George Mumford: The Other Coach of Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant

George Mumford is a "Mindfulness Coach" to some of the world's best athletes, including basketball legends Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant.

Mumford's approach to mindfulness is unique, challenging conventional practices by embracing struggle and improvisation. Below are five unusual and interesting aspects of his philosophy:

• "No Struggle, No Swag"

  • A catchphrase used by Mumford that emphasizes the value of struggle.

  • Unlike typical mindfulness practices that focus on constant calm and relaxation, Mumford promotes the idea that "suffering is your superpower."

  • He believes that true mindfulness requires integrating the discomforts of life rather than avoiding them.

• Life as Improvisation: Just Say YES

  • Mumford encourages saying "yes" to whatever difficulties life presents.

  • This philosophy involves accepting and embracing challenges rather than resisting them.

  • Key elements to successfully saying "yes":

    • A regular meditation practice

    • Forgiveness for oneself and others

    • Achieving a state of "flow," where one is fully immersed and focused on the present task

• Progressive Body Scans

  • A technique frequently used by Mumford to induce relaxation and mindfulness.

  • Progressive body scans help relax the conscious mind and release tension stored in various parts of the body.

  • Mumford underscores the connection between thoughts and the body's state, asserting that relaxing one can positively affect the other.

• The 4 Superpowers of Mindfulness

  • Mumford identifies four key areas where mindfulness can enhance performance and well-being:

    • Trust in oneself and others

    • Insight into one's surroundings and situations

    • "Right Effort"—finding a balance between overexertion and underperformance

    • Concentration on the present task, which boosts effectiveness and productivity

• Embracing the "Messy Middle"

  • Mumford emphasizes the importance of embracing confusion, fear, and a lack of direction.

  • He argues that these difficult moments are crucial for achieving peak performance and personal growth.

  • The idea is to "show up" for the hard parts rather than seeking constant peace or perfection.