HOW TO BRING THE GFI!

WORKSHOP TO YOUR GYM

CLICK HERE FOR A VIDEO SAMPLE OF THE GFI WORKSHOP

Mark performs most of his workshops as part of a tour of several gyms. This way he can spread out the travel costs and keep his fee to a reasonable amount. If you would like Mark to come in to your gym for a exclusive engagement then fees and travel expenses will be negotiable.                                                                                                                                                                                          

The GFI! Workshop In a Nutshell

The GFI! Workshop is a fun, fast-paced 90 minute program held right in your gym with me, GFI author Mark Gibson. It teaches competitive gymnasts of all ages and ability levels a set of simple principals and guidelines to deal with fear, frustration and failure. This allows them to train and compete with the confidence that they can handle the inevitable challenges of gymnastics effectively and systematically.

As a result they take criticism less personally, failure as a reason to try again, and fear as an indication that they are challenging themselves to stretch their talent.

GFI! Style

In a word “FUN”. I have conducted hundreds of workshops like this in gyms all across the US and Canada. You know as well as I do that the only way to hold the attention of a fidgety audience of restless gymnasts is to keep them entertained and engaged. I use physical demonstrations, fun storytelling and weird challenges to draw your gymnasts in and involve them in every minute. I operate by the MTV rule that nothing should last more than four minutes. Your gymnasts will learn by hearing, seeing and, most importantly, by doing.

Workshop Outline & Content

When gymnasts make the decision to challenge the limits of their own potential and test themselves to see just what they are capable of they come up against what I call the Nine Hurdles. The first three are the Three Simple Truths. You can’t change them, ignore them or get around them. Whether you like it or not, these are set in stone. Many of the frustrations, excuses for quitting and even injuries are the  result of refusing to accept the Three Simple Truths. Until a gymnast accepts them all progress is hindered by emotional barriers, doubt and trepidation.

The Three Simple Truths are:

1   FEAR

2   FRUSTRATION

3   FAILURE

How many times have you heard well meaning parents or coaches tell their kids not to be scared, frustrated or that  failure wasn’t an option. The fact is that the only people who never experience these things are people who never push themselves. If we are going to encourage kids to stretch the limits of their talent then we must also give them the tools to deal with the inevitable fears, frustrations and failures that come with the package. Telling them to suck it up and quit whining is like putting a six year old behind the wheel of a Corvette and saying “just drive.”  Step one of the GFI! Workshop is to convince our gymnasts to accept and embrace their fears, frustrations and failures as evidence that they are pushing themselves in the direction of their dreams. So long as they continue to resist fear, frustration and failure they are wasting precious emotional and physical energy and will never move freely along the path to their full potential.

However, simple acceptance is not enough. Now our gymnasts must decide how they are going to deal with these Simple Truths. It is the choices they make about fear, frustration and failure that create the results they consistently experience, both negative and positive, in the gym and at competitions.

The Six Simple Choices are:

Wish or want

You don’t get what you wish for, you get what you believe you can achieve and what you are willing to work for. Learn how champions do more than just dream about what they want.

Be fearless or be courageous

Winners are courageous because they deal with fear not because they avoid it. Learn how confident people see fear as an opportunity to gain even more self-confidence.

Fit in or stand out

If you want to be outstanding then you have to develop the confidence and willingness to stand out. Learn why comparing yourself to others or just playing catch up holds you back. Start focusing on your own potential.

Be frustrated or be fascinated

The challenges that frustrate some gymnasts into quitting are same ones that fascinate winners into trying harder. Learn how winners take frustration energy and transform it into focused determination. 

Be a failure or fail fast

If you know you can succeed you are playing it way too safe. Learn why great people love to take on challenges with a high probability of failure and how that willingness to “go for it” is what makes them so great. (Even if they fail—which they do—frequently.)

Be motivated or be self-motivated

Extrinsic motivation is okay for a day but lousy for a lifetime. Learn how real winners motivate themselves with their goals and personal drive to learn more and be more

FAQs 

How long is the GFI workshop

Up to 90 minutes (you can make it shorter if necessary). Also plan on about 10-20 minutes for gymnasts who may want to purchase their own GFI books after.

What  is the fee?

When Mark is on tour linking up several gyms he can keep his fee to an affordable $200 per program. If you want Mark to do separate programs for different age groups the fee will be $200 per program. $100 deposit to hold a date and the balance due on the day of the talk.

Is there a charge for travel expenses?

Not if your gym is within the Allentown, Reading, North Phily area. Beyond that Mark does charge a nominal fee for gas, flight and accommodation if required.

How many kids and parents can attend?

Mark has done programs for teams with 10 kids to teams with 150 plus.

Can we do the program just for the kids without their parents?

GFI is always far more effective when gymnasts attend with their parents. It is designed to appeal to the whole family and everyone (including siblings over 6) is encouraged to attend.

When is Mark available?

Best to call for availability (215 257-4584) or check the tour schedule on the home page