Five Keys to Developing the Heart of a Champion

Posted by Ian McKenzie

May 8, 2007

heart of a champion personal development ian's messy desk There are two major league sports teams in Edmonton: the Eskimos of the Canadian Football League and the Oilers of the National Hockey League. Two seasons ago, both teams achieved considerable success in their respective sports. The Eskimos won the Grey Cup and the Oilers took the Stanley Cup series to seven games, before dropping to the Carolina Hurricanes.

This past season, neither team achieved anything of which they could be proud. The Eskimos missed gaining a playoff spot for the first time in 35 years and the Oilers finished tenth overall in their conference.

How is it teams can be so successful one year and go nowhere the next? How is it in life that some people regularly meet and exceed goals, while others have trouble just showing up?

As I look at sports clubs, at all levels, that are consistent winners, or examine highly successful organizations and individuals, I see five traits that are the hallmarks of a champion.

Character – Champions have character. That is, they have defined values, ethics, ethos or standards. Whatever you want to call it, all they do, and how they do all, is driven by the quality of their character.
Conviction – Champions have a drive to win. They know what they want to achieve and how to create goals to get them there. Even when they don’t win all of the small victories, their focus on the big win carries them forward.
Control – Champions take charge of circumstances. They constantly prepare and hone their skills so they can meet whatever challenges come their way. They also know the importance of developing new skills to be able to handle change.
Composure – Champions are even-tempered. In game five of this year’s Detroit – Calgary series, Calgary players showed their frustration by slashing and cross-checking in the final minutes of the game. Goalie Jamie McLennan ended up with a five game suspension for his slash. Needless to say, the Detroit Red Wings moved on to the next round, while the Flames packed and went home. Champions know that the only way to maintain or regain control in a difficult situation is to remain calm and focussed.
Consistency – Champions do the right things over and over again. A winning football team brings its A-game to the field week after week. The best-selling writer sets time aside each day to write. A successful fundraiser works her prospect list regularly. Champions know achieving success involves consistent execution of their best moves.

We’re all “competing” for different kinds of prizes; the rewards that make our lives meaningful. If you want to have success in reaching your goals, you need to develop the heart of a champion.

I’ve submitted this post to Darren’s Group Writing Project - Top 5

Tags: success, personal+development, achievement, champions, sports

Comments

I agree. The champions never give up until the last minute. Practice makes perfect.

Comment by Tantowi on May 9, 2007 @ 8:24 am

If only the Oilers and Eskimos could of kept it up this past season..oh well.

Comment by Vince Cordic on May 9, 2007 @ 2:19 pm

I remembered during my school days (I came from a top school in Singapore), the sportsmen did very well not only in the field but in studies too. Now at work, they are equally successful.

Indeed sports is able to build one’s character, the 5 traits you have mentioned in the article.

Warm regards
Tiat
“Unlock the Secret of Law of Attraction By Following Three ‘Obvious’ Steps.” http://www.AbundanceLaw.com

Comment by Tiat on May 10, 2007 @ 12:19 pm

Five Keys to Developing the Heart of a Champion

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