaders can use to overcome quiet quitting in the workplace. Communicate clear expectations: One of the reasons employees quit is because they don’t have a clear understanding of what is expected of them. Leaders should communicate clear and specific expectations for each employee, and make sure that they understand the role they play in achieving the organization’s goals. This will help employees to feel more connected to the company, and will give them a sense of purpose. Create a positive and supportive work environment: A positive and supportive work environment is essential for preventing quiet quitting. Leaders should create an environment where employees feel valued and respected, and where they are encouraged to share their ideas and opinions. This can be achieved by providing regular feedback, recognizing and rewarding employees for their hard work, and providing opportunities for professional development. Encourage open communication: Open communication is key to preventing quiet quitting. Leaders should encourage employees to speak openly and honestly about their concerns, and should be willing to listen and take appropriate action. This will help to build trust between employees and leaders, and will create a culture of transparency and accountability. Provide opportunities for growth and development: Employees who feel stagnant in their roles are more likely to quit. Leaders should provide opportunities for growth and development, such as training programs and mentoring, to help employees advance in their careers. This will help employees to feel more engaged and motivated, and will increase their commitment to the organization. Lead…

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I Rowed 1,000,000 Meters in 9 Months

Saturday, October 2nd, 2021

  THE FACTS I burned a total of 67,094 calories. It took 175 rowing workouts. The cumulative time rowing was 2 days, 18 hours and 6 minutes. The longest I rowed in a workout was a half marathon (13.1 miles) on August 8th. I rowed 21,107 meters in 1 hour and 23 minutes. The shortest I rowed in a workout was 3,000 meters which took 12 minutes. I did this on multiple days. My average row came in at 5,714 meters per rowing workout. I lost 18 pounds during this challenge. I started on January 2nd and finished on October 2nd (9 months to complete). I typically rowed in the morning, sometime between 6:00 – 7:00 AM. 975,000 meters were completed in my home gym (@JohnnyQuinnUSA, click on Quinn Gym story). 25,000 meters were completed at The Breakers gym. I used a Concept 2 Rower and the ErgData Tracking App to complete the Million Meter Club Challenge. I had an accountability partner, Michael Streight, who will be at 1M soon! I rowed all 1,000,000 meters at a 1:59 / 500 meter pace (or faster). THE STORY I rowed a little bit in 2021. 621.37 miles to be exact, or 1,000,000 meters. To put that in perspective, it takes 664 miles to drive from Dallas, Texas to Nashville, Tennessee. So, I almost made it to Nashville. I probably stopped in Franklin, TN. On January 1st, a friend introduced me to Concept 2’s Million Meter Club and the goal was to row 1,000,000 meters in a year. Quick math says you need to row roughly 3,000 meters a day to finish on December 31st. If I held a 1:59/500 meter pace, that is only 12 minutes of rowing a day. I can commit to that. My quest to row 1,000,000 meters in a year at 1:59/500 meter pace began on…

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My Run on American Ninja Warrior

Monday, May 24th, 2021

One cool thing about American Ninja Warrior (ANW) is they film during the night. When you film at night, it has more of a ninja feel, I suppose.​ ANW had three new wicked obstacles and it was awesome! You can watch my run to see if I made it to the warped wall. I also want to note, I never thought I would be on a TV show. I found being open to exploring unexpected opportunities makes life more fun and meaningful. Who knows, maybe you will find yourself on a TV show soon. Are you open to exploring unexpected opportunities?​ Ready. Set. Go!​

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My TEDx Talk on the Olympic Mindset

Monday, May 24th, 2021

Most people struggle with carrying a positive mindset. There is a strong pull to focus on negative things which can be overwhelming. Quite frankly, a negative mindset is down right debilitating. It sucks your dreams, goals and aspirations right out of you…​ I did a TEDx Talk on Understanding the Olympic Mindset to help win the mindset battle. It’s a relief to know there are easy and practical steps to protect and strengthen our mindset.

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Eat Breakfast Like a Champion

Sunday, February 28th, 2021

As a U.S. Olympian, former pro football player and business owner, I am always looking for ways to increase my performance and production. The foods we choose to eat have significant power in impacting our performance and production, along with our day-to-day and long term health. What we eat, done correctly, can be a game changer! During my first season in bobsled, I was traveling and competing in Europe with Team USA and had the chance to meet Dr. Scott Stoll who was on the 1994 U.S. Olympic Bobsled Team. Dr. Stoll is a member of the Google FoodLab, serves on the advisory board at Whole Foods for their healthcare clinics and served as a member of the Whole Foods Scientific and Medical Advisory Board. Dr. Stoll is the Chairman of the board for The Plantrician Project. He is also the author of Alive! which I would recommend. Dr. Stoll was with us for a few weeks on the bobsled tour helping out as a doctor on staff and I was determined to question him until I knew the industry secrets. What does it take to become an Olympian? How important is food for peak performance? Which foods will help get me there? He gave me the answers to the test and I am here to pass them on. His family had been following a plan for years; they were delighted with it and it all starts with breakfast, as every good day does. With the mentality that this smoothie is the correct blend of all I need to perform to my peak and it tastes good! This is the kick off to the day that fuels my greatest mindsets. So every morning, I pull out my blender and make the most powerful breakfast known to man! Blueberries (1/4 cup)…

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