Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Monday, August 22, 2011
Character Traits of a Champion: Vision
If we are to be Champions, we must pick up a mantle of leadership that entails Vision. A wise man once said, "Where there is no vision, the people perish." How true that is. But what is having Vision? What is being Visionary?
It is a special person that is able to to access and hold onto something that is not yet accomplished and having the discipline, will, passion, determination, and tenacity to hold onto that vision through trial, through difficulty, through disappoint, and through ridicule. This is what gives the Champion the ability and the authority to lead others to victory.
Do you and I have this Visionary mentality?
It is a special person that is able to to access and hold onto something that is not yet accomplished and having the discipline, will, passion, determination, and tenacity to hold onto that vision through trial, through difficulty, through disappoint, and through ridicule. This is what gives the Champion the ability and the authority to lead others to victory.
Do you and I have this Visionary mentality?
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Character Traits of a Champion: Forgiveness
Today I bring in front of us a trait that is probably one of the most difficult to do, much less master. It is a trait that goes against the very grain of human nature. A trait that holds the greatest relief to one physically, emotionally, and spiritually, but that eludes many because we just will not let go.
However, the Champion knows that Forgiveness is one of the most relieving and spirit-lifting actions that they will ever perform. Forgiveness is clearing the record of those who have wronged me and not holding a grudge. How easy it is to say, but how difficult it is to do. Yet when you release someone from the wrongs they have done to you, you find that it is you yourself that were bound and are now released.
Forgiveness is taking the debt of hurt, the weight of ridicule, the chains of bitterness, and replacing them with a clear conscience, a spirit of joy, a fullness of freedom. Champions will not allow offenses to bind them but instead will release the offender and reconcile a relationship.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Champion Example: Courage and Selflessness
Courage and Selflessness are traits of a Champion most embodied by those who serve others in the military and emergency response fields. May we follow in their steps and example they have set as we become Champions and seek to serve others.
*If you would like to give back to those who serve us, visit Operation Homefront!
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Champion Decision Point: Ordinary vs. Extraordinary
Most people live ordinary lives.
However, every once in a while, just occasionally, in a field of the ordinary, you meet someone who lives beyond the average - people who dare to not just dream but actually accomplish; who buck the trend and achieve what others thought was impossible. These extraordinary people are called Champions!
Despite difficulties and challenges that would cause most to give up, these Champions, have decided to think and live outside the box of the norm. They have chosen to follow a different path. They have heard the calling of something greater than themselves.
These extraordinary people, these Champions, dare to think of the well-being and safety of others and devote themselves to this service - sometimes risking their own lives to do so. In a world of celebrities without good character, there are those hidden from the limelight, genuine diamonds, treasure, if you are prepared to take notice. Watch, learn from, and be inspired in your own life - because a Champion is made not born.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Champion Decision Point: Excellence vs. Mediocrity
I have heard it said, "Excellence always challenges Mediocrity." But what is Excellence? What is Mediocrity? Why must we choose one or the other?
Excellence comes from the Latin word ex (out of) and the word cellere (to rise). It literally means, "To rise up out of."
Mediocre come from the Latin word medias (middle) and the word ocris (jagged mountain). It literally means, "middle of the mountain."
When we decide to be a Champion and be excellent or live our lives with excellence, we are saying we want to rise up out of being in the middle of the mountain. We want to rise up from mediocrity, out of lower or average thinking and living, to rise up out of doing anything halfhearted, halfway, or just enough to get by.
Doing this is more than a decision, it takes work, vigilant awareness of one's thoughts, emotions, and goals. It takes intense, antagonizing focus on your best planning, preparation, implementation, and assessment of your goals and yourself.
You have to plan to be excellent. You have to prepare to be excellent. You have to implement steps of action to be excellent. You have to assess and make adjustments to the course to be excellent. Excellence is not something that just happens. Excellence the result of a decision, plan, preparation, implementation, and constant assessment of action.
Excellence comes from the Latin word ex (out of) and the word cellere (to rise). It literally means, "To rise up out of."
Mediocre come from the Latin word medias (middle) and the word ocris (jagged mountain). It literally means, "middle of the mountain."
When we decide to be a Champion and be excellent or live our lives with excellence, we are saying we want to rise up out of being in the middle of the mountain. We want to rise up from mediocrity, out of lower or average thinking and living, to rise up out of doing anything halfhearted, halfway, or just enough to get by.
Doing this is more than a decision, it takes work, vigilant awareness of one's thoughts, emotions, and goals. It takes intense, antagonizing focus on your best planning, preparation, implementation, and assessment of your goals and yourself.
You have to plan to be excellent. You have to prepare to be excellent. You have to implement steps of action to be excellent. You have to assess and make adjustments to the course to be excellent. Excellence is not something that just happens. Excellence the result of a decision, plan, preparation, implementation, and constant assessment of action.
Monday, August 1, 2011
Character Traits of a Champion: Gentleness
Often when we think of Champions we think of those who are go-getters, those who are driven, those who are out to meet a goal without distractions. While these are all true traits, there is a balancing trait in the life of a Champion that is often not seen, but is a trait that if not used will show up in a person's spirit as arrogance, mean-spirited, and selfish.
Gentleness - Showing consideration and personal concern for others. This is not a trait we are naturally born with I can assure you! But it is a trait that is developed in the Champion's life over time and with much attention. In his book A Man of Steel & Velvet, Aubrey Andelin writes, "Gentleness is a softness of manner and disposition. A man who is gentle is quiet and refined. He is tender and kind with people, mild and smooth in conduct. His temper is not easily provoked. There is an absence of harshness, fierceness or violence. He is not severe or tempestuous." "....Gentleness is to the steel qualities what mercy is to justice."
This is a defining trait in a Champion that must be obtained or the result of their drive will end up in pride and egotism instead of humility and service.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Character Traits of a Champion: Enthusiasm
One of most challenging traits that a Champion most demonstrate each day is that of Enthusiasm - Expressing joy in each task as I give it my best effort. It is easy to go about like in this manner when things are going your way, when you are achieving your goals with minimal effort, and when everything seemingly just falls into place.
But what about when things don't go your way, when the effort to achieve your goals is hard, and everything you try to do seems to be falling apart? This is exactly when a Champion must turn on a spirit of Enthusiasm. You will find that several things happen when you "energize" your life with Enthusiasm:
- It will overcome your fear and give confidence and boldness in your actions.
- It will have an immediate and positive effect on those around you.
- You will take a difficult situation and turn it into a seemingly simple task.
That is the power of Enthusiasm and it is a chief resource in the arsenal of the Champion. In his book How I Raised Myself From Failure to Success in Selling, Frank Bettger says, "When you force yourself to act enthusiastic, you will soon feel enthusiastic!
Friday, July 22, 2011
Character Traits of a Champion: Security
Have you heard the phrase, "The calm before the storm?" There is a certainty in life that will always occur when we least expect it and that certainty is change. When things are going well and everything seems under control the unexpected storm blows through. The Champion's life is no different. But what is different is what the Champion has done to prepare for these events and that is what bring about Security in their lives that many search for and never achieve.
You see the Champion as structured their life around that which cannot be destroyed or taken away. The Champion always has Faith. The Champion always has Hope. The Champion always has Love. These things can never be taken from them as they were a gift to begin with. When the storms of life come, when clouds of discouragement and depression gather, when all around things seem to be going in the wrong direction, it is then that the Champion lifts their eyes above the temporal and leans on the eternal.
When we do this we will find Security. We will find that peace in the midst of the storm. We will find that the storms are opportunities and that sometimes the greatest blessings have come to us under the disguise of curses. Do you have Security in your life? If not, pursue that which cannot be destroyed or taken away and you will find it.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Character Traits of a Champion: Sincerity
Many times as a Champion serves those around them their motivation for doing so is questioned. It is not common in the day in which we live to do for others without regard for personal reward or recognition. Champions, however, are different.
Champions go forth with a heart of Sincerity - Eagerly doing what is right with transparent motives. There is no pretense, there is no "I'll scratch your back if you will scratch mine" motivation. A Champion will step up to the plate time after time after time after time because it is innate in their very being to do so. Their motivation is greater than the praise of men. Their integrity forges a path for them to do what is right every single time without hesitation, without acclamation, without recognition of what they have done.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Character Traits of a Champion: Meekness
If you had to describe a Champion there is one trait that probably would not come immediately to mind, yet it embodies the true spirit of the Champion. This trait is Meekness. Often when we think of meekness we think of a rhyming word of weakness. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Meekness has the idea of yielding my expectations in order to benefit others. It means taking what we know we can do and achieve and laying that aside for the benefit of others - including those we might consider enemies. That is a hard pill to swallow, isn't it? But remember the Champion is one that promotes idea and goals that are not self-promoting or self-serving, but are dedicated to the service of others in a spirit of humility.
Meekness is a strength or power that is under complete control. A man or woman that controls their spirit is greater than any conquering army.
Meekness has the idea of yielding my expectations in order to benefit others. It means taking what we know we can do and achieve and laying that aside for the benefit of others - including those we might consider enemies. That is a hard pill to swallow, isn't it? But remember the Champion is one that promotes idea and goals that are not self-promoting or self-serving, but are dedicated to the service of others in a spirit of humility.
Meekness is a strength or power that is under complete control. A man or woman that controls their spirit is greater than any conquering army.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Character Traits of a Champion: Compassion
I, me, my, mine - isn't this the mindset we see the most today? It is all about what I need, what I want, what will benefit me the most. This mindset is in direct conflict with the Champion. A Champion's motivation does not come from self-centeredness or motivation for personal gain. Why? Because the Champion has a heart of Compassion.
Compassion has the idea of investing whatever is necessary to heal the hurts of others. Isn't that a foreign concept in today's world! The Champion gives sacrificially of their time, personal resources, and even their own physical well-being to reach out to other's without motivation of personal reward, acclimation, or gratification.
When we hear of natural disasters and see the outpouring of aid to that area, we think of those folks being compassionate toward those in need. But how many would be a part of giving that aid if the camera's were not rolling? How many would give if they were not on the front-page of the local paper? The true Champion with a heart of Compassion will invest in the lives of those hurting even when the cameras stop rolling, when they are not making headlines, and when everyone else has moved on to more "fulfilling" opportunities.
Have you met any Champions with a heart of Compassion? Are you seeking to have a heart of Compassion? Will you be a Champion?
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Character Traits of a Champion: Availability
Have you ever asked for someone's help or invited someone to a function and had the response of, "I'm too busy...?" How did that make you feel? Did you feel like you were imposing on them? Did you feel that they thought what they were doing or plans that they had were more important than you were? On the other side of that coin, how many times have you been the one to say, "I'm too busy?"
Remember that the Champion is one that has put self aside to serve the cause of others. In the midst of the business of life they decide to make themselves Available to serve and meet the needs of others or the cause for which they rally around. Being Available means making my schedule and priorities secondary to the wishes of those I serve. When we make ourselves available to meet the needs of others it is showing to them that we value their thoughts, ideas, and objectives and are willing to champion their cause. One of the wisest men who ever lived once said, "He that will be the greatest among you, must be the servant of all."
Have you made yourself Available today?
Remember that the Champion is one that has put self aside to serve the cause of others. In the midst of the business of life they decide to make themselves Available to serve and meet the needs of others or the cause for which they rally around. Being Available means making my schedule and priorities secondary to the wishes of those I serve. When we make ourselves available to meet the needs of others it is showing to them that we value their thoughts, ideas, and objectives and are willing to champion their cause. One of the wisest men who ever lived once said, "He that will be the greatest among you, must be the servant of all."
Have you made yourself Available today?
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Character Traits of a Champion: Alertness
Being aware of what is taking place around me so I can have the right responses. How many times do we go about life without being aware of what is taking place around us and then we get frustrated when we realize we could have had a positive impact on something or someone and we missed that opportunity?
The Champion is ever vigilant to be alert. Alertness is paramount to their very being. They have conditioned and trained themselves to always be cognizant of their surroundings so they are not caught by surprise and can have a positive impact and response to the situations in which they find themselves. As we strive to be Champions we will be encouraged by and be an encouragement to others when we have the ability to say, "I was able to..." instead of "I wish I could have..."
Are you practicing Alertness? Are you focused only on yourself and your own needs or do you look to positively impact those around you with your words and actions?
The Champion is ever vigilant to be alert. Alertness is paramount to their very being. They have conditioned and trained themselves to always be cognizant of their surroundings so they are not caught by surprise and can have a positive impact and response to the situations in which they find themselves. As we strive to be Champions we will be encouraged by and be an encouragement to others when we have the ability to say, "I was able to..." instead of "I wish I could have..."
Are you practicing Alertness? Are you focused only on yourself and your own needs or do you look to positively impact those around you with your words and actions?
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Champion Example: The Story of the Star Spangled Banner
This weekend we as Americans are celebrating the birthday of our great Nation. Our nation was born out of a desire for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness without the oppression of dictatorship. This cause was championed by many and many have literally shed their own blood for this great cause.
The banner of liberty, Old Glory, has always been a symbol of freedom and justice. But have you ever heard the story about the National Anthem? As you watch the below from David Barton with Wallbuilders (@DavidBartonWB), don't forget that the price of liberty is high and is not free. The men and women who have fought and died for us are the embodiment of Champions and may we never forget their sacrifices for us.
Below you will find a great way to support our current Champions through Operation Homefront (@Op_Homefront). For every purchase of Pink Lemonade Spark purchased in the month of June, $1 will be donated to help our armed service men and women. What a great way to say thank you for their service and sacrifice!
The banner of liberty, Old Glory, has always been a symbol of freedom and justice. But have you ever heard the story about the National Anthem? As you watch the below from David Barton with Wallbuilders (@DavidBartonWB), don't forget that the price of liberty is high and is not free. The men and women who have fought and died for us are the embodiment of Champions and may we never forget their sacrifices for us.
Below you will find a great way to support our current Champions through Operation Homefront (@Op_Homefront). For every purchase of Pink Lemonade Spark purchased in the month of June, $1 will be donated to help our armed service men and women. What a great way to say thank you for their service and sacrifice!
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Character Traits of a Champion: Faith
Have you ever been in a place where everything around you seems to be going wrong? That no matter what you try to do it seems you just can't get a break? It is at these precise moments in time that the only sustaining factor will emerge in those who are Champions. The character trait of Faith. When we don't see any way out of problems that we are facing we can have confidence that actions rooted in good character will yield the best outcome, even when I cannot see how.
The Champion will always walk a path of good character, even when it seems illogical to do so. They will take the high road even if it means personal sacrifice or embarrassment because their lives are not based upon circumstances that they encounter, but firmly rooted on a basis of Faith that gives a calm assurance to them in troublesome times.
The Champion will always walk a path of good character, even when it seems illogical to do so. They will take the high road even if it means personal sacrifice or embarrassment because their lives are not based upon circumstances that they encounter, but firmly rooted on a basis of Faith that gives a calm assurance to them in troublesome times.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Champion Example: How to Be A Champion at Anything You Choose to Do In Your Life ...Guaranteed
Sometimes you come across some accounts of life that really inspire you to be greater than what you are. Today I want to share one of those accounts that I came across today.
~Scott
What Does It Mean To Be A Champion?
Shortly after turning 9 years old I made the choice to play professional basketball in the N.B.A. (National Basketball Association).
At this moment of choosing to play in the NBA, I created my dream and also made the commitment to making my dream come true.
One of the reasons I wanted to play in the NBA is because only the best of the best players are in the NBA. I wanted to be the best at something in my life because that would mean I am the best, that I am a Champion. If you can become the best at one thing, then you can become the best at anything you choose because you are the best.
Becoming an NBA basketball player is almost impossible. I wanted to prove all of our dreams always come true when we put our heart and soul into making them a reality. I wanted to prove no matter what or who you choose to be in your life that you will be whatever or whoever you choose.
Here Is Where The Fun Begins:
When I was 13 years old I tried out for the basketball team in 7th grade at Lakeridge Jr. High School...
....And I failed.
I tried out again for the basketball team in 8th grade at Canyon View Jr. High School...
...And I failed.
I tried out again in 9th grade at Canyon View...
...And I failed.
I tried out again in 10th grade at Orem High School...
...And I failed.
I tried out again in 11th grade at Timpanogos High School...
...And I failed.
I tried out again in 12th grade at American Fork High School...
...And I failed.
I went on a two-year mission for my church to Portugal and came back home.
I had two major knee surgeries and had 5 screws added to my knees. 3 screws in my right knee, 2 screws in my left knee.
My orthopedic surgeon said I had the worst knees he had ever seen in his entire career.
After waiting for more than 6 months for my knees to heal from the surgeries, I came back and tried out again for the basketball team at Utah Valley State College...
...And I failed.
I transferred to the University of Utah and tried out for the basketball team in now my 3rd year of college...
...And I failed.
The coaches really liked me because they saw how much I loved basketball and they saw I was never going to quit. They asked me if I wanted to be the Equipment Manager for the team.
I accepted and became the Equipment Manager for the University of Utah men's basketball team.
I tried out again for the team in now my 4th year of college.
....And I failed.
I failed for the 9th consecutive time, spanning 12 years of consecutive failure.
And this time I was ONLY ONE PERSON AWAY FROM MAKING THE TEAM.
ONLY ONE PERSON AWAY!!!
The coaching staff invited me into the office and told me they could only add on one more player to the basketball team. They said unfortunately I was their second choice.
The coaches said if their first choice declined to accept the final roster spot, then I would be on the team instead.
But since their first choice did accept the final roster spot and I was the coaches' second choice and there was only room for one player, ...I didn't make it.
"You were our second choice Tim," the assistant coach told me.
Before the University of Utah's second basketball game of the season this year, the team and I sat down to eat our pre-game dinner.
During the dinner, one of the players began to speak to me in a mocking tone and manner and in a volume loud enough for everyone in the quiet dining room to hear. (This player is a very good person and I do not mean to falsely portray him in a negative way and that is why he remains anonymous.)
He (anonymous player) said he didn't believe the coaches were telling me the truth.
He said the coaches were lying to me when they said I was their second choice because they didn't want to hurt my feelings.
He said I would never be able to become a college basketball player because it is almost impossible.
"You want to be where we are, you want to be one of us, but you'll never be one of us. It's too hard," he told me.
I then responded by agreeing he was right that it is almost impossible.
"You're right, it is almost impossible to play basketball in college, to become a college basketball player," I said.
"And as difficult as it is to play basketball in college, it is even more difficult or even more impossible to play basketball in the NBA.
But I have done something that is so difficult, that not a single person in this room has done what I've done," I said, boldly to the entire team of players and assistant coaches eating dinner in this private hotel dining room.
At this point in the conversation everyone was looking over at the anonymous player and me, while listening intently to both of us.
"And not only has no one in this room done what I've done, but what I've done is so difficult that not even a single player in ALL of college basketball has done what I've done," I continued.
"And not only has no one playing in college done what I've done but also not even a single basketball player in ALL of the NBA has done what I've done.
And not only has no one in college or the NBA done what I've done, but not a single college or NBA basketball player PAST or PRESENT has done what I've done."
I then told him and everyone in the room, "What I've done is...
...No one has ever tried out to make a basketball team as many times in a row as I have and also failed as many times in a row as I have and still has not given up."
I went on to explain that at this point in my life I had now tried out to make the basketball team 9 consecutive times, spanning 12 years. And I failed to make the team all 9 of those times, but I still have not quit!
"The main reason you're on the team is because you just happened to grow to be 7 feet tall. You didn't choose to be 7 feet tall. It just happened," I said to him.
"The door has always been opened for you. But the door has always been closed for me and yet I still keep choosing to continue to move forward by re-opening the door every time it shuts on me," I said.
I asked him, "If you would have failed to make your high school team one year would you have come back and tried out again to make the team a second time?"
"Uhh, yeah, you probably would have tried again," I told him, answering my own question I just posed to him....
I then asked him, if he would have failed two years in a row, would he have come back to do his best to try out again a third time in a row?
"Hmmm, maybe," I said to him...
Finally I told him, "...And I know without a doubt you would not have come back to try again a fourth time."
I explained:
I failed to make the basketball team 9 consecutive times.
9 Times!
And I have come back 9 consecutive times.
9 Times!
I still have not given up. I still have not quit.
Then I told him and everyone in the dining room, "I know the most difficult thing you can do in your life is to never quit or to get back up when you get knocked down.
And not only is 'Never Quitting' the most difficult thing you can do in your life, it is also the greatest thing you can do in your life. And I know the only types of people capable of 'Never Quitting' are Champions. A Champion is the greatest type of person you can become," I said.
Playing basketball in the NBA, or in college or anything else that might be seen as "great" in the eyes of the world is NOTHING compared to the power of the person who never gives up!
The only types of people who can rise again after failure or hard times are Champions!
The only types of people who can confront and conquer over fear are Champions!
The only types of people who are capable of never never never never never quitting are Champions!
The greatest type of person you can become in your life is a Champion!
Because I know when we come back after failure, come back after a negative time, come back after a difficult situation, we acquire divine qualities and attributes such as love, charity and service for others.
Because when we are down or hurting or suffering and we choose to not let the hard times keep us down we are choosing to be the BEST. We are choosing to be the GREATEST. We are choosing to be HAPPY.
A person who can choose to rise up in the most difficult of situations is a person who can never be stopped!!!
Nothing Can Stop You.
No One Can Stop You.
Nothing Can Stop You From Doing Your Best!
No One Can Stop You From Doing Your Best!
The person who chooses to be unstoppable is the truly "great" person and is seen by the eyes of God as being truly "great."
You are a Champion when you make the choice to be a Champion.
Anyone can choose to be a Champion if they truly desire to be one.
Yes, you can always choose to be whatever or whoever you truly desire.
Author: Timothy McGaffin II
~Scott
How to Be A Champion at Anything You Choose to Do In Your Life ...Guaranteed
"You were our second choice Tim," the assistant basketball coach said to me. I had just failed to make the team and make my dream come true. Or, at least it appeared I failed. Remember, God never gives us a dream without also giving us the power to make that dream come true.
Tim McGaffin II and John Stockton, April 17, 1992
What Does It Mean To Be A Champion?
Shortly after turning 9 years old I made the choice to play professional basketball in the N.B.A. (National Basketball Association).
At this moment of choosing to play in the NBA, I created my dream and also made the commitment to making my dream come true.
One of the reasons I wanted to play in the NBA is because only the best of the best players are in the NBA. I wanted to be the best at something in my life because that would mean I am the best, that I am a Champion. If you can become the best at one thing, then you can become the best at anything you choose because you are the best.
Becoming an NBA basketball player is almost impossible. I wanted to prove all of our dreams always come true when we put our heart and soul into making them a reality. I wanted to prove no matter what or who you choose to be in your life that you will be whatever or whoever you choose.
Here Is Where The Fun Begins:
When I was 13 years old I tried out for the basketball team in 7th grade at Lakeridge Jr. High School...
....And I failed.
I tried out again for the basketball team in 8th grade at Canyon View Jr. High School...
...And I failed.
I tried out again in 9th grade at Canyon View...
...And I failed.
I tried out again in 10th grade at Orem High School...
...And I failed.
I tried out again in 11th grade at Timpanogos High School...
...And I failed.
I tried out again in 12th grade at American Fork High School...
...And I failed.
I went on a two-year mission for my church to Portugal and came back home.
I had two major knee surgeries and had 5 screws added to my knees. 3 screws in my right knee, 2 screws in my left knee.
My orthopedic surgeon said I had the worst knees he had ever seen in his entire career.
After waiting for more than 6 months for my knees to heal from the surgeries, I came back and tried out again for the basketball team at Utah Valley State College...
...And I failed.
I transferred to the University of Utah and tried out for the basketball team in now my 3rd year of college...
...And I failed.
The coaches really liked me because they saw how much I loved basketball and they saw I was never going to quit. They asked me if I wanted to be the Equipment Manager for the team.
I accepted and became the Equipment Manager for the University of Utah men's basketball team.
I tried out again for the team in now my 4th year of college.
....And I failed.
I failed for the 9th consecutive time, spanning 12 years of consecutive failure.
And this time I was ONLY ONE PERSON AWAY FROM MAKING THE TEAM.
ONLY ONE PERSON AWAY!!!
The coaching staff invited me into the office and told me they could only add on one more player to the basketball team. They said unfortunately I was their second choice.
The coaches said if their first choice declined to accept the final roster spot, then I would be on the team instead.
But since their first choice did accept the final roster spot and I was the coaches' second choice and there was only room for one player, ...I didn't make it.
"You were our second choice Tim," the assistant coach told me.
Before the University of Utah's second basketball game of the season this year, the team and I sat down to eat our pre-game dinner.
During the dinner, one of the players began to speak to me in a mocking tone and manner and in a volume loud enough for everyone in the quiet dining room to hear. (This player is a very good person and I do not mean to falsely portray him in a negative way and that is why he remains anonymous.)
He (anonymous player) said he didn't believe the coaches were telling me the truth.
He said the coaches were lying to me when they said I was their second choice because they didn't want to hurt my feelings.
He said I would never be able to become a college basketball player because it is almost impossible.
"You want to be where we are, you want to be one of us, but you'll never be one of us. It's too hard," he told me.
I then responded by agreeing he was right that it is almost impossible.
"You're right, it is almost impossible to play basketball in college, to become a college basketball player," I said.
"And as difficult as it is to play basketball in college, it is even more difficult or even more impossible to play basketball in the NBA.
But I have done something that is so difficult, that not a single person in this room has done what I've done," I said, boldly to the entire team of players and assistant coaches eating dinner in this private hotel dining room.
At this point in the conversation everyone was looking over at the anonymous player and me, while listening intently to both of us.
"And not only has no one in this room done what I've done, but what I've done is so difficult that not even a single player in ALL of college basketball has done what I've done," I continued.
"And not only has no one playing in college done what I've done but also not even a single basketball player in ALL of the NBA has done what I've done.
And not only has no one in college or the NBA done what I've done, but not a single college or NBA basketball player PAST or PRESENT has done what I've done."
I then told him and everyone in the room, "What I've done is...
...No one has ever tried out to make a basketball team as many times in a row as I have and also failed as many times in a row as I have and still has not given up."
I went on to explain that at this point in my life I had now tried out to make the basketball team 9 consecutive times, spanning 12 years. And I failed to make the team all 9 of those times, but I still have not quit!
"The main reason you're on the team is because you just happened to grow to be 7 feet tall. You didn't choose to be 7 feet tall. It just happened," I said to him.
"The door has always been opened for you. But the door has always been closed for me and yet I still keep choosing to continue to move forward by re-opening the door every time it shuts on me," I said.
I asked him, "If you would have failed to make your high school team one year would you have come back and tried out again to make the team a second time?"
"Uhh, yeah, you probably would have tried again," I told him, answering my own question I just posed to him....
I then asked him, if he would have failed two years in a row, would he have come back to do his best to try out again a third time in a row?
"Hmmm, maybe," I said to him...
Finally I told him, "...And I know without a doubt you would not have come back to try again a fourth time."
I explained:
I failed to make the basketball team 9 consecutive times.
9 Times!
And I have come back 9 consecutive times.
9 Times!
I still have not given up. I still have not quit.
Then I told him and everyone in the dining room, "I know the most difficult thing you can do in your life is to never quit or to get back up when you get knocked down.
And not only is 'Never Quitting' the most difficult thing you can do in your life, it is also the greatest thing you can do in your life. And I know the only types of people capable of 'Never Quitting' are Champions. A Champion is the greatest type of person you can become," I said.
Playing basketball in the NBA, or in college or anything else that might be seen as "great" in the eyes of the world is NOTHING compared to the power of the person who never gives up!
The only types of people who can rise again after failure or hard times are Champions!
The only types of people who can confront and conquer over fear are Champions!
The only types of people who are capable of never never never never never quitting are Champions!
The greatest type of person you can become in your life is a Champion!
Because I know when we come back after failure, come back after a negative time, come back after a difficult situation, we acquire divine qualities and attributes such as love, charity and service for others.
Because when we are down or hurting or suffering and we choose to not let the hard times keep us down we are choosing to be the BEST. We are choosing to be the GREATEST. We are choosing to be HAPPY.
A person who can choose to rise up in the most difficult of situations is a person who can never be stopped!!!
Nothing Can Stop You.
No One Can Stop You.
Nothing Can Stop You From Doing Your Best!
No One Can Stop You From Doing Your Best!
The person who chooses to be unstoppable is the truly "great" person and is seen by the eyes of God as being truly "great."
You are a Champion when you make the choice to be a Champion.
Anyone can choose to be a Champion if they truly desire to be one.
Yes, you can always choose to be whatever or whoever you truly desire.
Author: Timothy McGaffin II
"Champions Never Never Never Never Never Never Never Never Never Quit." -Tim McGaffin II
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Character Traits of a Champion: Self Control
When we talk about being a Champion, have you ever thought that maybe there is a short-cut to getting there? You know, something that you could do that no one would ever even know about that would make it easier and quicker? It has been said, "The man that I am when no one is watching is the man that I really am."
There is no short-cut to being a Champion. The only way there is along the trail of courage, deliberate action, and most importantly, Self Control. Self Control is a conscious decision made to reject and not do those things that are wrong and instead doing what is right. It is choosing before-hand to stand alone, even if it means personal sacrifice. It means having conviction vs. a preference in our path to being a Champion.
The hidden gem that we discover after we demonstrate Self Control is that we realize that we have earned the respect of others, even those who may disagree with us because we were willing to stand for our convictions despite personal sacrifice.
There is no short-cut to being a Champion. The only way there is along the trail of courage, deliberate action, and most importantly, Self Control. Self Control is a conscious decision made to reject and not do those things that are wrong and instead doing what is right. It is choosing before-hand to stand alone, even if it means personal sacrifice. It means having conviction vs. a preference in our path to being a Champion.
The hidden gem that we discover after we demonstrate Self Control is that we realize that we have earned the respect of others, even those who may disagree with us because we were willing to stand for our convictions despite personal sacrifice.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Character Traits of a Champion: Determination
What is it in life that whenever you are trying to accomplish a goal something always has to get in the way to keep you from getting there or delaying accomplishing the task at hand? It is at these times when the Champion has to have the trait of Determination. One could define Determination as "purposing to accomplish the goal regardless of the opposition."
This was demonstrated to me recently when working on putting up new poles for a fence in my yard. My dad and I had dug all of the holes, but had one last one to do that involved digging up the old corner post, concrete and all, to make way for the new corner post to replace it. For a guy that has an office job, digging up an old post set in concrete in the 100 degree Texas sun is not something I would put at the top of my "to do" list!
It was then that the "Champion" of post hole diggers, my friend and neighbor, Jacob Ivins (@jwivins) demonstrated the trait of Determination. He volunteered and spent the next 2 hours digging, scraping, prying, pulling, and chiseling on that old ornery pole and concrete and would not quit (even after it got dark and I had given up!) until with triumph he pulled up the last remaining piece and we were able to set the last new pole! Thank you Jacob!
What obstacles are you facing in your life? Will you be a Champion with the spirit of determination?
This was demonstrated to me recently when working on putting up new poles for a fence in my yard. My dad and I had dug all of the holes, but had one last one to do that involved digging up the old corner post, concrete and all, to make way for the new corner post to replace it. For a guy that has an office job, digging up an old post set in concrete in the 100 degree Texas sun is not something I would put at the top of my "to do" list!
It was then that the "Champion" of post hole diggers, my friend and neighbor, Jacob Ivins (@jwivins) demonstrated the trait of Determination. He volunteered and spent the next 2 hours digging, scraping, prying, pulling, and chiseling on that old ornery pole and concrete and would not quit (even after it got dark and I had given up!) until with triumph he pulled up the last remaining piece and we were able to set the last new pole! Thank you Jacob!
What obstacles are you facing in your life? Will you be a Champion with the spirit of determination?
Monday, June 13, 2011
Character Traits of a Champion: Gratefulness
When we think of a Champion, most often we think of professional athletes. How many of those athletes when asked about how they became successful focus on themselves and what they have done to get to where they are today? Sadly, a great majority. Is this what a Champion does? The answer is a resounding, "NO!"
The Champion, instead, has in the words of @Zig Ziglar, "An Attitude of Gratitude!" Gratefulness is a key mark of a Champion. Gratefulness has been defined as "Letting others know by my words and actions how they have benefited my life." The Champion know that without the contributions of others, they are doomed for failure. There are a myriad of people that impact our lives as we travel the road of life that we should never forget. It is because of them that we are the person that we are today.
Have you expressed gratitude to those who have blessed your life so far? It is amazing how the little phrase, "Thank you!" will encourage those who have helped you, but will also deepen your own life as it will humble you to realize not only how far you have come, but the number of people that have enabled you to achieve your goals.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Character Traits of a Champion: Boldness
Have you ever needed to confront someone with an issue but lacked the confidence to follow through and do it? Have you ever had an opportunity to do something that would put you ahead, but even though it was not totally wrong, it was not totally right either?
We are faced with these moral tests often. This is why we need the Champion trait of Boldness. Boldness is having the confidence to say or do what is true, right, and just with the personal impact of those actions considered as nothing compared with the pursuit of integrity, truthfulness, and virtue.
The trait of Boldness is not an arrogant attitude of I am right and you are wrong, but a humble standing upon the foundation of truth from which we can then explain our convictions, proclaim the truth, and defend the just cause for which we have chosen to fight for.
We are faced with these moral tests often. This is why we need the Champion trait of Boldness. Boldness is having the confidence to say or do what is true, right, and just with the personal impact of those actions considered as nothing compared with the pursuit of integrity, truthfulness, and virtue.
The trait of Boldness is not an arrogant attitude of I am right and you are wrong, but a humble standing upon the foundation of truth from which we can then explain our convictions, proclaim the truth, and defend the just cause for which we have chosen to fight for.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Character Traits of a Champion: Contentment
Today we explore for a brief time another trait of a Champion. This trait is probably one of the most difficult ones to obtain as it requires a change in the way we think. This trait is Contentment. It can be defined as realizing that true happiness does not depend on material conditions.
What a crazy way to think in the world in which we live! It is not money, possessions, work, family, or even health that gives happiness in life. It is understanding that to be truly happy in life we must not depend upon the material conditions in which we find ourselves. Often those conditions are hard, troublesome, and full of difficulty. The Champion looks beyond those things and rests in the assurances and promises of Faith, Hope, and Love. When the perspective changes from the horizontal to the vertical, from self to serving others around us, that is what brings happiness and true Contentment in life.
What a crazy way to think in the world in which we live! It is not money, possessions, work, family, or even health that gives happiness in life. It is understanding that to be truly happy in life we must not depend upon the material conditions in which we find ourselves. Often those conditions are hard, troublesome, and full of difficulty. The Champion looks beyond those things and rests in the assurances and promises of Faith, Hope, and Love. When the perspective changes from the horizontal to the vertical, from self to serving others around us, that is what brings happiness and true Contentment in life.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Character Traits of a Champion: Flexibility
As we continue to explore what it means to be a champion we come across a vital quality that must be evident. The quality of Flexibility. Flexibility is the willingness to change plans or ideas without getting upset. That is quite out of the norm in today's time! When is the last time change occurred around you without someone getting upset and making their displeasure well know to all who would listen?
A Champion has a different approach to change. They know that the only thing constant in life is change and many times change that is beyond their control. My dad once told me that you can not control the change or circumstances that come into your life, but you can control your attitude and response to them. That is exactly what a Champion does! They do not allow circumstantial changes beyond their control to change who they are and how they respond. Instead, they embrace the change or idea with an outlook of optimism, courage, and a long-term perspective in mind so that the change has a positive effect on their lives and an opportunity to learn and grow from it.
Remember, a rubber-band does not do it's job until it is stretched!
A Champion has a different approach to change. They know that the only thing constant in life is change and many times change that is beyond their control. My dad once told me that you can not control the change or circumstances that come into your life, but you can control your attitude and response to them. That is exactly what a Champion does! They do not allow circumstantial changes beyond their control to change who they are and how they respond. Instead, they embrace the change or idea with an outlook of optimism, courage, and a long-term perspective in mind so that the change has a positive effect on their lives and an opportunity to learn and grow from it.
Remember, a rubber-band does not do it's job until it is stretched!
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Character Traits of a Champion: Endurance
As we continue to explore what it means to be a Champion, another trait quickly rises to the forefront. The character trait of Endurance. What is Endurance? One definition states: The inward strength to withstand stress and do my best.
Where does that inward strength come from? As a Christian, I believe that it comes from reliance on not your own strength, but all that is Christ's. Yet inward strength also brings to mind the definition of meekness, "power under control." In the Champion's life it is not one of lashing out based on circumstance, but staying the course with the end result always in mind. It is the ability to withstand causes of disappointment, disillusionment, and discouragement knowing that after weathering the storm there breaks through the clouds a peace that passes understanding. There is joy unspeakable and the glory of accomplishment.
Where does that inward strength come from? As a Christian, I believe that it comes from reliance on not your own strength, but all that is Christ's. Yet inward strength also brings to mind the definition of meekness, "power under control." In the Champion's life it is not one of lashing out based on circumstance, but staying the course with the end result always in mind. It is the ability to withstand causes of disappointment, disillusionment, and discouragement knowing that after weathering the storm there breaks through the clouds a peace that passes understanding. There is joy unspeakable and the glory of accomplishment.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Character Traits of a Champion: Desire
A vital trait of a Champion is Desire. Desire can be defined as an intense wish, generally repeated or enduring, for something that is at the moment beyond reach but may be attainable at some future time. A Champion knows that the best things in life do not come from instant gratification, but are obtained in the pursuit of a lofty and in some minds, an unattainable goal.
Champions use their desire to plan and obtain their goals. @DaveRamsey has said, "Children do what feels good. Adults make a plan and follow it." In the Champion context we could say, "Most people do what feels good. Champions have a desire for something greater then themselves, make a plan, and pursue that goal with all their hearts."
"Champions are made from something they have deep inside them --
a desire, a dream, a vision."
Muhammad Ali
Thursday, June 2, 2011
What is a Champion?
The dictionary defines a champion as: A person who fights or argues for a cause or on behalf of someone else.
This blog is dedicated to Champions - those who will fight, those who will argue, those who will be courageous in a cause that may be to a normal person unachievable, but to a Champion it is an opportunity to rise to the challenge, to meet adversity with a head held high, to overcome all obstacles to obtain the prize.
Are you a Champion?
Do you hear the call to become a Champion?
This blog is dedicated to Champions - those who will fight, those who will argue, those who will be courageous in a cause that may be to a normal person unachievable, but to a Champion it is an opportunity to rise to the challenge, to meet adversity with a head held high, to overcome all obstacles to obtain the prize.
Are you a Champion?
Do you hear the call to become a Champion?
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