As we look at what it takes to build a champion, we find there are 4 common elements that rise to the top.
Today, we look at the first, a clear definition goal or objective that defines true Champion status. This can be in the form of a contest or personal singular feat. When part of a team, group or unit, the goal is something like, to win this or that. This is truly a noble objective and part of the uniqueness or singularity of focus is that it must be worthy. To be the best is too broad but to win district is specific. This goal then becomes that focus, where we consider nothing else. We refuse to get distracted by the urgent or good but consider only the great and noble and worthy prize.
Similarly, the singleton may have a noteworthy goal or objective like complete a marathon or raise a GPA or something measured individually. Personal fitness goals fall into this category.
Once our goal is established, agreed upon and brought into true articulation, it forms our mission or our definition of purpose, the reason for our drive. Some even call it our purpose.
Once it is clear enough for articulation and concise enough to be memorable, it is ready for publication. Personal, among the team or within the organization, but ready to get behind. Is it necessary to join this troop? No, but there is no championship status by chance! It only happens ON PURPOSE with a singular focus and deliberate self-discipline regarding distraction.
Hope is not a strategy!
These distractions come in many styles. People with good intentions may distract, but without an understanding of the goal their involvement often diverts energy, attention a drive away from the center. Therefore we must not even waste energy worrying about things that we have no control over. Things out of our hands, too far removed of even just fun may actually deter us from our singular purpose.
In a school setting, what would be a goal worthy a Champion? Status quo for ourselves, passing all our students, playing on the team or just getting by? I believe in big harry audacious goals that take everything and everybody to reach successfully. Thus we measure our success by the success of all those around us. Limiting our participation in the group goal steals from the team, fosters divisiveness and keep everyone from reaching their potential.
Interestingly, our adversaries deserve our respect but we don't need to focus any energy, either positive or negative on them. In the competitive setting, we don't need to talk any trash to our adversary, none to our team-mates, nor about our team-mates but even harder to accomplish, NONE to OURSELVES. This means no trash talk to or about those on or in our team. This component is key to building a champion! Why, because the words are what we all remember as we replay the day, the meeting or the but confrontation. The is no need to tell someone they are wrong but maybe their answer is not right! Self-talk or affirmations are the most effective at narrowing our focus on the goal. Please speak nice, tease no one, and leave sarcasm for the second place finisher.
This describes the first step in creating champions, the way I see it. Do you agree?
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