Scott Hamilton - Finish First: Winning Changes Everything

CONTENTS

PRAISE FOR FINISH FIRST

In a no-nonsense style that reflects the energy and positivism he brings to every undertaking, Scott Hamilton makes his points clearly, concisely, and convincingly. Finish First will inspire you to turn every decision, every minute of every day, into one that moves you forward.

GARY BETTMAN

Commissioner, National Hockey League

Scott Hamilton explainsin the best way I have ever seenthe concept that failure is actually necessary in our lives in order for us to be winners. A smile came to my face as I read his words because I have lived them, and I understand. Now you will too!

DAN JANSEN

1994 Olympic Gold Medalist, speedskating

I managed Scott Hamiltons business career during the twenty years he was a professional skater. I am also a very close friend. When I started working with Scott, he had already figured out how to be first in the world of skating. What I have seen up close and personal is how he has used those skills to become first in life. In many ways his post-skating career has been as difficult to navigate as his becoming an Olympic Champion!

Scott took his competitive, athletic skills and applied them to his everyday life. In Finish First he shares many of his keys to a successful and meaningful life. That is what makes this book such a good read for anyone.

BOB KAIN

Past president and Co-CEO of IMG

Scott Hamilton makes no apologies for finishing first and outperforming his competitors, and neither should you. Competition makes us stronger, and winning allows us to reap the rewards that, in turn, enable us to give back to others and our communities so they can become stronger. I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for motivation to reach goals and who wants to stand on the winners platform.

TERRY J. LUNDGREN

Executive chairman, Macys, Inc.

Scott Hamilton has overcome defeat, disappointment, cancer, brain tumors, and debilitating loss, has been overlooked and underappreciated, and yet has emerged as one of the greatest champions in the history of his sport. Scott is a winner both on and off the ice, and in Finish First he shows how you can be a winner too.

BRIAN BUFFINI

New York Times bestselling author, The Emigrant Edge

Scott Hamilton has been a friend of mine for years. Hes kind and humble and wildly talented. In this book he wont tell you what you want; hell remind you about who you are. His message is simple: youll finish first if you want it bad enough.

Everyone has an opinion. Scott has a story. Its about love and grace and failing and trying again and winning. Youre going to get clarity on your story as you read his. Buckle up. I know youre going to enjoy this book.

BOB GOFF

Chief balloon inflator and New York Times bestselling author, Love Does

Scott Hamiltons story is all about ignoring the doubters and living with purpose. You may be wondering if its time to throw in the towel, but Finish First will challenge you to keep pushing forward. If youve got breath in your lungs, you still have time. Its never too late to start winning.

DAVE RAMSEY

Bestselling author and nationally syndicated radio show host

Thank you for reminding me that slumps are but a choice and that finishing first is a way of life. I dont know where Ill end up down the road or what it will look like, but Im determined to continue making choices and pushing myself in every aspect of my life to finish first!

JASON BROWN

Olympian and US National Champion figure skater

2018 Scott Hamilton

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Published in Nashville, Tennessee, by W Publishing Group, an imprint of Thomas Nelson.

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Epub Edition January 2018 ISBN 9780785216513

ISBN 978-0-7852-1651-3 (eBook)

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Names: Hamilton, Scott, 1958- author.

Title: Finish first : winning changes everything / Scott Hamilton with Allison Fallon.

Description: Nashville, Tennessee : W Publishing Group, [2018]

Identifiers: LCCN 2017040599 | ISBN 9780785216568 (hardcover)

Subjects: LCSH: Success. | Self-realization.

Classification: LCC BJ1611.2 .H29 2018 | DDC 650.1dc23 LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2017040599

Printed In The United States Of America

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This book is dedicated to everyone

who has suffered the pain of personal

failure, desires success, and is looking for

direction forward. I hope it gives you the

strength to rise up and finish first.

by Donald Miller

I f you finish first, your friends may become jealous, your family might think youve gotten too big for your britches, and your competition might put a target on your back. So its better to not compete. Better, that is, for your friends, your family, and your competition. But its not better for you.

Many years ago I weighed 387 pounds, had little to no social life, could barely pay my rent, and spent countless hours feeling sorry for myself. There were many reasons for these things, but one of the main reasons was I felt an internal resistance to approaching life with a competitive mind-set. Why? Because there were too many people around who preferred me in the slow lane.

The reality is people are comfortable with you where you are. Your lack of success makes them feel safe and predictable because you serve as a point of reference for how much better their situation is than yours. Inside, you likely know if you start moving up, your sense of security in their ecosystem will be threatened. So you stay. But are you satisfied?

Losing as a means to survive socially is the stuff of a sad life. Its sad because the best thing that can happen to your friends, your family, and even your competition is for you to succeed. Yes, it may disrupt the ecosystem for a moment, but soon after you switch into a faster lane, the horns will stop honking, the middle fingers will descend, and people will begin to accept the new and improved you. And the friends worth keeping around will begin to improve their lives, too. Successful people set the pace for the rest of us.

Ive known Scott Hamilton for years now. There is no better coach for anybody wanting to learn how to win. Hes the kind of man who will pick somebody up when theyve fallen on the ice. He knows that its only on the 4,756th try that you stick the landing. When you imagine a winner, if you think of an angry coach disappointed in your performance or a cocky athlete holding a trophy in one arm and your girlfriend in the other, youve never met the right winner, the one who can help you finish first.