August 11, 2014

Dealing With Reality

Being a Champion is about dealing with reality, facing your demons and addictions, and not putting a smiley face on everything you do. Working in the field of Sports Psychology, I see all kinds of athletes and at times their parents and coaches. It seems like today some participants get a trophy just for showing up. I know at a young age it’s not all about winning and losing. Even at the level I work with it’s not all about winning and losing. However, there comes a time when we all have to deal with the reality of the sport and life. It takes more than just showing up, it takes finishing strong. It means finishing when everyone else has quit. You have to have a strong mindset that takes you past the pain of competition. To be a Champion you have to deal with the issues of life, the reality that not everyone is your friend or wants you to win. On top of all that, you have to deal with yourself. Being a Champion means you deal with your demons and addictions, not make excuses for them. I know how that feels to an extreme. Dealing with all the distractions so that they are no longer distractions takes the mindset of a Champion. So put away your trophy for showing up and get ready to do battle with your opponents. Are you ready to face the realities of life today?