The Right Call

About the Author

Sally Jenkins is a renowned sportswriter and author who has made significant contributions to the field of sports journalism. She has an extensive career with The Washington Post, where her insightful articles have captivated readers for years. Jenkins is celebrated for her ability to delve deep into the psychological and emotional aspects of sports, bringing to light the qualities that define champions both on and off the field. Her work transcends mere reporting; it is an exploration of human potential and resilience.

Main Idea

In "The Right Call: What Sports Teach Us About Work and Life," Sally Jenkins explores the critical elements that enable individuals to excel under pressure, whether in sports or other professional arenas. She asserts that the qualities exhibited by elite athletes—conditioning, practice, discipline, candor, culture, failure, and intention—are not innate but cultivated. These principles can be adopted by anyone to achieve greatness in their respective fields. Jenkins argues that by understanding and integrating these elements into our lives, we can elevate our performance and navigate challenges with greater efficacy.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Conditioning: The Body
3. Practice: The Mind
4. Discipline: The Framework
5. Candor: The Language
6. Culture: The Environment
7. Failure: The Teacher
8. Intention: The Motive
9. Epilogue: The Heart of Greatness

Introduction

In the introduction of "The Right Call," Jenkins sets the stage by challenging readers to think about the qualities that make a person excel under pressure. She poses the question: "Who can describe the athletic heart?" This book is her attempt to answer that question by examining the inner workings of elite performers and translating those findings into lessons applicable to everyday life. Jenkins emphasizes that the skills of professional athletes are not simply a matter of natural talent but are the result of deliberate practice and intention.

Conditioning: The Body

Jenkins begins by discussing the importance of conditioning, not just for athletes but for anyone aiming for sustained excellence. Conditioning, she explains, is about more than physical fitness; it’s about the willingness to undergo discomfort and push through limits to build resilience. Michael Phelps, for instance, is highlighted as a model of relentless conditioning. His coach, Bob Bowman, observed, "The thing that made him great was the work." Phelps’s commitment to swimming five miles a day, including on Sundays and his birthdays, exemplifies the kind of dedication required to reach the pinnacle of success.

Conditioning is not limited to physical endurance. It also encompasses mental fortitude. Jenkins explains that the ability to withstand and thrive under stress is a crucial factor in achieving long-term success. This is particularly relevant in today's fast-paced, high-demand world, where resilience and adaptability are essential. Elite performers, whether in sports or other fields, understand the importance of conditioning their minds and bodies to handle the pressures and demands of their profession.

• The body must be conditioned to endure and thrive under stress.
• Resilience is built through consistent, disciplined effort.
• Physical conditioning supports mental stamina and clarity.

Practice: The Mind

Practice, as Jenkins describes, is the strategic, targeted work aimed at refining skills. It is different from conditioning in that it is specific and purpose-driven. Elite athletes focus on their weaknesses and practice under the watchful eye of a coach who provides feedback and guidance. This approach leads to measurable improvement and mastery. Peyton Manning’s "wet ball" drills are an example of how deliberate practice prepares one to perform under any condition. "Pressure would be to wake up in Miami for the Super Bowl and it’s raining and you say, ‘Oh my gosh, it’s going to be wet; I’m not sure I can get the snaps from Jeff.’ I never left the field saying that I thought I could have done more to get ready for the game," Manning recalls.