"The Winner's Circle"

"The more I learn, the more I realize I don't know," said Dr. Jim Hurley, of Reformed Theological Seminary to a group of us students back in 2001. This is a brilliant man. And, obviously a wise and humble man. I want to be more like that.

The longer I do recovery, the more I realize how much I:

a. don't know

b. need to learn, and

c. need my brain to be "reprogrammed" toward successful thinking, rather than self-defeating thinking.

It is frustrating at times to be so "slow," but I am trying to keep the course and learn all I can from other people. It's time I start learning more from other people's mistakes AND their life long lessons learned, rather than from my own mistakes.

Below is an e-article I received today. I don't know much about Denis Waitley, but he clearly has wisdom and insight, as indicated in the article below. It is powerful stuff. It's a reminder that I don't have to be hindered by my current circumstances. As he says, "Champions view failures as temporary inconveniences and learning experiences." Also, "winners believe in their worth in advance of their performance. Champions believe in their dreams when they have only a dream to hang on to..."

Wow, do I need to hear that and apply that each day. I struggle at times to not be hindered by fear, doubt, past failure, and feelings of incompetence. I don't have to let my past determine my future. I want to be a champion in this life and be a difference maker; not a home wrecker!

The Winner’s Circle,   
by Denis Waitley

Every four years we see those five brilliant interlocking Olympic rings on flags and in television and billboard advertising globally. The Olympic Games are where the best in the world go for the gold and the few stand, listening to their national anthem, in the coveted winner’s circle. If the five Olympic rings were attitudes of champions in every profession, these five attitudes would be prominent in the mindset of the peak performer:

1. Paying the Price – Everyone wants to win, but few are willing to invest the time and effort. Paying the price means focusing on developing the skills and training regimen of champions—observation, imitation, repetition and the internalization of knowledge into habits; also, learning why and how to go the extra mile and seeing success as a marathon, not a dash. Champions view failures as temporary inconveniences and learning experiences.

 

2. The Olympian Within – Winners believe in their worth in advance of their performance. Most people base their worth on their current status or achievement level, which means that until they are judged successful by society’s standards, they have little to be proud of. Champions believe in their dreams when they have only a dream to hang on to, even in the face of criticism and superior achievements by others.

3. Non-situational Integrity—Authentic, lasting winners have an uncompromising attitude about self-honesty. They function according to an “integrity triangle,” consisting of three basic questions: Are my beliefs based upon truth? Do my words and actions correspond with truth and honesty? Before I speak or act, do I honestly consider the impact of my decision on other people and the environment?

4. The “Coachability” Factor—Champions are always open to alternatives to improve their performance. Consistent winners are not the arrogant egotists who dominate the media spotlight. The most successful individuals in the game of life are often the most approachable, most gracious, non-judgmental with others and most critical of their own performances, as well as most eager to learn and improve.

5. Being a Team Player—A team in harmony is synergy in motion, where the whole is greater than the sum of the individual talents. When all assignments are understood, when each takes 100 percent responsibility for the outcome, a quantum leap in performance takes place. Winners learn how to become interdependent, without sacrificing individuality; how to stand out, while fitting in.

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Mark 12:30-31, New American Standard Bible (NASB)

 ³⁰ and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ ³¹ The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”