MAXIMIZE YOUR ABILITY TO THINK LIKE A CHAMPION
“If You Always Put Limits On Everything You Do, Physical Or Anything Else, It Will Spread Into Your Work And Into Your Life. There Are No Limits. There Are Only Plateaus, And You Must Not Stay There…You Must Go Beyond Them.” ~ Bruce Lee
1) Champions Expect To Win.
When they step onto their field of choice, they expect that victory will be theirs. They expect success and it is this expectation that leads them to their desired outcome. They walk in faith.
2) Champions Win In Their Mind First.
They see victory in their imagination before they actually engage in their activity.
3) Champions Don’t Make Excuses For Their Losses.
A Champion believes that their defeats and mistakes are opportunities for growth. They use these times in which they don’t win to bring them wisdom, strength and needed feedback to come back better than before.
“Winning is great, sure, but if you are really going to do something in life, the secret is learning how to lose. Nobody goes undefeated all the time. If you can pick up after a crushing defeat, and go on to win again, you are going to be a champion someday.” ~ Wilma Rudolph
4) Champions Realize The Small Victories Count.
Big wins come about only through the confidence gained in the small wins. Everything counts. Greatness is a process. The smaller challenges teach you the skills needed for when the big ones come.
5) Champions Carry Themselves With Certainty.
They are confident. They are relaxed. They believe in themselves and their abilities.
6) Champions Have A Clear Goal.
A clear goal will inspire a Champion to go through all the hard work necessary to win. A Champion lives differently than those who do not have a clearly defined goal. Decisions made by Champions are made based on how influential the decision is in moving a Champion toward their goal.
“To be a champion, you have to learn to handle stress and pressure. But if you’ve prepared mentally and physically, you don’t have to worry.” ~ Harvey Mackay
7) Champions Aim High.
They set goals that challenge them to become their best. Their goal is realistic but difficult enough to push their limits.
8) Champions Train Hard.
In order to be a Champion you must have superior skills and ability. A Champion will do more than is expected by his peers or his coach. A Champion pushes him/herself to reach beyond their capability.
“Champions are not the ones who always win races – champions are the ones who get out there and try. And try harder the next time. And even harder the next time. ‘Champion’ is a state of mind. They are devoted. They compete to best themselves as much if not more than they compete to best others. Champions are not just athletes.” ~ Simon Sinek
9) Champions Are Motivated By Their Competitors.
Competitors inspire you to do more. You probably won’t train to your highest capacity unless you are training against a competitor. Competition drives us to continuously improve. It gives a Champion a comparison to achieve and hopefully overcome with more training.
10) Champions Seem A Little Arrogant.
They hold beliefs that nobody can do it like them. This sounds like a negative trait but it is a necessary quality of Champions.
11) Champions Can Be Selfish.
A Champion knows when to take charge of a situation. They may not pass the ball to a teammate and may take the shot themselves. They know when to make a selfish but intelligent call in crucial moments.
12) Champions Anticipate Things To Come.
They have a broad view of everything that is going on. They anticipate the moves that will come or may soon come.
13) Champions Are Afraid.
Champions have some form of an underlying fear. Perhaps the fear is that they may disappoint the coach, or it may be a fear of losing, or a fear of failure of their opponent. This serves as a driving force that can bring about the desired victory.
14) Champions Know How To Get In The Zone.
Champions realize the past is over and the future is theirs to create. They focus on the present moment. Champions are aware of what is going on around them. People who focus on the past tend to worry about things that cannot be changed. Those who focus on the future tend to worry about making mistakes. Trust yourself and your training, focus on the here and now and be in the present while you are training.
15) Champions Love To Compete.
A Champion doesn’t just focus on the outcome but they also love the joy of the activity. They enjoy the beauty of the moment. They love to practice and they love the joy of the game.
“There’s always the motivation of wanting to win. Everybody has that. But a champion needs, in his attitude, a motivation above and beyond winning.” ~ Pat Riley
Mark Webb is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in private practice at South Georgia Psychiatric and Counseling Center in Valdosta. He is the author of How To Be A Great Partner. Mark has been in the field of helping individuals and couples since 1986. He has a vast amount of experience and he can have a very positive impact on your life and your relationship. If you are looking for individual or marriage counseling, please call his office in Valdosta, Georgia and his staff will help you set up an appointment.
South Georgia Psychiatric and Counseling Center
2704 N. Oak St. Blg B-3
Valdosta, Georgia 31602
229-257-0100