Angela White, formerly known as Blac Chyna, has been in the news for her continuous quest to make positive lifestyle and physical changes.The former reality star disclosed some weeks back that she had surgery once more.

However, this time, it was to lessen the size of her breasts and remove facial fillers. She also erased a negative tattoo of a Baphomet, a symbol for the Satanic goat-headed deity that was on her body. Blac Chyna is in the news again as she explains the motivation behind her lifestyle and physical changes. Keep reading for more details.

During a recent interview with Tamron Hall, Blac opened up about why she is making all the new and positive changes.

Like, I had so many negative things that were being attached to me, and to my body and my soul and to my mind, to whereas though it would affect, like, my day-to-day and just different things in my life,the 34-year-old revealed.

Blac is making new and positive changes to rid herself of all negativities affecting her life.

The American model also shared why she had to undergo all the procedures that altered her physical appearance.

Insecurities and, honestly, what was kind of in at that moment,she shared. She also noted that she wanted a perfect image given to her industry.

Blac Chyna was an exotic dancer for six years, and she was pressured to look her best. She had her first surgery at the age of 19.

I felt the pressures of trying to hurry up and build my body when I shouldve just waited until I was older because thats gonna happen,she shared.

Blac is a mom of two. She shares King, 10, and Dream, 6, with exes Tyga and Rob Kardashian, respectively. She noted during her interview that she had not told her kids about her lifestyle and physical changes. However, she is leading them by example.

You know, I havent really told them anything. I just lead by example. Like if Im working out, they work out with me. I ask them to come to church with me,Blac explained.

Blac Chynas lifestyle and physical changes is a positive one. She also ensures it affects every area of her life, including her career.

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Blac Chyna Explains Motivation Behind Her Lifestyle And Physical ... - The Nerd Stash

SAN FRANCISCO Draymond Green, the second-rounder turned four-time NBA champion, tends to root for the underdog.

Imagine his delight in meeting a room full of autistic people, a crowd that has been underestimated, misunderstood, even outright ridiculed.

At an event in advance of Tuesdays Autism Acceptance Night at Chase Center, the four-time Golden State All-Star delivered what essentially was a two-hour pep talk last week. At the California Academy of Sciences, where Green kept things lively with nonstop monologue, he capped things off by telling the youth in attendance to ignore the doubters, as he once did.

Your disability is your superpower. Its what makes you different, Green said. If weve got something in this world that makes us different from the next person, then guess what? Hold on to it as tight as you can. Because who wants to be like the rest of these people? Youve got to be yourself, right?

It was a rare day off for Greens barbed wit. He knew from experience to zip it when it came to trash talk, even if he was lighthearted. In fact, his misdirected banter toward someone on the spectrum was one of the reasons he was at the science museum. In a way, he was making amends.

Anthony Ianni, who played with Green at Michigan State, once called him by far, the most sarcastic guy Ive ever played with. For Ianni, Greens edgy humor felt like constant torment. In and away from practices, Ianni told Green more than once to quit insulting him, to which Green spat back: If you cant take a joke, you shouldnt be here. Whenever Ianni got really annoyed, Green turned the dial a little higher in an effort to toughen him up.

What do you do? You needle more! the Warriors forward said, recounting the backstory for his crowd. Oh, hes mad? Im under his skin? Thats when you needle more.

Finally, during a memorable weight-room clash in 2011, Green cracked wise one too many times. Ianni got in his face and told him to shut the hell up.

Spartans strength coach Mike Vorkapich intervened. Desperate to defuse the situation, he essentially blurted out Iannis secret: He was on the autism spectrum. The disorder made it challenging for Ianni to distinguish what was a joke and what wasnt with sarcasm being a particularly difficult language to decipher.

Vork pulled me to the side, Green recounted, He said, Anthonys autistic. Its black or white for him. He doesnt see the gray area. He doesnt see the joke. So when you say those things to him, he thinks youre serious. It changed my entire view.

In an instant, Green went from being Iannis needler to being his ferocious protector. By summer practices, he was patiently pacing Ianni through his on-court assignments, having permanently swapped out his one-liners for genuine encouragement. You got this, A.I. Keep it going.

Ianni, in turn, educated him on what its like to live with a diagnosis of pervasive developmental disorder.

That was a secret that he and I shared, Green said. And he continued to teach me. As I continued to learn, hes always been on me my entire career: Draymond, we need to do something with autism. You let me know when youre ready, and well do something.

And that is how the Warriors tempestuous enforcer ended up dodging butterflies and free-flying birds inside a domed rainforest last Thursday.

Green perused the exhibits with 30 members of the autistic community. The Athletic tagged along, too, as Green stayed 45 minutes beyond his scheduled time and kept the conversations rolling even as a soft automated voice repeatedly told visitors that the museum was closing.

When two aspiring filmmakers with autism, Jabari Daniels and Ronald Hicks, approached Green to explain their next cinematic project, Green quickly agreed to be part of it so long as he could play himself and later told them to aim for the stars.

Jabari, were gonna make a film. And why cant your film win an Oscar? Why cant your film win an Emmy? Because you have a disability? Thats what theyre going to tell you, Green said. But its up to you whether to believe that or not. If you believe it, then guess what? Youre going to be exactly what they say. But if you dont believe it, then guess what you can be?

Daniels smiled as he awaited the answer. He and Hicks were from Inclusion Films, which was started in 2007 by veteran filmmaker Joey Travolta (Johns brother) to teach movie-making to individuals with developmental disabilities.

You can be much bigger than Draymond Green became at basketball. Much bigger, Green continued. So, chase after your dream.

Ianni, now 34, flew into San Francisco for the festivities. He lives in Livonia, Michigan, and serves as a motivational speaker and author. His book, Centered: Autism Basketball and One Athletes Dreams, detailed the aforementioned weight-room confrontation.

Seeing Draymond stepping up for autism awareness means a lot to me, Ianni said. To see what he did at the museum and the aquarium, and seeing how much he cares about that community it gets me emotional at times.

Hes one of the top players defensive players in the league; he does not have to do this. Its not just him being a friend. Were doing it together because were brothers. And thats what Michigan State really taught us the most.

For the visit to the California Academy of Sciences, the museum provided participants with sensory kits designed to help guests with a variety of autism spectrum disorders or sensory sensitivities as a way of making them feel comfortable and safe.One young visitor slapped the railing in delight while watching an aquarium exhibit featuring a live flapnose ray. A move to the African penguin colony had cell phone cameras working in overdrive.

Still, not everyone navigated the terrain so effortlessly. The autism spectrum can include unusual responses to sensory stimuli. Kerry Rich kept an eye on his son, Joshua, 21, who sometimes sought out a quiet place in the corner and covered his eyes.

Thats a coping mechanism, Rich said. Thats like saying, Hey, thats too much input, and I have to kind of regulate. But if you really think about it, we all have sensory issues, right? Weve all had instances where we need to walk to a different part of the room and get away.

Joshuas journey was at the heart of the group that visited with Green. Participants were all part of a nonprofit organization called Joshuas Gift.

The boy was 2 years old when he was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. After a few days of crying, Kerry and his wife, Mizpah Brown-Rich, reframed the situation entirely.

They decided their sons autism wasnt a disability; it was a treasure. They named their nonprofit after their son, and it focuses on the social, mental, emotional and economic needs of families living with autism.

Kids with autism are a gift in that theyre innocent. They wouldnt harm anyone, said Kerry, whose Warriors-loving family lives in Fremont, Calif. From our perspective, we look at it as God blessed us to take care of him because he knew we could. Josh is the gift that keeps giving.

Whats so interesting is that you see him there and you see some of these other kids. Theyre extremely intelligent. They cant all articulate like you and I. Some dont talk at all. But theyre very smart. They understand things. They just take a tremendous amount of patience.

Green now understands that thanks to the years of education from his old teammate. His interaction with a wide range of behaviors Thursday seemed to lift him up. One of basketballs most volatile technical-foul magnets was hardly recognizable in this forum.

Asked about the biggest misconception surrounding autism, Green echoed what Joshuas father said of the myth of a lack of intelligence.

I talked to a 13-year-old that taught me seven things that I didnt know, Green said, referring to Jett Geohegan. He walked with me pretty much the entire time. He just taught me seven random facts that I had no idea about. He was brilliant.

Green had one-on-one moments with the attendees, seeking out chances to say hello. One not-so-shy visitor, Dominic Deleon, approached him and said he watched the Warriors most recent game.

Howd I do? Green said.

You fell down, Deleon responded.

Would you help me back up if I fell down? Green asked.

No, Deleon said, smiling wide.

Why not? Green exclaimed.

From that, a friendship was born. Green and Deleon were in constant contact for much of the remainder of the afternoon. Green even gave Deleon a few shout-outs during his closing speech. All along, nobody smiled wider than Golden States veteran, the 2017 NBA Defensive Player of the Year.

I love children, and I love for people to feel good, Green said. We were blessed to be on this Earth, and I think everyone should feel good every day. If there is something that I can do or say to make someone feel better, I am all in. You dont know what these people have gone through. You get out in the world, people are very, very mean, and you just dont know what they say.

To have the opportunity to interact with these kids, I just want to make sure that they leave with a smile on their face. I want them to know that theres someone out here who cares about them and their well-being and believes in them and what they can do.

Green signed endless autographs on hats, T-shirts, basketballs, often from children making multiple returns through the line. He was happy to see them each time through. And he really did commit to doing a movie with Daniels and Hicks, pledging he would handle any chore as long as he could avoid screenwriting duties.

Youre writing and directing it, Green quipped to Hicks. Im just tagging along, hoping to get an A on the class group project.

The event closed with a moving speech, one where he vowed to continue educating myself, continue trying to raise awareness and educating others.

I just want to say thank you for the energy that you all bring, Green told the group. The joy that it brings to me, you will never understand. To walk in here and feel that energy and feel that love, I thank you all so much. Im with you on your journey. You wont see me every day, but know that you have a supporter in me.

(Top photo of Draymond Green and Dominic Deleon: Courtesy of the Golden State Warriors)

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How the Warriors Draymond Green became a motivated autism activist - The Athletic

4 April 2023

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Exeter's Jack Nowell (pictured), Sam Simmonds, Harry Williams and Luke Cowan-Dickie will play in France next season

Exeter centre Henry Slade says playing with his best mates for what might be the last time is a "massive motivation" before the Champions Cup quarter-final against Stormers.

The Chiefs squad will be broken up this summer, with a host of key players leaving the club.

Saturday's showdown at Sandy Park could be their last game together on the European stage.

"Some of my best mates, in life and in rugby, are in this team," Slade said.

Speaking on the Rugby Union Weekly podcast, the England international added: "They won't be here next year, and we have made a big point of sending those boys off on a high.

"You never know if we you will be able to play with them again, ever."

'We've had an unbelievable 10 years together'

Slade has spent much of the last decade at Exeter with the likes of Jack Nowell, Sam Simmonds, Harry Williams and Luke Cowan-Dickie, who are all on their way to France next season.

Together the homegrown core won the Premiership in 2017 as well as a Premiership and Champions Cup double in 2020.

"We've had an unbelievable 10 to 12 years playing for the Chiefs together, and to see some of these boys go is going to be sad, and it is going to be a different place next year," Slade said.

"But it is definitely a massive motivation to send those boys out having won something again.

"Obviously Saturday doesn't win it for us, but it puts us in a really good spot then.

"It is a massive game, but we want to send those boys out on a high and to do that we are going to have to beat a hell of a side in the Stormers on Saturday and it is a challenge we are all looking forward to."

Slade will be 'one of the old heads'

Slade says next season is going to be "strange" with seven of the 10 most experienced players at the club all leaving Sandy Park.

Only Slade, club captain Jack Yeandle and prop Alec Hepburn will remain.

"In the changing room there is an area reserved for the 10 highest-capped people. Next year, seven of the 10 are leaving," he explained.

"So it is going to be a bit of a change up that end of the changing room. I am going to be one of the old heads, and I don't like it!"

And Slade says the motivation of ending this dynasty of Exeter rugby in style is driving him on, after a mentally and physically draining Six Nations with England.

"I sort of said to [director of rugby] Rob [Baxter] I don't really want to have the time off now, because if I have the time off now I am potentially missing some of the biggest games of the season with some of my best mates who I may not ever get to play with again," Slade added.

"It made it quite easy to just get back in and crack on, because there are so many different motivating factors."

Original post:
Exeter Chiefs: Henry Slade says playing with mates for last time is "massive motivation" for quarter-final - BBC

INDIANAPOLIS Jelani Woods has an easy smile, an affable personality, the wide-eyed elation of a rookie finally realizing his dream.

But he is not living a charmed life.

This was always the destination.

From growing up on the southeast side of Atlanta, through a position change at Oklahoma State and a risky graduate transfer to Virginia, Woods has made every decision with the NFL in mind.

With his family in mind.

Everything I went through, the adversity I faced my whole life, that pretty much sticks in the back of my head, Woods said. Trying to be the backbone of my family.

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Woods is the youngest of three boys, born into a tight-knit, sports-obsessed family in Ellenwood, Ga. that spent a lot of its precious free time going up to Atlanta to watch the Falcons (and now Colts quarterback Matt Ryan), both at training camp and in the Georgia Dome.

When he was five or six, Woods would walk around the house in shoulder pads and football pants, putting up a royal fit if his parents, Greg and Shaheerah, tried to get him to put on normal clothes.

We finally got him to stop wearing the helmet all the time, Greg said. Wed try to get him to take the shoulder pads off, but hed be screaming.

Woods grew up quickly.

He had to.

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As close as the family was, Greg and Shaheerah both worked long hours, Shaheerah on the business side of Childrens Healthcare Atlanta, Greg in refrigeration and air for Kroger. Because of his job, Greg was often on the road.

Woods and the middle brother, Jaleel, had to help out around the house, and with their oldest brother, Javaric.

Javaric is moderately intellectually disabled. According to Greg, his oldest son needs help with daily activities like getting dressed, getting meals and taking showers.

Hes pretty much not able to take care of himself, so the whole family had to pitch in, especially since my parents worked all the time, Woods said. That left me in charge at times in middle school, high school.

By their own admission, the Woods family did not have unlimited resources, but Greg and Shaheerah made sure their sons could focus on sports, on pursuing their dreams of earning a college scholarship. Their middle son, Jaleel, does not have his younger brothers 6-7 frame, but he had the athleticism.

A talent on the baseball and football fields, Jaleel seemed to be on the same track as his brother until an unusual revelation contributed to the end of his athletic career.

When Jaleel was young, hed often walk off the field after games looking a little uncomfortable, scratching at his arms; but it was never bad enough that it became an issue, not until a game in high school.

Jaleel felt sick on the sideline, started breaking out. By the time he got in the family car, he had hives all over his body.

He was allergic, Greg said. It was a pesticide, something they used on the grass.

A combination of the allergy, and a loss of motivation ended Jaleels athletic career.

That left the youngest son, the one who kept growing like an oak tree.

I was talking about this with my brother the other day, Greg said. My brothers 6-1, Im 6-2. My wifes 5-9. It has to be from somebody else down the line.

Because of that height, Woods initially thought hed pursue basketball his height made him a dominant force on the court growing up and he played all the way through high school.

But the attention Woods wanted started coming his way on the football field. Back then, Woods was a massive quarterback, a three-star recruit accurate enough to complete more than 60% of his throws as a three-year starter and lead Cedar Grove to the first state championship in the schools history.

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Woods knew he wanted to play at the next level, and he learned an important lesson from his high school coach, Jimmy Smith, who is now the running backs coach at Arkansas.

Be flexible.

There might be one goal but there is more than one way to get there.

My high school coach, he kind of wanted me to do both, be both pro-style and dual-threat at the same, tried to maneuver (to get as many offers as possible), Woods said. I was a quarterback who could play in any system.

A talented high school recruit might choose a college destination for any one of a dozen reasons.

A programs prestige. A relationship with an assistant coach. A desire to stay close to home, or alternately, a desire to get away from home and see a little more of the world.

Woods chose Oklahoma State for a reason that sounds a lot more like something from NFL free agency.

The offensive scheme, Woods said. They threw the ball a lot, thats kind of how I liked it. Their offense reminded me of my high school offense.

Woods spent most of his redshirt season in Stillwater as a quarterback on the scout team, wondering when hed get his chance to play. Before the Cowboys final game of the regular season, the Bedlam Series against Oklahoma, the coaches came to Woods with a request.

The Cowboys needed somebody to play Sooners tight end Mark Andrews now a star with the Baltimore Ravens in practice.

Woods had the size-speed combination they needed.

Then he went out and torched Oklahoma States defense in practice all week long, turning the wheels in the coaching staffs mind. Buried on the depth chart at quarterback, Woods might be able to help the Cowboys at a different spot.

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They asked him to move to tight end.

Hed always been a quarterback. Handed the same situation, a lot of players would have transferred, tried to find a school where they could play the games most important position.

But Woods had his eyes on the future.

The proposition they gave me was enticing, Woods said. They were like, If you want to make like $10 million in two years, we think youll be really good at tight end, and well really use you.' That kind of buzzes in your head a little bit.

The Oklahoma State coaches ended up being right though Woods had to leave Stillwater to make good on everything they promised.

Three years after making the switch to tight end, Woods had plenty of playing time under his belt, an extensive tutorial as a blocker and a degree in management.

A chance to catch passes was missing. An afterthought in Oklahoma States passing game, Woods had caught only 31 passes in three seasons. At 6-7, 260 pounds and as fast as some wide receivers, Woods knew he had the physical tools to make a run at the NFL.

But he needed the tape to show NFL teams he could be a weapon as a receiver.

That was the idea going into it, Woods said. I knew, going to the next level, I had to show a little bit of an ability to catch the ball at a high level.

Woods dove into the tape again.

When he watched the film of Virginias 2020 season, he saw former Cavaliers tight end Tony Poljan catch 38 passes and six touchdowns, and Virginia coach Robert Anae was telling Woods that the team wanted to expand the tight ends role in the passing game.

Woods believed he could be even better than Poljan.

When he showed up, it was apparent that there was an internal motivation thats different from the other guys sitting there, Anae said. It was clear to us: This kid is way motivated to become something.

From the moment he arrived on Virginias campus, Woods did everything right. The study, the strength and conditioning, the way hed try to make the most of every play and every tip the coaches gave him, acting every bit like a mature, driven player whod learned how to prepare like a professional over his years in college.

Except that the motivation the Cavaliers saw in Woods runs deeper than his age.

My experience is age is not a qualifier for that, Anae said. In fact, a lot of times at that age, youve already demonstrated who you are by that point in your career. Day 1, we had somebody whos very, very special.

Woods exceeded his three years totals at Oklahoma State in his only season at Virginia, making 44 catches for 598 yards and 8 touchdowns.

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The night before Woods ran the 40-yard dash at the NFL scouting combine, Steve Caric saw something special in the way Woods approaches big moments.

Caric, Woodss agent, has been in Indianapolis for a lot of 40-yard dashes. Nerves are common, almost expected.

Woods, on the other hand, had a deep sense of confidence, an unshakeable belief that he was going to turn peoples heads the next day.

Woods tore through the 40-yard dash in a blistering 4.61 seconds, a remarkable time for a man who measured 6-7, 259 pounds, sending himself flying up draft boards in conjunction with his performance at the East-West Shrine Game.

Caric expected the physical numbers. An experienced agent who counts Zach Ertz, Dalton Schultz and Austin Hooper among his clients, Caric could tell Woods was a special kind of athlete for the position.

The self-confidence Woods showed was a revelation.

Its something I wish they all had, Caric said.

Confidence is critical in the NFL. Caric has seen too many players shaken by a loss of confidence, crippled by doubt.

Woods has always had it, a sense of expectation that hes going to make it at this level.

The Colts used a third-round pick on him, hoping to land the downfield threat at tight end that head coach Frank Reich has long coveted but he got off to a slow start in training camp. His confidence, however, wasnt shaken. Woods talks to his dad almost every day, and Greg admits that his son talked about how hard it was to absorb everything the Colts needed him to do, but Woods always believed hed get it eventually.

He was putting in the work. When he got back to the room he shared with fellow tight end Drew Ogletree, the two rookies spent the time going through the entire practice script for the next day, trying to make sure they were as prepared as possible.

Woods initially fell behind Ogletree on the depth chart.

His confidence, still, remained undaunted, supported by a family that had already seen Woods achieve a dream that could have gone wrong at several different points in his road to the NFL.

They know, Woods said. It might start slow. That doesnt matter. Im always going to overcome.

The Woods family had just gotten home from church on Sunday, settling into their seats, when the ball slipped through Kansas City punt returner Skyy Moores hands.

Greg saw his son go into the game.

The excitement started to build. A diehard Falcons fan, Greg and his sons had spent the last decade and a half watching Matt Ryan play, and he knew the Colts new starting quarterback likes to look for the tight end in the end zone.

When Woods made his first catch, a 1-yard touchdown in the back of the end zone, the Woods family exploded.

I jumped so far out of my chair, Greg said. I had people calling me, texting me, I was talking to my son, it was just unbelievable. My son just caught his first NFL touchdown, and it came from Matt Ryan?

Ogletree went crazy from his spot in the press box.

The rookie knows the playbook. When he saw his roommate go into the game, Ogletree immediately predicted Woods was going to score a touchdown, and he knew how much it meant to Woods, why the rookie tight end exploded in joy.

Honestly, hes here to prove everybody wrong, and also, the people in his corner, to prove everybody right, Ogletree said. Hey, Im supposed to be here. This is what Im supposed to be doing.

Woods made an even bigger catch later, beating Kansas City safety Juan Thornhill across the end zone on a crossing route for the game-winning touchdown catch with 24 seconds left. A jubilant Reich exploded in the locker room, excited about his rookie tight end.

Welcome to the NFL, Jelani Woods! Reich said.

Hes always believed hed be here.

Right where he always planned to be.

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Colts: Rookie Jelani Woods has the motivation to match this moment - IndyStar

When you get in from work and its the dark, or wake up to a chilly, drizzly morning, it can be difficult to find the drive to get some exercise in, whether its making your way to the gym, heading out for a run or going to a class.

With decreased serotonin due to the reduction in sunlight, and increased melatonin from the darker nights, you may be feeling groggy, tired and uninspired, but actually, getting out and exercising could help with this.

According to personal trainer and nutrition coach at The Rhi Club, Rhianna Crisp, "As the chilly, sometimes gloomy autumn days start to creep in, its common for us to lose our motivation as quickly as were losing sunlight.

"When it comes to our health and fitness, we cant always rely on motivation, but rather that drive, discipline, and habits youve built. Saying that, there are a few ways to help you re-light that fire in your belly and get you motivated to keep working on yourself."

"Its important this winter in particular to think about cost and safety, so prioritise group activities outdoors and free classes or exercise," says Crisp.

Regaining that motivation is possible with a few simple habits.

1. Make a plan

According to fitness expert and director of Geezers Boxing, Leon Bolmeer, "Following a consistent routine you enjoy will help create both a boost in energy and optimism, as well as a willingness to want to exercise. Try to make exercise into a habit and plan your social life around your workout plans. We advise you to plan sessions for when you are least likely to abandon the idea."

2. Give team sports a go

"Team exercise adds competition and the social element to exercise. Most of us are motivated by social interaction, and people often go to the gym or sports clubs because their friends are there, and its highly motivating," says Bolmeer.

3. Do what you actually enjoy

Keeping motivated is hard if you dont love the exercise you are doing.

Bolmeer explains: "This sounds obvious, but when it comes to exercise, its crucial you pick something you enjoy. Enjoying your exercise will increase the chances of long-term adherence. The best type of exercise is often a mix of activities you enjoy and are motivated to stick with. Some people get bored with the same exercise day after day, whereas others prefer a routine."

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4. Give group runs a go

Joining a running club or local event may encourage you to get out running with a focus on safety in numbers if they run at night, too.

Crisp is a big advocate for Saturday Park Runs.

"Dont let the word run scare you. Park Run is basically an entirely free event that happens every Saturday at 9am in your local park. For October and beyond, you can run, jog, walk, plod your way around having a chat with your besties, or meet some new people! Its a great way to get outside, get off your phone and get some exercise in. All you need to do is sign up on their website to get your personal barcode, which you scan at the end to get your time."

This could be the motivation you need to compete with yourself for a Saturday PB all winter.

5. Set a performance goal and write it down

Crisp knows how tricky it can be to stick with it.

"Back in the first lockdown winter, my gym closed for months, and I got myself into a right slump. I was looking for anything quick and easy to get me moving and motivated again. So, I decided I wanted to be able to do a handstand. Every evening, Id practise for about 15 minutes, ensuring I was pushing myself a little closer each day. Three weeks in, I got my first handstand. It could be anything from a 60-second plank hold to skipping for 20 jumps without getting tangled."

And hold yourself accountable.

"No matter how small or big. Write your goals down. Grab a bit of paper, or open the notes page in your phone and write down three things you want to achieve by Christmas." says Crisp.

6. Prepare everything in advance

"Make exercise as frictionless as possible by prepping everything the night before: plan your workout, your route to the gym, put your workout gear and work clothes out, your toiletries and even prep the playlist or podcast youll listen to. In short, the less you have to decide in the morning, the easier it is to get up and get out," says Matt Boyles, a personal trainer who runs Fitter Confident You.

Read the original here:
6 ways to find workout motivation as days get shorter and colder - RTE.ie

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WREG) With four receiving touchdowns heading into week five, Caden Prieskorn ranks as one of the top tight ends in the nation.

When he scores, he points to the sky because he hasnt had the easiest road on his journey to crossing the goal-line.

It definitely brings joy to me, said Prieskorn. The last couple of years, like going through the struggles, the adversity, and like overcoming it this year. Its got to keep building on it.

Prieskorn had been a quarterback his entire life, prepping at Orchard Lake in Michigan before enrolling at Fork Union Military Academy.

Out of high school, I really didnt have nothing, you know, when I got to Fort Union I broke my foot. So, like, I was just like, I just want to play football. So whatever I can do. And then I just decide to do it.

And by do it, he means walk on at the U of M and transforming his body from that of a quarterback to a tight end, packing on 40 pounds.

It was the physicality that was the toughest hurdle to overcome, but he had Tigers greats Joey Magnifico and Sean Dykes in his corner.

He taught me a lot like like the position, a lot like the blocking the the route running, like because he played the position. I never even played it when I got here.

Seeing the people that like walked on here like the Calvin Austins, when I first got here Joey was a walk on so like seeing them do it gave me confidence. Like, maybe I can do that. And ever since then, I was just like, I want to, I want to get to what theyre doing. And I just cant believe it in myself and working every day.

And now Prieskorn has another motivator, his 13-month-old son Mack.

I like my little baby son, like hes my world now, said Prieskorn. So, like, I want him to I want to set a good example for him.

We always ask our guys, whats their why, Ryan Silverfield said during his weekly presser. And hes got a little bit different why now. And not that has changed the way he works, because hes always worked hard. But, sometimes when you know, man I have to do great I have to do things the right way.

Its definitely awesome seeing [Prieskorns son], like seeing him after the game. I try to look him before the game, but hes he doesnt want to sit still. So hes up there walking them. But yeah, its always brings joy.

It also brings joy to see his father, Jerry, whos battling colon cancer, able to watch him play even if he cant make the 12-hour trip to Memphis.

I feel like we keep him busy, like him watching me on Saturday and my brother on Friday, Prieskorn said. So, like, all that, he doesnt really think about the stuff going on. He just thinks about football and like, cause I have a little sister, another brother, so hes just thinking about us all the time. So we keep him busy, we keep him occupied.

Prieskorn has always envisioned the success hes having for himself. Hes hoping to give his dad a touchdown in his fourth straight game Saturday against Temple.

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From QB to TE, the motivation behind Caden Prieskorns success - WREG NewsChannel 3

For many students and teachers, the start of the new school year has added a new set of challenges to the big ones theyve already been dealing with for nearly two and a half years. And though it may be simple enough to switch on motivation to get things done in the short term, sustaining it throughout the entire year is a different matter, according to a researcher at the University of Alberta.

In school, things are more of a marathon than a sprint, says Lia Daniels, professor in the Department of Educational Psychology. Theres an undeniable structure to when the school day starts, when it ends, and what pieces are going to look like in the middle. Students and teachers have to figure out their motivation within that structure thats fairly non-negotiable.

To help prepare students and teachers for the year ahead, Daniels shares a few tips and tricks to strengthen motivation for the long haul.

When it comes to giving students a boost as they battle with their motivation during tough stretches, Daniels recommends avoiding phrases like, Youre so smart, noting that this kind of person praise can actually be damaging to motivation.

Sometimes when we praise people, it starts to become tied to identity and self-worth, she explains. This can cause issues if a student encounters a situation thats more difficult. Suddenly, they dont just doubt their ability to complete that task they begin to doubt everything about who they are, causing their motivation to plummet.

Instead, shift your praise to statements that focus on the process, such as, You worked really hard on that, or, I can see you invested a lot of time in this. These are more helpful for building long-term motivation.

As Daniels explains, people with a growth mindset believe their abilities and skills can grow and change over time, whereas those with a fixed mindset assume thats just not possible.

A lot of motivation exists in our heads. Its our thoughts, our thought processes, that influence the decisions we make, she says.

For example, a child who feels theyve never been and never will be good at mathematics may struggle in math class because of their fixed mindset. A child who is at the same general skill level at the start of the semester but who believes they have the ability to learn the concepts, even if in a different way or in a different time frame than their peers, will progress much more and be more motivated to do so.

We need teachers, parents and kids to all actually believe that growth is possible, and then to create conditions in which growth can happen.

That might involve something like creating worksheets at different levels, if whats given to the entire class is a bit too challenging for a particular student at first. It could also be something visual like a chart or sticker board where kids can see their progress even if its a small boost, like going from getting zero questions on a worksheet right to getting just one question right on the next.

You want to build success experiences so they see themselves getting better.

It may be tempting for teachers and parents to dangle treats, stickers or other rewards to motivate a student. But Daniels says intrinsic motivation is far more effective in the long term, and suggests its always the place to start.

Extrinsic motivation is anytime we bring something external to a student to get them to do something, she explains. If intrinsic motivation is there, you dont need a sticker box.

To build intrinsic motivation, three basic psychological needs must be met: competence, autonomy and relatedness.

Competence involves giving students an opportunity to feel like they are growing and making progress, having the right level of challenge.

Autonomy is a matter of cultivating an environment where kids have a choice, even if its something as simple as the colour of pants they wear to school on a given day. Motivation comes with us in our bodies when we show up in a classroom, explains Daniels, so these small practices done before a student even walks through the school doors can be beneficial for their motivation.

Relatedness is the process of teachers wanting to know more about their students and learn about who they are, something Daniels says comes naturally to most teachers.

Daniels notes that extrinsic motivation can be effective in certain scenarios when a little boost is needed, but should be used sparingly.

If the intrinsic motivation is not online, sometimes we need to use external things to trigger it, to bring it online, and then peel them back a little bit and replace them with this basic psychological satisfaction.

One reason external motivators are less effective is that were always weighing them to determine whether the reward is worth the effort and the goalposts often change because kids are really smart, says Daniels. One week, a single cookie might be enough to convince them to do their homework, but the price might go up to two cookies the following week.

This kind of weighing doesnt occur with intrinsic motivation, which is why its a more solid foundation for long-term motivation.

Whenever possible, try to find ways to involve kids interests in an area theyre struggling to find motivation in, advises Daniels.

The more you can attach whatever it is you have to do to something you actually like doing, the easier it is to stay motivated.

This is a space where students and teachers can really pull together, she adds. For example, if a class is doing a project on dinosaurs and a student is fascinated by the T. Rex, their motivation will likely skyrocket if theyre allowed to pursue a project on that particular creature, whereas they might struggle if assigned a random dinosaur they have little interest in. For older students, it could mean incorporating sketches and illustrations in science study notes if theyre more artistically inclined.

In a marathon, giving 100 per cent of your effort looks different at various points there are certain stretches where youll slow down a bit and others where you kick it into high gear, but such adjustments are a strength not a weakness of motivation. Thats also the case during the school year, according to Daniels.

Youre going to ebb and flow in your motivation. Its OK to have some days where youre not super enthused about things. Youve just got to not let it plow you over.

When youre struggling with motivation, sometimes its best to take a step back rather than trying to push through at any cost. Like everything, motivation is a finite resource. The cost of continuing to invest effort in something that is a really bad fit can take a toll in other areas. Giving yourself a break and some space is OK.

And in some cases, Daniels says, it may be best to strategically throw in the towel. That may not be possible with required school subjects, but if a student is finding it increasingly difficult to muster motivation for an after-school activity or elective theyve chosen, there comes a point where pushing through can make things worse.

If youve really given it your all in your cooking class or your elective, it is motivationally adaptive to know when you need to stop and say, I should re-engage somewhere else.

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Six tips to stay motivated throughout the school year - University of Alberta

The "disrespect" that was directed at Jamaica Tallawahs spurred the team to go all the way and clinch the CPL title, their captain Rovman Powell has said. Not many gave Tallawahs a chance to qualify for the playoffs, let alone make the final, and despite losing key personnel at various stages, they rallied to beat favourites Barbados Royals in the final on Friday.

"I think adjectives are inadequate in describing how I feel," Powell told the host broadcaster at the post-match presentation. "The type of disrespect that we endured during the competition so the emotions had to come out now.

"I think we used the disrespect that we endured as a motivation, to be honest. The guys were very hungry, and everything just came out right [during the final]. After we were placed under pressure in the powerplay, the guys got off to a pretty good start. We have a lot of batters that are batting good, so if they make 180-200, we will try our best to get it."

After setting the early pace in the tournament, along with Royals, with three victories in their first four games, Tallawahs suffered a mid-tournament slump and just about scrapped to the playoffs with one more win from their final six league matches. However, they peaked in the knockouts, winning three in a row to seal their third CPL title and first since 2016. Powell credited Fabian Allen, Brandon King, Kennar Lewis and Shamarh Brooks for helping him hold the team together despite setbacks on and off the field.

"I think the backroom staff played their part but special mention to my 16 or 17 players here," Powell said. "I formed a leadership group with Brandon King, Kennar Lewis, Fabian Allen, Shamarh Brooks and they were integral part of my leadership group. They were integral in pushing our team into a particular direction and the overseas players who played supporting roles were tremendous. A lot of credit needs to be given to them. At some point in the competition, we seemed down and out, but those guys rallied around my captaincy, believed in me as captain, and now we're CPL champions."

"I think the first hundred that Brandon scored," Powell said. "You know it was in a losing cause, but it was a magnificent hundred. We keep telling the guys that is what big-match cricket is and CPL cricket is all about. The other night Shamarh sealed it with a fantastic hundred. In key moments, you want the big players to stand up and for us, our big players did that for us this year."

Powell also saw the CPL title victory as an important step in his growth as a leader. In addition to delivering under pressure with the bat, he often fronted up to bowl his yorkers in the end overs.

"I think it's a step in the right direction. I've captained a few teams before, I've captained my country Jamaica and I've captained franchises also, so it's a step in the right direction. I hope that I can keep on learning, and I think my family has been instrumental in guiding me and pushing me in a particular direction. Sometimes, I feel down and out because obviously I'm human, but they rallied around me."

Despite Tallawahs knocking out Amazon Warriors, the Guyana crowd came in droves at the Providence to support Tallawahs. Powell acknowledged that support from the Guyana crowd and dedicated the CPL trophy to the Jamaican fans.

"I want to say special thanks to the Guyanese supporters," Powell said. "After beat Guyana, they could've easily turned on us, but they came in and supported us. We feel it was a Jamaica crowd that came to Guyana. We look around and we have so much Guyanese supporting us. It warms our heart. To the fans in Jamaica, you guys stuck with us through the darkest of times and this one is for you guys."

Deivarayan Muthu is a sub-editor at ESPNcricinfo

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Powell: 'The disrespect we endured was used as a motivation' - ESPNcricinfo

STILLWATER Super senior Brock Martin is a salty dude. I expect that out of a three-time state championship wrestler from Oologah and an All-Big 12 defensive end that is best friends with current NFL rookie sensation and Detroit Lions linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez. Martin is the kind of guy that tells it all and expects no sympathy and takes none. Tuesday after practice he was asked how life is off the football field.

Good, Great, except for I hit a deer last Monday, Cimarron Turnpike, totaled my car, Martin said matter of fact. Trying to get that figured out, other than that everything is great.

Pat Kinnison - Chief Photographer

Martin with the tackle and a forced fumble vs. Arizona State.

Dont worry, he has insurance. Although when I asked with concern in my voice. Martin said, You have to in order to drive. I agreed, but noted you only need liability and I hoped he had comprehensive. He grinned and confirmed. On the field Martin is off to a good start this season. Playing the Leo defensive end position where Collin Oliver and Trace Ford also play, he has the greater numbers with eight tackles, two tackles-for-loss, and a sack. Overall, the trio have 16 tackles, five tackles-for-loss, and three sacks. The hope is the numbers will go up Saturday in Waco when the No. 7/9 Cowboys visit No. 16/14 Baylor Bears. Not the same exact team, but close to it that beat the Cowboys 21-16 in the Big 12 Championship Game last December in Arlington, Texas.

I asked Martin how he processes the emotion from that loss and channels it into the best for his effort Saturday.

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Brock Martin

I try not to be motivated by things that happened last year or things that are out of my control, Martin started his explanation, I played in that game last year and obviously, had a little control over it. I try not to dwell on it. I dont dwell on it. Like Ive said many times before it comes up as a topic of conversation over the last few months. I try not to let a single event motivate me to play my best. I try to self-motivate. I try to think about the reasons that I play football as my motivator like my family, my son, and all that stuff, girlfriend. Those are the things that motivate me, not negative or positive things that happened in the past.

Martin may not use that result for better results in McLane Stadium, but his motivation is this is the Big 12 opener. Oklahoma State is one of three unbeaten teams left in the Big 12 and he wants to help keep the Cowboys perfect. He also has that saltiness, I spoke of. It was there when I asked about players, particularly defensive players that sometimes prefer playing on the road to playing in front of the friendly crowd at Boone Pickens Stadium. Bingo, we hit on something there.

Im the road guy, Martin answered quick. Dont get me wrong, I love to play in front of our crowd. We have one of the greatest crowds in all of college football. I like hearing the chippy-ness of the away crowds. Sometimes I feel like I play better in away stadiums. I think I enjoy the hostile feelings that they bring and kind of making it my own.

Hostile feelings, maybe some toward that deer he hit, maybe some toward Baylor, but mostly just a little hostility out there he can grab, make it his own, and use if to fuel a few big plays on Saturday. Whatever it takes to go with family and all that good stuff that motivates Martin.

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Martin Finds His Proper Motivation for Waco and Baylor on Saturday - Pokes Report

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) Tampa Bay isnt content with being one of the NHLs best teams.

Three months after falling short in a bid to become the first NHL club in 40 years to win three straight Stanley Cup titles, the Lightning entered training camp eager to begin the quest to reclaim the crown they relinquished to the Colorado Avalanche.

Were getting ready for the grind to go get it back, Lightning captain Steven Stamkos, entering his 14th NHL season, said.

Theres going to the doubters for sure, but this group has always found a way, Stamkos added. Its going to be difficult. Its not going to be easy. We saw that last year, but weve risen to that challenge every time, and thats the expectation.

Stamkos is not alone in believing the window for success remains open.

Despite trading veteran Ryan McDonagh because of salary-cap restraints and losing postseason standout Ondrej Palat to free agency, the talented core of Stamkos, Andrei Vasilevskiy, Nikita Kucherov, Brayden Point and Victor Hedman return and aren't exhibiting signs of complacency.

The team came within two victories of becoming the first to win three consecutive titles since the New York Islanders claimed four straight in the early 1980s.

It sticks with you a while. It still stings a bit. Three in a row would have been unbelievable, said veteran forward Pat Maroon, who was seeking a fourth straight title, since he won with the St. Louis Blues before joining the Lightning for their back-to-back championship run.

I know we were two games shy, but nobody has any anything to hang their head about, coach Jon Cooper said.

But even when youve won before, it doesnt change the sting, Cooper added, noting the hunger for success is still there. Thats a good sign for us.

STRONG NUCLEUS

Vasilevskiy is one of the top goaltenders in the league, Kucherov, Point, Stamkos are potent scorers, and Hedman anchors a defense that been one of the keys to a decade-long stretch of success under Cooper, whos been with several key players since they were young minor league prospects. The departure of McDonagh and Palat will create more opportunities for defenseman Mikhail Sergachev, and forwards Nick Paul and Brandon Hagel.

FRESH FACES

Although much of the roster looks familiar, there are some new faces in the locker room this season beginning with forward Vladislav Namestnikov. He was with the Lightning for four years from 2014 to 2018, then rejoined his old team after playing last season with the Detroit Red Wings and Dallas Stars. Defenseman Philippe Myers and forward Grant Mismash were obtained in the trade that sent McDonagh to Nashville, while defensemen Ian Cole and Haydn Fleury joined the team in free agency.

HEALTHY POINT

Point, the Lightnings leading goal scorer during their 2020 and 2021 championship runs, said hes healthy after missing much of last seasons playoffs due to a torn quad muscle. He was injured during Game 7 of Tampa Bays first-round victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs and didnt play again until the Cup Final. He appeared in Game 1 and 2 against the Avalanche before sitting out the rest of the series.

THE ROAD

Hurricane Ian forced the Lightning to relocate a portion of training camp to Nashville, and the defending Eastern Conference champions will spend most of October away from home, too, with the opening-month schedule calling for them to play seven of nine games on the road. The journey begins Oct. 11 at the New York Rangers.

___

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Tampa Bay Lightning using Cup loss as motivation to win - USA TODAY