Passion -- Traits of a Champion: Part 13

Definitions and Quotes organized by Jon Whithaus

This is the final part of a series of 13 posts designed to trigger thinking about what are the true traits of champions. Each post in this series identifies a trait that champions own. Next the trait is defined. Then quotes are provided that illustrate the trait. The final step is up to you...evaluate yourself. Is the trait strong within you? Now focus on finding ways to strengthen the trait and establish yourself as a champion.

Passion

Defined: Extreme, compelling emotion; intense emotional drive or excitement. Quotes:

Passion to Prepare Players who have a passion to win are a dime a dozen. Players who have a passion to prepare for the chance at winning are much harder to find. If I can find 20 players like that here we’ll be lucky. (Orientation speech at the try-out camp for 1980 Olympic Hockey Team). -- Herb Brooks

Strategy -- Traits of a Champion: Part 12

Definitions and Quotes organized by Jon Whithaus

This is part twelve of a series of 13 posts designed to trigger thinking about what are the true traits of champions. Each post in this series identifies a trait that champions own. Next the trait is defined. Then quotes are provided that illustrate the trait. The final step is up to you...evaluate yourself. Is the trait strong within you? Now focus on finding ways to strengthen the trait and establish yourself as a champion.

Strategy

Defined: Expertise in the science of planning and directing large-scale operations, maneuvering forces into the most advantageous position prior to actual engagement with the enemy. Quotes:

Champions Train Their Minds

Anyone can have a good strategy, but champions have trained their minds to immerse themselves in the process of executing their strategy while surrounded with pressure and distractions. -- Joe Montana

Commitment to Strategy It is unimpressive to merely have strategy. It impressive to commit to the strategy. Those who can make this commitment will always be in the hunt. -- Nick Faldo

Real Skill -- Traits of a Champion: Part 11

Definitions and Quotes organized by Jon Whithaus

This is part eleven of a series of 13 posts designed to trigger thinking about what are the true traits of champions. Each post in this series identifies a trait that champions own. Next the trait is defined. Then quotes are provided that illustrate the trait. The final step is up to you...evaluate yourself. Is the trait strong within you? Now focus on finding ways to strengthen the trait and establish yourself as a champion.

Real Skill

Defined: 1. Great ability or proficiency; expertness that comes from training, practice, etc. 2. Knowledge, understanding or judgment. Quotes:

Self-Determined Winners and losers are both self-determined, but only winners are willing to admit it. -- John Wooden

Nothing New

It is nothing new or original to say that golf is played one stroke at a time. But it took me many years to realize it. -- Bobby Jones

Real Skill Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.

-- John Wooden

Poise -- Traits of a Champion: Part 10

Definitions and Quotes organized by Jon Whithaus

This is part ten of a series of 13 posts designed to trigger thinking about what are the true traits of champions. Each post in this series identifies a trait that champions own. Next the trait is defined. Then quotes are provided that illustrate the trait. The final step is up to you...evaluate yourself. Is the trait strong within you? Now focus on finding ways to strengthen the trait and establish yourself as a champion.

Poise

Defined: 1. Ease and dignity of manner; self-assurance; composure. 2. The condition of being calm or serene. Quotes:

Staying Within Yourself

Poise occurs when you have practiced the art of staying within yourself and your process. -- John Stockton

Trsuts Comes From Daily Habits Teams play with poise when they fully trust everyone in the locker room. It is not magic. This full trust in each other comes from daily habits, actions and attitudes. -- Steve Yzerman

Talent -- Traits of a Champion: Part 9

Definitions and Quotes organized by Jon Whithaus

This is part nine of a series of 13 posts designed to trigger thinking about what are the true traits of champions. Each post in this series identifies a trait that champions own. Next the trait is defined. Then quotes are provided that illustrate the trait. The final step is up to you...evaluate yourself. Is the trait strong within you? Now focus on finding ways to strengthen the trait and establish yourself as a champion.

Talent

Defined: 1. Any natural ability or power; natural endowment. 2. A superior, apparently natural ability in the learning or doing of anything. Quotes:

Character Adversity does not build character … it reveals it. -- Unknown author The Talent of Trust It takes a certain talent to lay it on the line for each other. Trust in your fellow man and in turn he will trust in you. – Herb Brooks

Leadership -- Traits of a Champion: Part 8

Definitions and Quotes organized by Jon Whithaus

This is part eight of a series of 13 posts designed to trigger thinking about what are the true traits of champions. Each post in this series identifies a trait that champions own. Next the trait is defined. Then quotes are provided that illustrate the trait. The final step is up to you...evaluate yourself. Is the trait strong within you? Now focus on finding ways to strengthen the trait and establish yourself as a champion.

Leadership

Defined: The position or guidance of a leader; directing, commanding, or guiding head, as of a group. Quotes:

Vision A leader’s job is look into the future, and to see the team not as it is … but as it can become. --Unknown author The Essence of Leadership A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others. He does not set out to be a leader, but becomes one by the quality of his actions and the integrity of his intent. In the end, leaders are much like eagles ... they don’t flock, you find them one at a time. -- Unknown author Lead with Vision Leaders keep their eyes on the horizon, not just on the bottom line. -- Unknown author

Perseverance -- Traits of a Champion: Part 7

Definitions and Quotes organized by Jon Whithaus

This is part seven of a series of 13 posts designed to trigger thinking about what are the true traits of champions. Each post in this series identifies a trait that champions own. Next the trait is defined. Then quotes are provided that illustrate the trait. The final step is up to you...evaluate yourself. Is the trait strong within you? Now focus on finding ways to strengthen the trait and establish yourself as a champion.

Perseverance

Defined: 1. The act of continued, patient effort. 2. The quality of one who is steadfast in purpose, persistence. Quotes: Real Talent Real talent is not what most people think it is. Real talent is not a natural ability to hammer the ball down the range. Real talent is not some extraordinary gift for putting. Real talent is patience. Real talent is persistence. Real talent is the ability to keep in mind the vision of yourself as you want to be. Real talent leads to discipline, and discipline leads to sustained effort over a long period of time. That effort is what produces, in the end, long drives down the middle and extraordinary putts. -- Bob Rotella Competing Against Yourself The principle is competing against yourself. It's about self-improvement, about being better than you were the day before. --Steve Young Believe and Succeed Courage does not always roar. Sometimes, it is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, ‘I will try again tomorrow.” -- Unknown author Practice

Practice puts brains in your muscles. --Sam Snead