Sports:
A Winning Way of Life
When it comes to life and "winning," people often become their own
worst enemies.
This phenomenon comes from a multitude of sources: teachers, parents,
friends, coaches, TV. In short, we are taught by modern
society to believe fallacies in regard to winning. Over and
over, we are told that we must not make mistakes; that we must win at
any cost; that the winner is the last person standing.
It's time to put these defeating thoughts and ideas
to rest once and for all. "A Winning Way of Life"
is within your power, and it doesn't mean "win at all costs."
The art of winning involves 3 elements for success:
 Focus
Etiquette/sportsmanship
Desire
When we encompass all three elements, we approach the game from a
higher standard. We begin to think and play like a champion,
and to live "A Winning Way of Life." Let's look at all three:
Focus
When we are focused, our mind is thinking of nothing else but the task
at hand. By ignoring distractions, we keep our opponent, the
spectators, and all other external conditions from bothering us.
When we concentrate on each game, point by point or
moment by moment, we are playing with "Zen".
In other words, we are in the "zone."
 We are not concerned about any individual
point within the game. Likewise, we are not thinking about the end
result. We are totally in the "here and now" - the
present moment. If we observe top athletes when
they are performing at an optimum level, more often than not they are
playing with Zen focus. You can see it by the intensity in
their eyes. Their entire presence is relaxed,
showing inner control of their mind, body and emotions. They
aren't worried about making mistakes or being the last person standing.
Etiquette and Sportsmanship
When we develop a respect and appreciation for ourselves, our
teammates, our opponent, our sport, and the rules; we become very
passionate about what we are doing, and we feel a greater sense of joy
while doing it. We become immersed in the game.
When we are enjoying the process of playing and learning, we play
better and improve faster. When playing any sport, make the
most of the experience - win or lose - by simply enjoying yourself; have
fun!
In the presence of stress, pressure, or a critical moment, get in the
habit of taking deep breaths and mentally training your mind and body
to relax. Remember, humor eases tensions.
Laugh, smile, think a pleasant thought and put things in
perspective.
Are you someone who makes winning or losing a life-and-death matter?
Whether you win or lose is fleeting and inconsequential to
your happiness in the long run. The result has
nothing to do with your worth as a person, (The Buffalo Bills went to
four straight Super Bowls and lost them all - should they feel
worthless because of that?)
To start enjoying yourself, make sure you engage in good
etiquette and sportsmanship. If happiness is what you are
looking for from success and winning, why not reverse the equation?
Play and live with happiness, and most likely you will win
and find the success.
Desire
Decide that you are too important to not be the best you can be.
To play your best you have to face your fear. Eliminate from
your vocabulary all those self-defeating phrases such as "I can't," "if only,"
"what if," "why me," and so on. It's now time to take a
risk and play your game without fear of performing poorly, losing, or
making mistakes. Assume the attitude of a winner.
Too often it's our own mind, not the circumstances around us, which
keeps us from enjoying ourselves and succeeding. Don't let
anybody or anything be your boss when it comes to being your best self.
Be your own boss. When you do your best, you will feel your
best.
It may be obvious, but feeling good about ourselves and having good
experiences are among the best things that we can have in life.
By practicing and living by the three elements for success
we have just learned, you will develop a winning way of life!
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