A Manchester-born author has championed ‘Mancunian motivation’ after his international best-selling book was reissued for its 10th anniversary.
Paul McGee, who was born and raised in Sale, penned S.U.M.O (Shut Up, Move on): The Straight-talking Guide to Succeeding in Life to help people people fulfil their potential, seize opportunities, succeed at work and respond to difficult situations.
The book’s success helped him land a role at Manchester City as a performance coach four years ago on the back of his reputation, but he also works as an international speaker which has enabled him to spread his message across 40 countries.
Paul told MM that he was proud of the reissue, 10 years on from the book being initially rejected by 13 publishers while he was out of work due to chronic fatigue syndrome.
“I’m pleasantly surprised, [the book] has surpassed my expectations,” he said.
“It’s not the buzz of seeing it in a bookstore that’s a big deal; the buzz for me is when I get an email or tweet from a complete stranger saying the book has helped them turn their life around.
“When any human being can help another human being, that gives you some fulfillment.
“I’ve screwed up a lot, I’ve had setbacks, but sometimes in the midst of that when you’ve written or said something that’s someone’s found helpful, that’s humbling and makes you proud.”
Paul explained that his motivational attitude has had a positive impact on many footballers and staff members during his time at Manchester City.
Notable figures such as U21s coach Patrick Vieira and former goalkeeper Shay Given embraced his psychological methods and even had the good grace to endorse his book.
Describing his job role, he said: “I’m like a car mechanic for the mind.
“Sometimes people need a little bit of help fine tuning their mindset because they’ve got issues off the pitch that can hinder them on the pitch.
“Some players need psychological support after injury and managers have to make presentations and lecture and I’m there to help them communicate that message.”
S.U.M.O explores sensitive subjects such as ‘taking off your victim t-shirt’, which involves not dwelling on negative events that you may encounter in your life.
“Not everything that happens in life is fair, what matters is how you respond,” Paul said.
“You’re not always responsible for what happens to you – losing your job through ill health, not getting a promotion at work or you spouse leaving or cheating on you.
“Sometimes we respond as being a victim and stay as a victim but sometimes you take responsibility and develop the rest of your life.
“There are genuine victims in life but you shouldn’t dwell on the past and be a martyr. You should take some responsibility and move on.”
Paul explained that he’d trademarked the term ‘Mancunian motivation’ to describe his methods, which he felt exemplified the attitude of the majority of people from the city.
He said that aspects of his S.U.M.O attitude could relate to the famous Gallagher brothers from cult Manchester band Oasis, who he described as getting on with life without having a ‘pity party’.
“I think the Mancunian approach is noble – tell it as it is and let’s be practical,” he said.
“I’ve never come across anyone who’s thought that’s a bad idea. Don’t use 50 words when one will do.
“I’m prouder of being Mancunian than being English. You’re not going to get Californian motivation.”
