This was just one of many things we discussed, but certainly, one that stood out.

The 2005 Ashes was an AMAZING summer, I loved that England cricket team, and Kevin Pietersen became a national hero as we took it to the Aussies for the first time in my life at that point.  Mark describes an innings in New Zealand, where KP got out quite cheaply, but more frustratingly for him was the manner of the innings, he let Scott Styris bowl at him, without taking the attack to him as he had done so many times in the past.  He sat on the balcony with Mark and they decided that he couldn't allow Scott Styris bowl at him like that again.  3 months into practicing a new shot, he faced Scott Styris again in an ODI, in England and the first and 3rd ball he faced from Styris, he 'Reverse hit' for 6.  And, changed the game of cricket forever!

I love stories like this so much.  We only ever see the result, I had no idea it had taken that long for him to perfect the shot.  We often think of these superhumans, that have so much talent, that it is easy for them.  But actually, the reality is one of hard graft and 1000's of hours of practice, setbacks, tweaking, and honing their craft.

My point is, if you want something, go and get it. But be prepared to work hard to achieve your goals, no one is going to give it to you, but opportunities are everywhere for the taking, don't give up.

Mark is a wonderful coach and I certainly learned so much from this conversation.  With Mark being based down the road, I'm hoping our paths will cross again in the future and I can learn some more gems from him