I don't believe it!

This story from Alex Mostrous in the Times yesterday really caught my eye.

"Most benefit derived from doping is in the mind, an Australian study suggests.

Over eight weeks at the Garvan Institute in Sydney, athletes were given either growth hormones, which are banned by the World Anti-Doping Association, or inactive placebos - without knowing which substance they were taking.

At the end of the study, volunteers who took placebos could sprint faster, jump higher and lift heavier weights."

So, it seems that people can do amazing things when they simply believe it is possible and they operate free from doubt. Something we coaches have known for a while, but it's nice to have it proven in this way.

Last year people scoffed when the pop psychology book The Secret suggested it was possible to attract success into one's life simply by focusing and believing that such success is already there. Well isn't this simply exactly the same placebo effect in operation?

I'm open for a discussion on this one.

Thank You Raymondo!

Just returned from my annual sojurn to Marbella on the Costa del Sol. A fortnight to get away from thoughts of coaching for performance (despite my obsession with such things) and to just relax and unwind instead.

However, it's inevitable that on holiday you're going to encounter customer service of various kinds and qualities. I encountered airports, airlines, taxis, restuarants and shops and enjoyed varying levels of service in each. Customer Service is another passion of mine or to be more precise, helping teams and organisations get to grips with its demands, so I couldn't help but notice.

For now I just want to tell you about a very positive example. We enjoyed two gorgeous meals at La Paloma in Orange Square: part of Marbella Old Town. The food is unbelievably good but the prices realistic. The setting is rustic and wonderful and the service from the owner Raymond and his staff attentive without ever being over bearing. It can be done!

Unfortuantely, I don't have his number or web address, but if you're in the area, it's easy to find as you stroll around.

In the meantime here is a picture of a nearby Beach (The pale skinned Brit in the foreground is NOT me!)

Adios amigos