Long-time wrestler and coach Chad Parks shares his own unique insights gained from experiences that transcend sports, to have a positive impact on life, in his new book, "Game Changing Moves: Life Lessons Learned from the Locker Room and Beyond," now available from Crosstraining Publishing.
Meet Chad Parks
Chad Parks is a wrestling coach, teacher and strength training specialist based in Kansas. Prior to that, Parks was indeed a wrestler. He says he was first introduced to the sport as a newborn, as his mother took him to matches that his father coached. Parks can count more than 1,000 matches during his on-the-mat career. In addition to his work as an instructor, Parks offers inspiration to others to reach their full potential through life with Jesus, both as a professional speaker, and as a blogger.
How the book came about
"I started blogging about four or five years ago," Parks told InterMat. "I got good feedback."
"I noticed that a lot of my favorite bloggers had written books. I thought that might be an appropriate direction for me to share my insights and experiences with a wider audience."
"I contacted a buddy of mine for help," Parks continued. "He put me in touch with someone who works on manuscripts. That person told me he wanted a manuscript by spring break, which lit a fire under me to put my book together. He liked what I came up with, making some slight revisions."
"Other friends suggested Crosstraining.com as a possible publisher. They publish for Fellowship of Christian Athletes."
"The whole process took about 18 months," Parks disclosed. "God's timing is better than mine."
Describing "Game Changing Moves"
"The majority of content in the book is similar to topics I'd written about in my blog. I'd describe the content of "Game Changing Moves" as being wrestling-focused and faith-based."
Chad ParksThe concise chapter format is reader-friendly; if a reader is pressed for time, he or she can digest a single chapter in a matter of minutes ... or continue reading chapter-after-chapter if time permits.
"The book 'Organizational Leadership' is one I really liked, especially for its format," Parks told InterMat.
Parks also wanted "Game Changing Moves" to be appropriate for readers of all ages and backgrounds.
"I try to take complex concepts and make things clear and simple. It's appropriate for young athletes, yet the content applies to businesses and others in positions of leadership."
One of the aspects of the book is that incorporates Scriptures as appropriate to the lessons in the book. "I wanted the book to be uplifting and encouraging," said Parks. "I wanted it to be appropriate for all ages. In fact, I have a couple friends who read it to their kids as devotionals."
All of these elements -- the concise format, a universality in message appropriate to all ages and backgrounds, a positive tone, and incorporating religious lessons to illustrate and reinforce key concepts -- are the product of Chad Parks' own background. "It's much like my coaching -- presenting a skill in a way high school wrestlers can grasp right away," according to the long-time wrestling coach.
"That approach has helped me with learning anything new," Parks continued. "I think that works for others too."
Positive change starts from within the book
Chad Parks coachingThrough his book, Chad Parks provides life-changing inspiration, using clear, concise lessons (one per chapter), with thought-provoking questions at the end of each chapter that make the contents all the more applicable. You don't have to be a wrestler on a quest for a state, national or international title -- or a coach who instructs and guides young athletes -- to gain value from Parks' writings. "Game Changing Moves" has a universality of message that is positive, encouraging, and, indeed, game- and life-changing.
"Game Changing Moves: Life Lessons from the Locker Room and Beyond" is available at Amazon.com as well as from the publisher, CrosstrainingPublishing.com.
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