1. The 15-Second Principle

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and focused. Ashe later admitted that his unusual plan probably looked suicidal; however, the final results
spoke for themselves.
The lesson we can draw from this is that, just because we reach a certain level of proficiency, it doesn't
always mean that we should apply the same techniques and strategies to every situation. Certain
challenges will call for a shift in the way we think, behave, and approach our goals. There will be times
when something different, out of the ordinary, or even opposite is called for. Isn't this how Muhammad Ali's
defensive peekaboo approach beat George Foreman's offensive approach in Zaire? The 15-Second Principle
can help us to become more creative and adaptive by reminding us to stop, step outside our normal frame
of reference, evaluate the options, change gears, and choose the most appropriate tactics. This, in turn, will
enable us to become more versatile and adaptive performers.
Scuba Breathing on Land
I was blessed to have been introduced to scuba diving while visiting the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. Talk
about getting spoiled early in one's scuba career! The most valuable piece of scuba instruction I received
was that regardless of what was happening or how much fear I was feeling, I should always continue to
breathe. I could breathe slowly or quickly, gently or powerfully, with relaxation or nervousness, but I
needed to continue to breathe. My instructor said that the only time I would really be in trouble was if I
panicked and began to hold my breath. This breath-holding would set up a dangerous environment that
could produce disastrous results.
This scuba advice can also be applied to areas of our life on land. A continuous breathing pattern can
provide us with additional energy and serenity in every aspect of our lives. By continuously inhaling and
exhaling, it is much easier to live in present time, rather than dwelling in the past or future. In addition, a
gentle and continuous breath helps to quiet a chattering and frenetic mind. For some mysterious reason it
is difficult to worry when you are breathing.
Unfortunately most of us just assume that because we are still alive, we must be breathing properly. This is
not necessarily true. Some