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.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
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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