A Champion Mindset

"The mindset isn't about seeking a result - it's more about the process of getting to that result. It's about the journey and the approach. It's a way of life.  I do think that it's important, in all endeavors to have that mentality." - Kobe Bryant

 

Whenever I have been asked to create change within a person or groups of people, whether in the workplace, coaching sports, or just giving one on one advice, I always start out with an attitude check. Attitude is more than just positive thinking. The dictionary defines Attitude as a state of mind. This implies commitment and belief. You have to get your head in the game and keep it in the game. You have to have a champion's mindset.

The Olympic games start this week after a year's delay due to the pandemic. Consider how Olympic athletes and prepare themselves for competition. 90% of their time is spent in preparation for a single event.  They have to be so finely tuned that they see themselves winning in their mind. They have to be self-confident in their abilities and their training far before actually competing.

You should work on your Attitude like you are training for an Olympic event. In some ways, it is; and it will not be easy. We compete daily in the life events we are faced with. Our ability to perform at work or at home, our ability to face and take on issues that arise, our ability to deal with other individuals with their own agendas are all events that require our mental readiness and internal strength to succeed. 

Have a vision and believe in yourself. Never give up and never give in. Stay focused and work hard. Be fearless and ready to compete. Get up, get moving, get out there, get motivated, and get inspired.

It takes clear goals, hard work, dedication, confidence, constant focus, determination, action, repetition, and discipline to create good fundamental habits. And ultimately, a strong self-image and belief that you can and will achieve it. To some, that may sound difficult; to others, it may sound simple. It is all in your mindset and what you are willing to sacrifice to achieve it.

The mindset of a champion is flexible and strong to cope with setbacks and overcome obstacles. But champions also have the strong will to succeed and bounce back from any failures they may experience along the way. Champions maintain a firm belief in themselves that keeps them focused, sharp and resilient.

 

A champion actively creates a life of balance, moderation, and simplicity - values that help improve running and life. A champion views competitors as partners who provide challenge and the chance to improve. A champion has a vision. A champion dreams of things that haven't been and believe they are possible.

True champions have bad days too. Everybody does. But they don't let it take over their lives. They stay positive. Champions are fueled by their values and beliefs. They maintain a strong self-confidence in their abilities. They stay focused. They look for what they can learn along the way. 

Champions understand it is a process, and they trust the process. They keep a healthy attitude and focus on their goals and what they want to achieve, and what they want to become.

A champion understands that they each are vital to the team's success - regardless of their role. A champion applauds teammate's success and is willing to help others become the best they can be. A champion commits to the common goals and vision of the team and is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve them. A champion focuses on each individual's strength while understanding that although they may achieve a lot independently, they can achieve so much more together. Champions rally for the cause because they are led this way, and they rally because of the leader; they rally for the leader. And because of this, the individuals themselves become leaders. They are champions.

To be a champion, you have to think like a champion, work hard like a champion, be willing to accept the challenge like a champion. Becoming a champion is not a destination. It's a way of life.

Make today great!

Curtis

 

"Champions do not become champions when they win the event, but in the hours, weeks, months and years they spend preparing for it. The victorious performance itself is merely the demonstration of their championship character." - T. Alan Armstrong