Portrait of a Champion

Championship Series

The 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London have come and gone! Man, what an exciting time watching champions from around the globe competing for the gold on the world's biggest stage. The amazing Gabrielle Douglas, Allyson Felix, and Usain Bolt, among others, all won gold medals, proving themselves champions in their respective events.  They dug down really deep within to become all that they could be - world champions!

Are you all that you can be? As quiet as it's kept, there is a champion inside of you, eager to emerge! Are you living your best and highest life now? You really can win the gold in your own life, and realize your full, God-given potential! 

What does a champion look like?   

A careful study reveals true champions share many of the ten (10) following characteristics:

Great Character - Honesty, integrity, and trustworthiness are not only crucial, but they give you a decided advantage over your critics and competitors. The Bible says, "The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and He delighteth in his way." Psalm 37:23. Who can stop you with the LORD on your side?
Intense Focus - Champions focus like a laser on vision, goals, and purpose! Concentrate intensely on what matters most. Keep first things first!   
Extremely Hard Work - Champions train, work, and prepare, not only harder than everyone else, but also smarter.
Influence - True champions are the role model's role model! Others seek to emulate how they  train, conduct themselves, and manage their personal brands.
Leadership - You were born to lead! "The LORD will make you the head, not the tail. If you pay attention to the commands of the LORD your God that I give you this day and carefully follow them , you will always be at the top, never at the bottom." Deuteronomy 28:13. Become not only a leader, but an expert on  leadership! Champions lead by example.
Passion! Passion! Passion! - Nothing great was ever accomplished without enthusiasm!
Perserverance -  If a champion falls seven times, he/she will rise again!
Responsibility - True champions always take full responsibity for their decisions, words, and actions. No excuses!
Teamwork - Teamwork makes the dream work! Value your team members. Be coachable!
Winning Attitude - Champions always expect to win! They visualize the victory long before it even happens. Their preparation gives them a supreme confidence that they can't lose. Raise the roof on your expectations! You have favor! "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13

Do you see a champion staring back at you when you look in the mirror? If you follow the Biblical principles cited here, and in related posts, that champion in the mirror just might well be you!

Begin unlocking your full potential today and start living your best life now, and that life more abundantly! Be sure to check back for more tips on how to be all that you can be. Thanks for stopping by, champion!

For more regarding the heart of a champion check out the following links:

The Champion Mindset
Characteristics of A Champion
Soul of a Champion: Athletes Share Common Competitive Thread - USA Today
The 10 Characteristics of a Champion - eHow.com 
Competitive Greatness Defined - C4 Competitors
Tony Dungy - Official Website
Roger Federer - Official Website
Serena Williams - Official Website
Lebron James - Official Website

Recommended Reading: 

Grace, Gold, and Glory: My Leap of Faith -The Gabrielle Douglas Story, Gabrielle Douglas
A Champion's Mind: Lessons From a Life in Tennis, Pete Sampras
The Captain: The Journey of Derek Jeter, Ian O'Connor
On the Line, Serena Williams
Quest For Perfection, Roger Federer
How to Be Like Mike: Life Lessons About Basketball's Best, Pat Williams
Quiet Strength: The Principles, Practices, and Priorities of a Winning Life, Tony Dungy
Jackie Robinson: A Biography, Arnold Rampersad
Unmerited Favor, Joseph Prince
The Leadership Wisdom of Solomon - 22 Essential Strategies for Leading With Integrity, Pat Williams with Jim Denney

Until next time,

Stay Blessed!

Kenneth Lillard