What Makes a Champion?

I guess it was my 13-year old grandson’s love for baseball, that drew me into watching the Little League World Series on TV a few weeks ago. The team from Lufkin, TX won the National games and went on to the World Series.

All teams, at that level, were great, but I was particularly impressed at the excellence and respect displayed by the Tokyo, Japan team. In the finals, they beat Lufkin 12-2. It was the 4th year for the Tokyo team to win the World Series. Here was what set them apart from the U.S. teams. They practice more than any other team -- 11 months out of the year. They play only one sport – baseball. On game day, they practice 4 hours before the game. As reported, “They have the marathon versus sprint mindset. Everyone else HOPES and DREAMS to get to the World Series. The Japanese kids EXPECT to get there." When the Japanese coach was asked if his kids were genius, he replied “No – they and their families just single-heartedly give everything they’ve got to get here.” I watched with amazement as they had such great respect for the umpires, opponents, elders and when they came onto the field, they stood in a line and bowed to the American fans. There was so much attention to detail, even after the win. They ran to stand in line, left to right, from the shortest player to the tallest. They bowed to the American team and fans. You could tell they had rehearsed the win, because they knew exactly what to do when they won.

I don’t profess to know it all about the Tokyo players or their game, but I must have been impressed enough to take notes about what I saw to share with you. An attitude of “expecting” to win so much so that they are willing to do whatever it takes to ensure it happens. That was a lesson for me, for sure – getting my "expector" up on whatever I’m attempting to conquer and win at. But, more than their excellent game play, I was taken with their team spirit, their manners and respect. I’ll admit it gave me pause to think how wonderful it would be to see such behavior by our U.S. teams that extends to their homes and lives, In fact I started thinking how we could ALL step it up in respect with each other.

I remember being “coached” by my parents to say “please” and “thank you”, “yes, sir” and yes, m’am” and I think it stuck, because, unconsciously, I’ll say those words even at my ripe age today. We are the best role models for our children. When they see us respectful and honorable, they'll pick up on it.
When they see us slamming” and “degrading” others, it carries over to our children and their respect for others deteriorates. By our modelling respect, our our children gain the confidence that comes from knowing the right thing to do. That respect for others isn’t just the right way to act, but respect and good manners will set our children up for a lifetime of success with others.

Maybe I'm "old school", but I admire seeing a child, when introduced to someone, reach out his/her hand and say, “It’s nice to meet you!” I appreciate it when a man, woman or child, opens the door for me. It wasn't that long ago that men respected a woman enough to get up from the table and pull out her chair for her. If a woman was standing on a bus or event, a man or even a boy would give her their seat. I realize we live in a much more casual society today than when I was growing up, but, it seems we need to revive the spirit of respect, honor, dignity and appreciation for our fellow man and woman.

I think those Japanese kids had learned the Golden Rule, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” That means, for all of us, to treat others as we would like to be treated, to be a good sport, to say "please and thank you", to ask before taking, to not talk with food in our mouths, to not take bites that make us look like we’re stashing away for the winter, to not make fun of others, to be compassionate, helpful, and when we say “sorry”, we really, really mean it. In no way am I suggesting that we "Bring back the good old days!" I love these days, but I think it's time to step up our "game" in being the best WE that we can possibly be.

THE END of this Nana’s “The Making of a Champ” post, but I hope and pray it’s the beginning of a “Once upon a time” a champion was created. That champion isn't only our children -- it's the making of a champion in you and me!

Be A Champion

Day 237 of Photo Inspirations -- BE A CHAMPION
I stumbled across an incredible article yesterday, “10 Actions to Make This Your Best Day Ever” by family friend and business associate, Tom Hopkins.  Tom is a legend in the sales industry, particularly because he has taught and coached on being successful in sales for many years.    So when he speaks, it’s really worthwhile to listen and put his wisdom to use.

We had just about every one of his sales trainings (then in cassette tape form).  When our daughter, Staci, was a part of the “Get Motivated” Seminars that traveled the U.S. giving great one-day trainings by renown and high profile people, we met Tom.  There was an immediate connection. Staci was belting out optimistic and motivating songs and speaking, and Tom asked if they could collaborate on a CD called “Be A Champion” (the name of his training seminars) that would be full of songs that she would write and record.  She did and she and Tom were the Executive Producers of the album.  That album was truly a blessing and big motivator to many.   Lots of folks told us they loved to work-out to the upbeat music and lyrics -- that it started their day with enthusiasm and energy.

I just thought you might find that FACTOID interesting, but this post is really about that article I read yesterday.  Those “10 Actions to Make This Your Best Day Ever” will certainly create the CHAMPION within us.  It brought a new perspective to my day.  I sincerely hope it does yours:

1. I will try to live and delight in the reality of being alive. My past is forever gone, my future an uncertainty, so I will be happy and thankful for each moment.
2. I will not allow negative input into my mind. Happiness is a choice, and I choose to be happy.
3. I will be thankful for my health, my loved ones, my business and my country. I will also be thankful for any pain in crisis that helps me grow personally and professionally.
4. I will take care of my body, realizing the importance of the words, moderation and balance—and how much easier it will be to control my will and my actions once I’m conscious of this.
5. I will treat everyone I meet today the way I would like to be treated. I want people to like themselves more when they’re with me.
6. I will avoid gossip, jealousy and negative thinking. Most people don’t think about what they think about. But today I will make a conscious effort to hold positive thoughts in my mind.
7. I will write down my priorities, thinking of my loved ones and my responsibilities. I might not get everything done, but I will do the most productive thing possible at every given moment.
8. I will strive to humble myself around others, controlling my ego and making other people feel important.
9. I will learn how to better serve people. I know my growth in all areas is in direct proportion to how I help, how I give back.
10. I will not take rejection personally. I realize they can only reject my ideas and not me. I will keep on keepin’ on.

Great food for thought and I'd say THAT food is not only good for the mind....but it's good for our bodies and spirits!  Go ahead BE A CHAMPION!

Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire!

We've heard them many times -- the voices in our heads that say "You won't make it!" "There's no way you can do that!" "Give up -- there's no way out!" "You don't have the right personality!" "You weren't born into the 'right' family." "You could NEVER be a success -- you don't have the looks for that!" "You're a loser!" "You're just a woman -- you can't do that!" "You're too old to do that!" You're too young to do that!" "You've tried that before and it didn't work out -- give up!"

And you know what -- those voices are LIARS!!! When I was a kid, we'd chant "Liar, Liar....pants on fire!" when another kid was fibbing. Well, it's time to start saying that to those VOICES, that are lying to you, because YOU CAN BE anything God wants you to be & YOU CAN DO whatever God wants you to do, because you were born with the seeds of greatness in you! You are destined for greatness -- you were designed by the CREATOR to conquer, to win, and be a champion! And, that my friends, is the TRUTH -- the GOSPEL TRUTH! And don't you forget it!

I've Got the Eye of the Tiger.....Roaring Like a Lion

Heading to bed with NO fear, NO worry, No doubt -- sweet sleep is on its way -- because.......
"I've got the eye of the tiger, a fighter, dancing through the fire
'Cause I am a champion and you’re gonna hear me roar!
Louder, louder than a lion
'Cause I am a champion and you’re gonna hear me roar!"