Gary Montgomery - I Can Play Introduction

I CAN Play .... That's my favorite phrase ...

Here is the introduction to my latest book. I hope you find
the stories allow you to face the "risk" of life with your own
"I CAN PLAY" attitude.

Introduction | Red Shoes Story

INTRODUCTION
          For years I've known I was supposed to write this book, but I never knew why. I often wanted to write it, but continually asked myself what is it that I have to say that's meaningful enough for a book? Why do I need to put it into a book? What can I share with others?

          Recently, while flying home after covering the University of Louisville Cardinals in a bowl game in Boise, Idaho, I was reading M. Scott Peck's book "Further Along the Road Less Traveled," I realized that what I was reading is what he believes to be true--his stories and ideas in printed form. The book was more than entertaining, more than instructional. It was his philosophy, a collection of his beliefs, his life in print. Through his stories and ideas, M. Scott Peck came alive to me, and he believed in his philosophy so much he put it in writing for all to read.

          This may not sound like a radical revelation, but it was for me!

          I remember my English teacher from my first year of college. We were reading and discussing "The Oxbow Incident," a story of western lore in which an innocent man was hanged. The instructor suggested the story correlates to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. I asked, "Can't people just write stories that entertain, stories that don't have underlying messages?"
"No," she replied, "because everyone has a message, even if they don't know it. When you write, your message lives through the story."

          I don't remember her name, I'm sorry to say. She was an excellent teacher because she taught me something I have never forgotten, even though I thought I had. Her message continues; it is alive in me.

          When I share my stories, my message lives through them. It's a simple message: Success begins within by believing and trusting in yourself. Inside each one of us God has placed particular talents and abilities. Our path to success is shortened once we discover those talents and abilities and make use of them. I call that understanding an attitude. I call it living life with an I CAN PLAY attitude.

          Through my stories, you will receive my message. Some of the stories are entertaining, some are motivating, some inspirational, but most of all, they are me. Collectively they share the message I live.

          I want the message to come alive in others; my children, my wife, my sister and brothers, everyone with whom I interact. I want them to see it, sense it, or feel it after being with me. And then I want them to try it because it works. Living life with an I CAN PLAY attitude gives us our best opportunity for success.

          I guess I first discovered this attitude through sports. The most successful individuals were positive in their thoughts about themselves and their abilities. But this attitude transcends sports. It is alive in all aspects of life.

          My hope is that the stories in this book lead you closer to discovering how great you can be. You already have the tools; they have been given to you. Your task is to use them to the best of your ability. The secret to success is discovering and using the tools, abilities and talents that are inside you!

          As you read of the individuals and situations in my life, they may remind you of similar occurrences and people in your life. The situations I describe may give you a basis to compare with events in your own life, and, perhaps, to learn from and to grow. By reading and understanding my philosophy as it plays out in the stories, I hope it will assist you to form your philosophy of life. You will relive the stories in your own format, your own life message.
These are the stories that taught me that I could better believe in myself, that I can be the best I can be as I travel through life with an I CAN PLAY attitude.

Bonus: Here is the original story of the Red Shoes. How, together with my son Troy, I learned just what the "I CAN PLAY" attitude really is!
Creating Vision	Building a Positive Atmosphere	Taking Risks.

I CAN PLAY, 2001, Passages Publishing, ISBN 1-886036-13-6

The Next Step

Each story in Gary's book ends with "The Next Step." Each step is your next action step. Gary gives you not only the story but the direction in which you are supposed to take "The Next Step."

Your Next Step today: - Buy the book, read the stories, and start:

Creating Vision
Building a Positive Atmosphere
Taking Risks.

Purchase "I CAN PLAY" | Products | Red Shoes Story

Bonus: Access to Gary's Game Notes