Champions

Noted university professor and consultant Dr. Stanley Frager often gave his insight into what qualities are needed to become a champion.

He pointed out that “…the more you want out of life, the harder it is to get what you want.” Dr. Frager also noted that “…people who have aspired to greatness seem to have a longer list of obstacles they have met in life.”  Overcoming obstacles must be accomplished if one is to reach the plateau of “champion” in a life journey.

Dr. Frager’s qualities that he notes exist within a champion are:

**C…CONFIDENCE AND COURAGE.

**H…HEART.

**A…ADVERSITY: WILLINGNESS TO FACE IT; AND, ATTITUDE:    THE WAY WE LOOK AT IT.

**M…MOTIVATION.

**P…PERSISTENCE AND PERSPECTIVE.

**I…INITIATIVE.

**O…OPTIMISM.

**N…NETWORK OF SUPPORT.

**S…SPIRITUALITY:  FAITH IN A HIGHER POWER 

He often concluded his discussions by pointing out that each individual is unique. Each of us has various strengths which, when put in the proper combination, can enable us to become a champion. As Nike has long proclaimed, we must, “Just Do It!”

It is easy to find fault with situations or to not work through difficulties because of the obstacles we face. The end result comes due to a failure in persistence and perspective. To be successful in our work, our home-life, and become the “champion” we desire to be, we must have a vision of what we are to do and then the hardened persistence to make it a reality

As you think about adversity in your life, both professionally and personally, what have you discovered about yourself? How is your perspective and persistence when facing obstacles? What does your vision say about who you are, what you desire and how you are going to achieve your ultimate goal? How do Dr. Frager’s qualities of a champion fit your personal make-up? What changes or specific enhancements do you find must be made to enable you to reach the pinnacle of your personal or professional vision? How committed are you to make this happen beginning today? The best can come only when you embody the qualities of a champion and put them directly to work on your behalf.

As legendary football coach, Paul “Bear” Bryant of the University of Alabama, once said, “There is no substitute for guts!” Be challenged to rise above your adversities and bring out the “champion” that lies within you.  As famed explorer Edmund Hillary said, “It is not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves.”