When it comes to the game of life there are three types of people. The spectator, the player and the champion. There is one component that keeps the spectator from becoming the player and it is the same component that keeps the player from becoming the champion.
Learn and master that component and secure your spot as a champion. Yes, it is possible for you to master that component. Once you learn and make the commitment to that component, you are on your way to success.
The spectators – they enjoy the game, they know the game and may even have skills in the game. They may be able to play the game better than some of the players, but they have not made the commitment necessary to get on the field.
Spectators are great people. They enjoy the game and can be fun to be around. They are smart and work every day so they can afford to attend the game. They party before the game and they get together after the game to replay the game down to the smallest detail, and coach all of the stars on what they should have done.
Spectators dissect the very strategy of the coach, from beginning to end. To include every situation that developed and how it was handled. Of course the strategies that worked, they are completely satisfied with and it is exactly what they would have done if they had been the coach, or the player.
When things go wrong, it is always something that they would have done differently. They would never have gotten into the situation in the first place, and if they had, they would have handled it differently. There is no one better at the game than the Monday morning quarterback.
There are people in the stands who could actually outperform a particular player on the field on a particular play, on a particular day. Spectators can be extremely talented. Spectators can be extremely knowledgeable. Spectators can be good people, but they are spectators because they have not made the commitment to devote themselves to the game day in and day out. They have not made the commitment to train every day. They have not made the commitment to do whatever it takes to play and win.
Then we have the players. Players have made a commitment to the game and they are willing to participate in preparing for the game. They do the work necessary to get ready for the game. They know that it is going to take many hours over many days or months or years to get ready for the game. They know it is going to be hard work, but they are willing to pay the price just to get on the field and show what they can do. Players have passion.
Players will stick to it through thick and thin, they expect excellence and they are willing to work for that chance to show what they can do. They have shown that they stand out from the crowd, they have earned the right to wear the uniform. They get recognition for their efforts whether they win or lose. They have committed to putting forth effort. They have shown a level of commitment that is above that of others that only wish for the opportunity to play.
Then there are the champions. The champions are a very unique bunch. They have made the commitment and they have followed through on that passion that burns within them.
To be honest, many champions don’t have the talent of some of the most talented players, they may not have started with the skills of some of the spectators, but they have something that sets them apart from the rest. They have a passion that burns within them and that passion has the ability to move mountains.
If a champion has a skill that person will hone it to a razors edge. They will do it over and over again until it is sharp. Then they will do the work to keep it sharp. This is how they distinguish themselves from the spectators and the players. They continue to work on their every skill because of the fire within.
If the champion does not have a skill that is needed, that person will work to not only learn that skill, but master it.
A spectator may even play minor league, and will take advantage of weaker opponents and claim victory. That spectator will not commit enough to actually take the field physically with equal opponents. The spectator may have the intellect to criticize the coach and players, but lacks the heart and commitment to move out of the stands.
The player has made a commitment to pay the price and the tenacity to stick to it and take the field. The player gives a high level of effort each time the field of play is entered. The player takes great pleasure in winning and finds it a high experience. The player also finds distress in losing and finds it a very low point, often remaining in that place way too long. Players sometimes don’t recover from the lows.
The champion on the other hand is willing to pay the price and pay it over and over again, day in and day out. The champion does take undue advantage of the weaker opponent, but takes much pleasure in beating worthy opponents.
The champion seeks out the toughest opponents possible because that is how you establish your claim to superiority. The champion may find a low point in a loss, but it does not last long because that lesson will only point out areas that need to be strengthened. Just as soon as it is over, the champion is working tirelessly on developing the skill necessary to play on an even higher level.
The champion may not have to have the highest skills at the beginning. The champion may not have the highest intellect. The champion does not have to have the highest physical abilities, but the champion has something that is more valuable than all of these attributes. The champion has the passion to overcome every obstacle placed in the way. The champion knows that overcoming challenges is what makes you strong and gives you the opportunity to reach your rightful place as king of the hill.
The fire within, known as passion is the most important component you need to claim your rightful place as king of the hill. You can overcome any deficiencies in talent, knowledge or even experience by pursuing your passion. Passion turns work into the pleasure of conquest and seals your stamp on your success.
If you are a spectator, you can become a player. If you are a player you can develop the heart of a champion. Anyone who possesses the heart and passion of a champion can reign supreme and this definitely includes YOU!
I issue a challenge to you spectators who are watching the game of life pass you by. If you feel that you have something within you, a better idea, better skills, more tenacity, anything, make the commitment because the world is waiting on you and if you don’t do it, somebody else will.
Players, you are paying a price that is extremely close to that of the champion right now, don’t fall short at the finish line. One more step may be the difference between success and failure. Claim your championship, you deserve it!
