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

Heart -- Traits of a Champion: Part 6

Definitions and Quotes organized by Jon Whithaus This is part six 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.

Heart

Defined: 1. The central, vital or main part; real meaning; essence; core. 2. With all one’s effort, enthusiasm. Quotes: The Courage of Integrity The highest courage is to dare to be yourself in the face of adversity. Choosing the right over wrong, ethics over convenience, and truth over popularity … these are the choices that measure your life. Travel the path of integrity without looking back, for there is never a wrong time to do the right thing. -- Unknown author Never Give Up Go over, go under, go around, or go through. But never give up. -- Unknown author Successful People The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will. -Vincent T. Lombardi

Confidence -- Traits of a Champion: Part 5

Definitions and Quotes organized by Jon Whithaus This is part five 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.

Confidence

Defined: 1. Firm belief; trust; reliance 2. The fact of being or feeling certain; assurance. 3. Belief in one’s own abilities. Quotes:

Expectation You have to expect things of yourself before you can do them. --Michael Jordan

Inner Confidence "I look into their eyes, shake their hand, pat their back, and wish them luck, but I am thinking, 'I am going to bury you.'" --Seve Ballesteros

Inner Winning You must whole-heartedly have enough self-confidence in your method and your game to know you can win. If you don’t believe that you can, then you have already lost. -- Tom Kite

Excellence Excellence is the result of caring more than others think is wise, risking more than others think is safe, dreaming more than others think is practical, and expecting more than others think is possible. -- Unknown author

Decisiveness

Indecision builds nervous tension and undermines any remaining confidence."

- Sharron Moran

Strength -- Traits of a Champion: Part 4

Definitions and Quotes organized by Jon Whithaus This is part four 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.

Strength

Defined: 1. The state or quality of being strong; force; power; vigor. 2. The power to resist strain, stress; toughness; durability. 3. The power to resist attack. Quotes: Strength is What You Know Strength is knowing that you have prepared better than anyone else. --Annika Sorenstam Real Strength Working harder than others in all areas is real strength. Real strength is having total belief that as we play more holes, I am more likely to get stronger while my competitors are likely to get weaker. -- Gary Player

Visualization -- Traits of a Champion: Part 3

Definitions and Quotes organized by Jon Whithaus This is part three 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.

Visualization

Defined: 1. The creation of a clear picture of something in the mind 2. A clear picture of something created in the mind 3. A technique whereby somebody creates a vivid positive mental picture of something such as a desired outcome to a problem, in order to promote a sense of well-being Quotes: See Yourself Succeed The harder you prepare for anything, the better you can visualize yourself succeeding – your confidence increasing, thus the less pressure you feel, thus the better you perform. Relate this work ethic to practicing golf, as all fine players do, and you will definitely begin to play the game with a more positive attitude about hitting the shots it takes to be a winner. -- Seve Ballesteros Imaginary Tunnel The key for me lies in always looking down an imaginary tunnel to my target. In doing so, I conjure up a clear picture of a perfectly played shot, then simply set myself in the appropriate address position to execute it. This process steadies my nerves, stops my mind from wandering, and blanks out all distractions. -- Tom Watson You Must Go To The Movies: In order to hit great shots, you must create mental movies of yourself hitting great shots – then you must have the discipline replay the mental movies before every shot. -- Seve Ballesteros

Discipline -- Traits of a Champion: Part 2

Definitions and Quotes organized by Jon Whithaus This is part two 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.

Discipline

Defined: 1. A training that develops self-control, character or orderliness and efficiency. 2. Strict control to enforce obedience. Quotes: Preparation The will to win is important, but the will to prepare is vital. -Joe Paterno Success Some people dream of success … while others wake up and work hard at it. -- Unknown author

Attitude -- Traits of a Champion: Part 1

Definitions and Quotes organized by Jon Whithaus This is part one 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.

Attitude

Defined: 1. Sure: certain and not in doubt 2. Confident, optimistic, and focusing on the good things rather than bad 3. Producing good results because of having an innately beneficial character 4. Encouraging behavior, especially in the young, that is considered morally good Quotes:

The Power of Attitude Our lives are not determined by what happens to us, but by how we react to what happens; not by what life brings us, but by the attitude we bring to life. A positive attitude causes a chain reaction of positive thoughts, events, and outcomes. It is a catalyst … a spark that creates extraordinary results. -- Unknown author The Light of Optimism Sometimes we learn the hard way that it doesn’t pay to get discouraged. Positive thinking is an intellectual choice, and by keeping our eyes focused on the light of optimism, we can restore faith in ourselves, and stay clear of the shadows. -- Unknown author Teamwork Coming together is a beginning … keeping together is progress … working together is a success. -- Unknown author

Teamwork Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision. The ability to direct individual accomplishment toward organizational objectives. It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results. -- Unknown author

Searching for the Right Collegiate Team: Part 3

Depth of Competition in Men's Golf Do not let the NCAA designation of Division I, II or III cloud your view of a golf program. The difference between I, II, and III is mainly the amount of available athletic based scholarship (explained in the previous post) and depth of competition. Division affiliation should not influence your view regarding important factors such as competitiveness of the program, quality of the coach, quality of the facilities, team environment, and the total cost of attending school. Depth of Competition There are approximately 280 Division I golf teams, 170 Division II golf teams, and 230 Division III golf teams. It is important to understand that not all Division I teams are better than all Division II teams and both are not better than all Division III teams. In my opinion one major difference between the divisions is the number of quality teams that exist at each division. At the Division I level there are a lot of teams that usually compete at a high level at the Division II level this number is much smaller and at the Division III level it is even smaller. Though the number of quality teams is smaller in Division II and III, the teams at the top of those Divisions are excellent and can compete with many division I schools. It is wise to pick your college based on the facts, not on the generalization of Division.

Searching for the Right Collegiate Team: Part 2

Scholarship Facts for Men's Golf Do not let the NCAA designation of Division I, II or III cloud your view of a golf program. The difference between I, II, and III is mainly the amount of available athletic based scholarship and depth of competition (explained in the next post). Division affiliation should not influence your view regarding important factors such as competitiveness of the program, quality of the coach, quality of the facilities, team environment, and the total cost of attending school. Scholarship Amount – You may already be aware of this information but it does not hurt to be reminded. Division I schools have 4.5 total scholarships, Division II schools have 3.6 total scholarships, and Division III schools do not offer athletic-based scholarships. Though this may seem like a substantial difference, there are many factors to consider before you can compare the cost of attending different schools. Factors that should be considered when assessing cost of attending a particular school are: 1) Total amount of tuition, fees, room, board, and books 2) Non-athletic based scholarships available 3) Athletic based scholarships available (significant scholarship offers are very rare in college golf because teams usually have between 9 and 14 players all of whom receive some portion of the 4.5 or 3.6 total scholarship amount).

Searching for the Right Collegiate Team: Part 1

The Right Fit Find the “right fit” for you! I cannot stress the importance of this enough. Choose a university because you feel at home there and know that is where you will be the happiest. Making your decision because a coach has pressured you for a decision or because people in your community expect you to attend a “big name school” is not the right reason to make a decision. The following topics are a good place to start when evaluating different universities and their golf programs. 1) The University – Would you be happy at the university if you didn’t play golf? 2) Team Environment – Will you improve as a golfer playing for the head coach? Are the players on the team the type of individuals that will make you better? 3) Your Ability – Do you have a realistic view of your golf game and where that puts you on the team? 4) Facilities – Do the golf team facilities provide you with the opportunity to improve?

8 Forms of Champion's Discipline: Part 8

written by Jon Whithaus This is the eighth and final part in a series of eight posts that describe the many forms of a Champion's Discipline. These eight forms of discipline have no particular order of priority, but each must be present to perform at a championship level. Discipline #8: Social Discipline

1. Be your own coach...develop your own rules regarding the social behaviors that you believe will help you to be the person and competitor that you want to be.
2. Stick to your rules. Have accountability partners (such teammates, parents, etc) to help keep you on track.
3. Develop daily social habits that do not have to be changed when it is time to compete. Your body will perform it's best when you are consistent with your lifestyle.

8 Forms of a Champion's Discipline: Part 7

written by Jon Whithaus This is the seventh part in a series of eight posts that describe the many forms of a Champion's Discipline. These eight forms of discipline have no particular order of priority, but each must be present to perform at a championship level. Discipline #7: Time Management Discipline

1. In all areas of your life, get your work done early. Never procrastinate.
2. You must develop a method of prioritizing all items in your life. It is impossible to do everything and without belief in your prioritizing system. If you don't have a system you will tend to feel overwhelmed.
3. Have a good system for managing your time before, during and after your practice sessions. This will put you in a better frame of mind to prepare like a champion.
4. Realistically plan out your on competition days. You must allow for some "calming" time get your mind ready to compete.

8 Forms of a Champion's Discipline: Part 6

written by Jon Whithaus This is the sixth part in a series of eight posts that describe the many forms of a Champion's Discipline. These eight forms of discipline have no particular order of priority, but each must be present to perform at a championship level. Discipline #6: Nutrition Discipline

1. Eating properly as a daily habit...especially on the days leading up to competition.
2. Stay away from sugar, caffeine and alcoholic drinks.
3. Plan ahead for tournaments and trips. It can be hard to find the proper food when you are travelling. Bring the appropriate items with you so that your nutrition doesn't suffer while you on the road.

8 Forms of a Champion's Discipline: Part 5

written by Jon Whithaus This is the fifth part in a series of eight posts that describe the many forms of a Champion's Discipline. These eight forms of discipline have no particular order of priority, but each must be present to perform at a championship level. Discipline #5: Fitness Discipline

1. Pay attention to details while working out.
2. Do all exercises correctly and take it seriously...ask for help if you don't understand how to do any exercise.
3. Be diligent about securing time in your schedule to work on a daily basis.

8 Forms of a Champion's Discipline: Part 4

written by Jon Whithaus This is the fourth part in a series of eight posts that describe the many forms of a Champion's Discipline. These eight forms of discipline have no particular order of priority, but each must be present to perform at a championship level. Discipline #4: Positive Thinking Discipline

1. Everything is a choice, you can always look at a situation in a positive manner if you choose to do so.
2. Course conditions and/or weather can always be used as a positive.
3. Never complain...even if you want you want to complain, don't vocalize it. Vocalizing your complaints will negatively effect you and your teammates.
4. Even away from the golf course, be positive about everything. Even negative thoughts about such things as meals, tv shows, movies, homework, etc. can create a bad environment that will soon negatively effect your golf.
5. Be supportive and positive to your teammates, coaches and competitors.
6. Always look at the next hole and the next round as a new opportunity, regardless of the result of the previous hole or round.

8 Forms of a Champion's Discipline: Part 3

written by Jon Whithaus This is the third part in a series of eight posts that describe the many forms of a Champion's Discipline. These eight forms of discipline have no particular order of priority, but each must be present to perform at a championship level. Discipline #3: Competitive Discipline

1. You must recognize that this is competition, not practice.
2. Compete on every shot.
3. Each shot is a small competition against yourself: (a) To choose a good target; (b) To stay narrowly focused on that target; (c) To attack that target; (d) To react with an appropriate post-shot response that sets the tone for the next shot.
4. A round of golf is made up of 18 unrelated competitions. A win is a par or better. A loss is bogey or worse.
5. Each hole is a new opportunity to win regardless of the result of the last hole.
6. At the conclusion of the round, you should have a win-loss record (for example 14-4). As you advance as a player, you should change the definition of a win/loss on all par 5s: a win is a 4 or less; a loss is a 5 or higher.
7. Compete with passion.

8 Forms of a Champion's Discipline: Part 2

written by Jon Whithaus This is the second part in a series of eight posts that describe the many forms of a Champion's Discipline. These eight forms of discipline have no particular order of priority, but each must be present to perform at a championship level. Discipline #2: Target Discipline

1. During practice sessions, work on hitting to different targets that are not flags or greens.
2. During practice rounds, work on picking good targets and memorizing which targets that you will attack during competition.
3. Pick the right target for your game, your current confidence level and the current weather conditions...then attack that target.

8 Forms of a Champion's Discipline: Part 1

written by Jon Whithaus This is the first part in a series of eight posts that describe the many forms of a Champion's Discipline. These eight forms of discipline have no particular order of priority, but each must be present to perform at a championship level. Discipline #1: Preparation Discipline

1. Every time that you practice, you must practice with a purpose. Don't just go through the motions. Find a way to feel like you have gotten better at the end of every practice session.
2. Be early for each practice session so you can be mentally ready when you begin your practice. This habit will reinforce to you, your teammates and your coaches that you are committed to proper preparation.
3. Be ready mentally and physically for each practice session.
4. Prepare with the next course that you will compete on in the front of your mind. Visualize and practice shots that will be used on the next course that you will compete on.