<p>I have a pretty unique job where I manage some young athletes and are responsible for their development. I have one specific athlete that I feel needs to check the cockiness at the door and subscribe to some humbleness. He is exceptionally good at what he does, world ranked in his sport but his attitude can be off putting. Conversations work for short periods but he falls back into his “normal” pattern. Any suggestions or some good reading. I would prefer them to not be religious based since I am not his parent.</p>
<p>Cockiness is often a cover for insecurity. You might go about it from that angle.</p>
<p>Captains Courageous (the book, not the movie).</p>
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<p>Never thought about it that way. Interesting view point. To his defense, he has earned the “right” to be cocky, because he is one of the best in his field, I am just trying to make him understand it is not a desirable trait.</p>
<p>My daughter encourages me to meditate, which Ive found is a superb tool for self awareness & concentration.
Perhaps he would be open to a book about someone he wants to emulate.</p>
<p><a href=“Athletes Who Meditate: Kobe Bryant & Other Sports Stars Who Practice Mindfulness | HuffPost Life”>HuffPost - Breaking News, U.S. and World News | HuffPost;
<p>He might also consider John McPhee’s book Levels of the Game, about a US Open tennis final between Arthur Ashe and Clark Graebner. </p>
<p>“The Other Side of the Mountain,” about skier Jill Kinmont, is a good read about learning to accept limitations and applying the lessons of athletics to other life areas besides winning competitions. </p>
<p>Film: “Miracle” (Disney movie about the 1980 Lake Placid Olympics hockey victory). Emphasizes the importance of teamwork and how everyone’s success depends on someone else.</p>
<p>We just finished reading, “Junie B. Jones and the Yucky Blucky Fruitcake.” (Don’t ask!) I think the book does a very good job of demonstrating the hazards of overconfidence, cockiness and rudeness. </p>
<p>Chapter 1 is titled, “The bested game winner”</p>
<p>Chapter 7, “Winning” (No, it’s not Charlie Sheen)</p>
<p>“I’m the bestest winner in the world!” </p>
<p>I am definitely thinking high school. I am also serious about recommending this book. The very act of giving him a book for 5 year olds will send him a message. </p>
<p>How young is “young”?
I think anyone under 30 is * young* these days.
I was thinking college age or maybe high school when I replied.</p>
<p>The Lotter Rose. No one can read this book and not be humbled by the courage of the child and not count their own blessings.</p>
<p>It’s the Lottery Rose. Sorry.</p>
<p>Maybe he can read about people whose pride led to their downfall. </p>
<p>I wish that I could think of a better example, because I know that this isn’t the best example. But all I can think of right now is Julius Caesar</p>
<p>Yes, this is a high school kid. I know that Junie B Jones book. He has a small sister. Maybe I can get his mom to have him read it to her…lol. Maybe you are right in saying it will send a message by just giving him the book.</p>
<p>I know you have to be coy bout what sport and particulars of this kid, but having just seen “42” over the weekend, perhaps you can point him to Jackie Robinson’s autobiography. My H, who is a black history expert, explained that the movie didn’t begin to show the difficulties he had “making it”. Because he was a black athlete in a white world with a reputation of having a terrible temper, he had to check his personality at the door in order to be allowed to continue playing, and in some cases, avoid being attacked. Not sure exactly what humbleness you’re after-consideration of others, or just less of an "I’m better than every body " attitude, but that book or one of the many others about him might help.</p>