Secrets of champions..!

How champions take their game to the next level.

What makes the great ones great..!

How did Michael Jordan help lead his team to win six NBA championships? Many of us know Michael as a tremendous three-point shooter, but what was surprising that when Michael joined the NBA, he was celebrated only as a high–flying dunker, making a mere 17 percent of his three–point shots! And early on in his career, the Chicago Bulls were consistently knocked off in the playoffs because of their apparent lack of teamwork.

So what did Michael have to do, as a leader, to convert winning games into winning championships?

The answer is: he had to consistently adjust his game in order to adapt to the changing seasons, strategies, and opponents.

Turns out, constant adaptation was the only way to remain successful and dominant.

So are you directing your time and energy to the right areas of your life? Are you focusing on changes that will propel you beyond good…to Greatness?

If not, Don Yaeger has written a marvellous book titled “What Makes the Great Ones Great: 16 Characteristics of a Champion”, to help anyone take his game to the next level.

In his book, What Makes the Great Ones Great: 16 Characteristics of a Champion, Don Yaeger gives us some basic principles on how great winners set themselves apart by thinking, preparing, working, and living differently.

Don is an exceptional writer and has had 5 books on the New York Timesbestseller list.

He is also a great speaker who shares his message with audiences all over the world. I’m honoured to compile brief excerpts of 16 characteristics of a champion as below:

Habits found among the greatest champions, and most successful people of all time.

1. It’s Personal
The Great ones hate to lose more than they love to win.

2. Inner Fire

They use adversity as fuel.

3. Rubbing Elbows

They understand the value of association.

4. Do Unto Others

They know character is defined by how they treat those who cannot help them in return.

5. Visualise Victory

They see victory before the game begins.

6. When No One is Watching

They are comfortable in the mirror. They live their life with integrity.

7. What Off-Season?

They are always working towards the next game. The goal is what’s ahead, and there’s always something ahead.

8. Hope for the Best, But…

They prepare for all possibilities before they step on the field.

9. Contagious Enthusiasm

They are positive thinkers. They are enthusiastic… and that enthusiasm rubs off.

10. Ice in Their Veins

They are thoughtful risk-takers and don’t fear making a mistake.

11. Not Just About the Benjamins

They don’t play just for the money.

12. Records are Made to be Broken

They know their legacy isn’t what they did on the field. They are well-rounded.

13. Believe

They use adversity as fuel.

14. The Ultimate Teammate

They will assume whatever role is necessary for the team to win.

15. When Everyone is Watching

They embrace the idea of being a role model.

16. When All Else Fails

They know how–and when–to adjust their game plan.

(This is not my write up, just compilation from Simple Truths and excerpts from What Makes the Great Ones Great by Don Yaeger)