Essay 8

What makes a champion?

I watched the winter Olympics very carefully this year. I watched the profiles of the athletes, the profiles of the coaches, the relationship between the athletes and their families. I was looking for what it takes to be the best. I was moved by the level of commitment of each of the stars. They focused on being their best and then went out and performed.

Sure there is extensive training, a history of hard work, lots and lots of practice. But underneath it all, each champion is just as human as you or me. The only difference is their focus. The real champion gets every distraction out of the way and focuses on winning. They focus only on what matters. When the gun goes off, they put one skate in front of the other, or make the next turn around the slalom gate. They do so with a strength that is available for us all.

We have all been practicing at life. We have studied, worked hard, trained and practiced for what ever it is that we do, whatever it is that we want to win. All that separates us from gold medals is our focus.

The Olympics are over. When I return to my work tomorrow morning, I will do so with a new focus on what counts. I will ask my own coach to push me harder to win what I am here to win. I will let go of the distractions that keep me from focusing on my art. I will work like a champion.

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