Ever since I started this column, I constantly discuss the topic “Winning Mentality (WM).” I am very passionate about WM as I drove this ethos when I was the High-Performance Manager at the National Sports Council (MSN) from 2016 to 2018. In my three years at MSN, I made some major breakthroughs with certain sports.
However, this is also a sensitive topic with certain athletes and coaches. Some sports would say to me, “You don’t think I have a winning mentality.” My response was always non-combative. I would always sell on the small changes and the one percent improvements that a winning mentality structure brings. We sportspeople call it the “one-percenters principle.” The response from this defensive group would always transform into a positive and happy conversation and friendship.
Pic courtesy of the Southern Tigers
One man who does have a winning mentality is TMJ – Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim – who is the owner of the Johor Darul Ta’zim Football Club (JDT).
JDT’s ethos is all about winning and improving. During my time at Foxsports, when my team and I interviewed Tunku, he would always emphasize that he is a perfectionist. Tunku said in an interview, “I am a perfectionist. I have a very high standard and if those standards are not met, I will find someone else who can meet these standards.” Some might say tough, but I say that is winning mentality #WhatEverItTakes
Even though JDT is dominating Malaysian Football, Tunku is still not satisfied. I don’t know Tunku personally. My only interactions with Tunku is when I hosted (Master of Ceremonies) a few sports and Football events, and he was the guest of honour. When I said hello to Tunku, we would engage in a short, “Hello, how are you conversation.” I find him to be a friendly person who does have very high standards, which is always positive.
Pic courtesy of the Southern Tigers
JDT has just launched a new world-class stadium in February this year. The club is always raising the bar and even though Tunku has not mentioned it publically, I believe Tunku wants to eventually win the AFC Champions League. His aura and body language is always saying, “I want more, and I want more now.” Winning Mentality is not just about doing whatever it takes to win matches; it is also about dreaming big and leaving no stone unturned to achieve those dreams.
So Football or not, please always keep dreaming. When you are dreaming, you are always winning.
Ben Ibrahim is a TV Commentator, Sports & Media Consultant. In his career, he has also worked for FIBA, FISU and Foxsports.
He also set-up the Malaysia Valke Rugby Club for the Global Rapid Rugby competition.
You can contact him on his public Facebook page on his Instagram @benibrahim_
