The Qualities (Traits) of a True Champion

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by:  Craig Lock

Decide to Win

All winning takes place in the mind True champions have the following characteristics:

* Total discipline

* Determination (great)

* Desperation, i.e. an unshakable commitment to their goals (or cause).

"When I put on the helmut, it's pure rage." New Zealand Indycar champion, Scott Dixon

All champions have the great will to win

An unshakable belief in their abilities.

* Resilience - it's the ability to bounce back after setbacks. "A champ is down at times, but he's never out."

* Patience and dedication.

* Consistency of performance

* An outstanding work ethic.

They work hard at what they do, continually developing their skills. Elite sportspeople keep improving every year. Former multiple women's tennis champion, Martina Navritilova was only average on her early career, but improved hugely with dedication, effort and persistence. Champions spend hours and hours of practice and rehearsal . (It has been said that it takes about 10000 hours of practice and rehearsal to be the best in the world??? I think it might have been Malcolm Gladwell who said that, but am not sure whether the statement is valid. What do you think?)

"FAIL YOUR WAY TO SUCCESS" Every one failure brings you one step closer to ultimate success.

"I've missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games. Twenty-six times I've been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I've failed over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed." -  Michael Jordan, Basketball Player

You only fail, if you quit!

The importance of preparation and practice:

England rugby player Johnny Wilkinson has prepared very well in his career with over 25000 kicks.

Pay more attention (focus) on your strengths than your weaknesses; because they, your strengths will set you apart from the competition. Lift you! Champions rise to the occasion.

' * Elite athletes have a narrow focus Great memory - for minute details. They remember well the precise factors, circumstances and conditions that led to their successes in the past. "A memory on how to move", e.g.. Andre Agassi's great return of serve.

"Super-stars" have a great sense of anticipation, which is learnt. And success (like failure) is a learnt habit.

Great attention to detail as evident in their professional planning the path to success.

Summary

Three resolutions:

* self reliance

* self discipline

* self responsibility

True champions have:

* Talent

* Discipline

* Tenacity

* The "will to win" ("an indomitable will)

"Strength does not come from physical capacity; it comes from an indomitable will." - Mahatma Gandhi (and Lance Armstrong)

* Integrity (you're now just taking the first steps back on the road to rehabilitation and being "more human", Tiger!)

* Desperation (a "cast iron" determination to work hard)

* Chrystal clear focus

* Consistency of performance

"You look at Valentino Rossi, Michael Schumacher, Tiger Woods, Roger Federer - they back up year after year. I'm not getting too far ahead of myself, but the motivation will be similar." - the words of Jamie Whincup (back-to-back Australian Supercar champion

NB:
* Inspiration (they are inspired to regularly deliver elite performances)

* FUN, greatly enjoying what they do..

Discover, then celebrate the champion of life that is in YOU!

"If you can dream it, you can do it!"

And have great fun along the magical journey of life

Shared by Craig Lock Eagle Productions
("Information and Inspiration Distributer, Incorrigible Encourager and People-builder")

"Life is measured not in years alone, but in achievement." - Bruce McLaren (New Zealand racing driver and founder of the McLaren motor racing marquee, died 1970)

"To live your life in your own way To reach the goals you've set for yourself To be the person you want to be - That is success." - author anon.

"There is one only one success: to be able to spend your life in your own way" - Christopher Morley

"The important thing is this: to be able at any moment to sacrifice what we are for what we could become." - Charles Du Bos

"I am not just a human being... I am a human 'bean' just becoming." - My good friend and "wise" intellectual philosopher, Dr Andy Eastcott (thanks for fixing my teeth and for the most interesting discussions on life, "mate")

"The roots of true achievement lie in the will to become the best that you can become." - Harold Taylor

PS: Most importantly, have FUN enjoying the life journey

About the Author:

Craig believes in (and loves) helping others to find their passions and gifts... through encouraging people to reach out for, then accomplish their "wildest" dreams. He truly believes people can overcome obstacles, rise to any occasion, and accomplish their dreams in life with enough FAITH and PERSISTENCE.

Craig's new blog with thoughts and extracts from various writings is at craiglock.wordpress.com and http://en.search.wordpress.com/?q=%22craig+lock%22

The various books that Craig "felt inspired to write" are available at http://www.webng.com/writernz/index.html http://www.creativekiwis.com/books.html www.lulu.com/craiglock+http://www.myspace.com/writercraig

Inspiration and Motivation

" I am not bound to win, but I am bound to be true. I am not bound to succeed, but I am bound to live by the light that I have." - Abraham Lincoln

"Oh man! There is no planet sun or star could hold you, if you but knew what you are." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

"He who cherishes a beautiful vision, a lofty ideal in his heart, will one day realize it. Dream lofty dreams and as you dream so shall you become." - James Allen

"No vision and you perish; No Ideal, and you're lost; Your heart must ever cherish Some faith at any cost. Some hope, some dream to cling to, Some rainbow in the sky, Some melody to sing to, Some service that is high." - Harriet Du Autermont

"Together, one mind, one life at a time, let's see how many people we can impact, empower, uplift and encourage to reach their fullest potentials."