by Steve Haubrick
Whether it is in business or sports, the road to becoming a champion and winner takes two key things: belief and hard work.
In order to be a champion, you have to believe in yourself and your abilities. Confidence in one’s ability is critical in sports. If Landon Donovan or Kobe Bryant failed to be confident in their ability, would they have been able to succeed in their respective sports. Would they have been able to score during the critical moments? Would they be able to be the icons of their sports? The simple answer is no. Think about all the great figures in sports that people believed would be successful and they turned out to be a bust. Many times these athletes did not truly believe in themselves.
However, belief is only half the equation to success. You have to also work hard. Michael Jordan, Ronaldinho, and Kobe are all known to be workaholics. They are usually the first ones at practice and the last ones to leave. They eat, sleep, and constantly think about ways to improve their game. They usually don’t believe in just making the playoffs or coming in second. It is a win at all costs mentality.
Despite these two key ingredients to becoming a champion, individuals have to maintain a balanced life to truly be happy and avoid violating the rules of life. Winning may bring you championships but it could also consume an individual to the point where they lose their identity or do things in the face of power. Tiger Woods epitomizes a champion who went too far. In seeking his championships, he obtained power that he could not control. This led him to violate his marriage vows and moral values.
The bottom line is that winning is important. Hard work and confidence are keys to success but a person must also maintain balance to be happy and avoid the perils of fame.
Should you have any questions about being a champion or want to find out more details about soccer, feel free to contact me at president@myslsoccer.org“>president@myslsoccer.org.
Steve Haubrick is the MYSL/Murrieta Surf Soccer Club President.