Hey guys,
A few weeks ago, I met a guy who was a famous author for Sports Illustrated. He has spent a lot of time talking to and studying “What Makes the Great ones Great” and wrote an autobiography of Walter Payton. Payton was one of my favorite football players growing up and was one of the greatest of all time so I thought some of the lessons he learned throughout his life might be useful to you both.
The points I found most important are highlighted in this one page document which is attached, so that you can reference them anytime you want and hopefully learn from them as you grow up. I’m going to plan on doing this for you both as I read things that have an impact on me, because as I’m sure you both know (or will figure out soon), it’s often easier for me to express myself through others.
We can all learn a lot from “The Great Ones” and the characteristics they exhibit. Here are 16 Characteristics of True Champions:
How They Think
- It’s Personal. They hate to lose more than they love to win.
- Rubbing Elbows. They understand the value of association.
- Believe. They have faith in a higher power.
- Contagious Enthusiasm. They are positive thinkers… They are enthusiastic… and that enthusiasm rubs off.
How They Prepare
- Hope For the Best, But…They prepare for all possibilities before they step on the field.
- What Off-Season? They are always working towards the next game…
- Visualize Victory. They see victory before the game begins.
- Inner Fire. They use adversity as fuel.
How They Work
- Ice In Their Veins. They are risk-takers and don’t fear making a mistake.
- When All Else Fails. They know how – and when – to adjust their game plan.
- Ultimate Teammate. They will assume whatever role is necessary for the team to win.
How They Live
- Not Just About the Benjamins. They don’t play just for the money.
- Do Unto Others. They know character is defined by how they treat those who cannot help them.
- When No One Is Watching. They are comfortable in the mirror… they live their life with integrity.
- When Everyone Is Watching. They embrace the idea of being a role model.
- Records Are Made to Be Broken. They know their legacy isn’t what they did on the field. They are well-rounded.
P.S. The great ones are also great being they love what they do for a living and they know how to have fun! Don’t ever forget that. Work isn’t work if you are having fun. Walter Payton loved the game and had a lot of fun playing it. The Bears even made a ridiculous music video the year they won the Super Bowl! You guys are gonna love this! Check it out!
http://www.break.com/video/ugc/chicago-bears-super-bowl-shuffle-rap-song-443793
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