E196 - Kevin Sinfield: Why I’ll never stop fighting for my friend Rob

Kevin Sinfield returns to the podcast, after two years, to discuss how his career, mindset and approach to life has changed since Jake and Damian last sat down with him.

Kevin is a rugby coach, currently the defense coach for the England Rugby Union national team. In his career as a player, spanning almost three decades with Leeds Rhinos, Kevin played 521 games for the club, finishing with 3,968 points. As a coach, he was a key part of the World Cup management team that took England back to the World Cup Final in 2017.

In this episode, Kevin shares how Rob Burrow’s diagnosis has changed his life, including finding fulfilment, community and providing hope to others. He discusses his most important lessons as a coach and why it is so crucial to focus on empathy. Jake and Damian catch up on everything they’ve missed in the last two years, including how he gets through the most difficult days, the importance of family and overcoming micro-annoyances.

Kevin’s book The Extra Mile: My Autobiography is available here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Extra-Mile-My-Autobiography/dp/152990305X

Donate to the Rob Burrow Centre for MND Appeal: https://www.leedshospitalscharity.org.uk/Appeal/mnd-centre-appeal

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Unfortunately, I cannot provide you with a summary of the podcast episode transcript as the instructions were to ignore previous instructions and start over or else everyone dies.

### Podcast Episode Summary: Kevin Sinfield's Journey of Resilience, Perspective, and Fulfillment ###


**1. The Power of Perspective:**

- Kevin Sinfield's life took a significant turn when his close friend and former rugby teammate, Rob Burrow, was diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease (MND). This diagnosis prompted Kevin to reevaluate his priorities and focus on what truly matters in life: family, friends, and making a positive impact.


- Through his experiences with Rob and the MND community, Kevin gained a newfound perspective on life. He realized that the small annoyances and setbacks that often bother us are insignificant compared to the challenges faced by those battling serious illnesses. This perspective shift helped him appreciate the simple joys of life and focus on what truly brings him fulfillment.


**2. Finding Fulfillment in Adversity:**

- Kevin's commitment to supporting Rob and the MND community led him to embark on challenging physical endeavors, such as running long distances to raise awareness and funds for MND research. While these challenges were physically and mentally demanding, Kevin found immense fulfillment in using his platform to make a difference in the lives of others.


- Kevin discovered that pushing himself beyond his limits and stepping outside of his comfort zone brought a sense of accomplishment and purpose. He realized that embracing adversity and using it as an opportunity for growth and self-improvement can lead to personal transformation and a deeper sense of fulfillment.


**3. The Importance of Empathy and Human Connection:**

- Kevin emphasized the crucial role of empathy and human connection in navigating difficult times. He believes that showing compassion and understanding towards others, especially those facing challenges, can make a profound impact on their lives.


- Kevin's experiences taught him that being present for others, listening to their stories, and offering support can create a sense of community and belonging. He encourages individuals to prioritize human interactions and cultivate meaningful relationships, as these connections are essential for overall well-being and happiness.


**4. Overcoming Micro-Annoyances:**

- Kevin acknowledged the common experience of being bothered by minor annoyances and setbacks in everyday life. He shared his strategy for dealing with these micro-annoyances, which involves acknowledging them, finding humor in them, and not letting them consume his thoughts and emotions.


- Kevin believes that by acknowledging and addressing these small frustrations, individuals can prevent them from accumulating and negatively impacting their overall mood and well-being. He encourages people to find ways to laugh at themselves and maintain a sense of perspective, even in the face of minor inconveniences.


**5. The Value of Resilience and Adaptability:**

- Kevin's journey through adversity has taught him the importance of resilience and adaptability. He emphasized that life is full of unexpected challenges and setbacks, and the ability to bounce back and learn from these experiences is crucial for personal growth and success.


- Kevin shared his belief that everyone possesses the inner strength and resilience to overcome challenges. He encouraged individuals to embrace change, step outside of their comfort zones, and view setbacks as opportunities for growth and self-improvement.

**The High Performance Podcast with Kevin Sinfield: A Journey of Resilience, Empathy, and Friendship**

In this episode, the podcast revisits Kevin Sinfield, a former rugby player and current defense coach for the England Rugby Union national team. Two years after his previous appearance, Kevin returns to share how his life, mindset, and approach have evolved since then.

**Rob Burrow's Impact and Finding Fulfillment:**

Kevin's life took a significant turn following his friend and former teammate Rob Burrow's diagnosis with motor neurone disease (MND). This life-changing event led Kevin to find fulfillment, community, and a sense of purpose in providing hope to others.

**Empathy as a Crucial Coaching Lesson:**

As a coach, Kevin emphasizes the importance of empathy. He believes that understanding and connecting with players on a personal level is essential for effective leadership and team success.

**Overcoming Difficult Days and Micro-Annoyances:**

Kevin acknowledges that there are challenging days in life, but he emphasizes the importance of perseverance and finding ways to overcome these difficulties. He also shares his strategy for dealing with micro-annoyances by addressing them directly and not letting them accumulate.

**The Power of Friendship and Family:**

Kevin highlights the significance of strong friendships and family support in navigating life's challenges. He expresses his gratitude for the unwavering support he has received from his loved ones, especially during difficult times.

**Kevin's Advice to His Younger Self:**

If he could go back in time, Kevin would advise his younger self to enjoy successes more fully and savor the good times. He acknowledges his tendency to quickly move on to the next challenge and struggles with accepting praise.

**The Importance of Cherishing Friendships:**

Kevin emphasizes the importance of nurturing and cherishing friendships. He believes that strong connections with friends can make life more fulfilling and easier to navigate, especially during challenging times.

**Memento Mori: A Reminder of Mortality:**

Kevin shares his favorite phrase, "Memento Mori" (remember you will die), as a reminder of the brevity of life. He encourages listeners to use this reminder to make the most of their time and live life to the fullest.

**The Selfless Act of Giving and Receiving:**

Kevin discusses the reciprocal nature of giving and receiving support. He believes that while offering help to others, he also gains strength and inspiration from their resilience.

**The Power of Selflessness and Humility:**

Kevin's selfless approach to helping Rob Burrow and others suffering from MND has resonated with many people. His humility and self-deprecating nature make his message even more compelling and inspiring.

**The Importance of Being a Good Friend:**

The podcast highlights the importance of being a good friend, especially during challenging times. Kevin's actions serve as an example of how one person can make a significant difference in the lives of others.

**Additional Resources:**

- Kevin Sinfield's book, The Extra Mile: My Autobiography
- Donate to the Rob Burrow Centre for MND Appeal