Well, the break from the end of spring to the start of the fall sports season is over. With the College and Pro Football seasons at hand and the baseball playoffs just around the corner, I wanted to talk about two different types of cultures that exist on athletic teams and the effects they have. The success of a team is directly driven by the culture on or of the team. Specifically, is it a team that is dependent [on one another] or independent [of each other]?
Dependent is defined as: relying on someone or something else for aid and support; A person who needs or relies on someone else for support. Having reliance, trust and confidence on another.
Conversely, Independent is defined as: not relying an another for support; acting by or on ones own self, irrespective of others. Not affiliated to a unit, no sense of belonging.
More and more, when the camera zooms in on an athlete after a big play, like a big run or catch for a touchdown, a goal scored in an intense soccer match or the winning shot in the NBA playoffs, you see an athlete celebrating "self"; that is, his/her own big play. Increasingly, I've seen athletes run away from or push teammates away who run to them desiring to celebrate what "they" have accomplished "together" as a team so that they can call for the applause and praise of the fans and make sure the spotlight is squarely on them and them alone. They will extend their arms in greatness, while continuing to make the effort to remain separated from teammates, to ensure they are the sole focus. I saw this in highlights from a college game where a touchdown was scored and a teammate came running up to celebrate. The running back who scored the touchdown held the ball out in his right hand and extended his left arm to push his teammate away. He proceeded to run the width of the end zone, pushing teammate after teammate away, celebrating himself. Soon, he found himself alone in the corner of the end zone once he was done facing the fans and calling for their praise of "his" accomplishment. His teammates got tired of trying to celebrate with him what they had accomplished together, so they celebrated away from him and headed off the field; without a "me focused" event.
What do you think happens to the culture on the teams where this occurs? What happens to the unity, a vital component of success to a team? When an athlete pushes teammates away or moves away from them in order to celebrate "self" and infer to his/her teammates, "no thanks, this is my moment to highlight 'me' and what I've done", it erodes unity and creates a culture of Independence; a culture of Individualism. This type of culture spells disaster for a team; a culture of Individualism (Independence) will destroy a team.
When individualism (a culture of Independence) prevails, it reduces loyalty and mutual trust within a team. Tom Osborne, one of the most successful coaches in college football history states, "to have a great team, there must be a great deal of loyalty, mutual trust and genuine caring and love [by teammates] for other teammates". He adds that it was loyalty that served as the foundation for the winning teams he was known for at Nebraska. When a team member is only interested in celebrating him/her self and ensuring they are the focus of attention, it causes teammates to question and doubt him or her. They have given of their blood, sweat and effort so they could all be successful and celebrate what they have done, together. It causes them to ask, "are you as committed (dependent) on or to me as I am on or to you?" "Do you have the best interest of me and our teammates in mind or are you only out here for your personal accomplishments and glory?" It brings about the opposite of loyalty which is disloyalty...it brings about the opposite of a dependent culture on the team, which is an independent one. Disloyalty is a synonym of Independence.
Above I referenced that a culture of Independence will destroy a team. With disloyalty (an Independent culture), there is no trust among teammates. An Independent culture causes players to speak poorly about each other, disrespect a coaches authority and team rules and players to plot against one another in order to elevate themselves and achieve their own personal goals and agenda. They lose site of "team" and team goals that were set early on in training camps. Players lash out, quickly challenge a teammate or appoint blame to a teammate during an interview or press conference. A well managed team doesn't tolerate this. The source of the Independence on the team is most often either suspended, cut from the team or traded. A well managed team does what is necessary for the culture on that team to be a culture of Dependence. One where teammates care for and are committed to others, where there is love for teammates and celebrations are team oriented and not individually focused.
It is easy for a culture of Independence to take over a team. Conversely, it takes a great deal of effort and purpose to have a culture of Dependence on a team. Someone has to model the dependence within a team. Someone has to model dependence on teammates and to teammates. Someone has to show he/she is willing to be dependent on others so that teammates can be dependent on them. This process then replicates itself and the desired culture of Dependence is established.
Jesus modeled this behavior and culture of dependence for us many times throughout his life. The Bible says in John 5:19, "the Son can do nothing by himself, he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the son also does". He showed us what it means to be committed to the good of others (the team) and to live for the benefit of others (the team) and to see to it that personal agendas or goals are set aside for the good of others (the team), in Mark 10:45, "for even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
So what is the culture on your respective team? It doesn't matter what level you compete at; little league, high school, college or professional, in order for there to be success and accomplishment of goals established by your team, there must be a culture of dependence. If it already exists, then ensure you're doing your part to ensure it continues on (replicates) from day-to-day, week-to-week, month-to month and year-to year. If your team is lacking a culture of Dependence...good news: it is never to late to change the culture! I encourage you to be the one who steps up, takes the lead and models it to your teammates. Establish the dependent culture, live by it and others will be drawn to it. Then, great things will be accomplished by the team and great celebrations will be had as a team.
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
A Little Under-Sized...
As I watched much of the NCAA Basketball "March Madness" Tournament and as I've been listening to analysts talk about college football players that were prospects and players drafted in the NFL Draft, I've noticed a phrase that I'd like to take issue with; this phrase is "He's A Little Under-Sized". Allow me to expound a little.
This phrase has the potential to do great damage to a young man/woman when it's spoken yet interestingly enough, normally it is not the intention of the person speaking it to cause damage. I have witnessed high school, college and pro coaches make the statement that a person is a little under-sized and I've witnessed athletes hear that spoken about them in person or in an interview on television. No matter how the athlete hears it said about them, I see a common reaction; some conceal it better than others, but they still display the common effect of that being spoken about them. Their facial expressions show disappointment, sadness and rejection. Their mindset becomes that of not being good enough, not having what it takes and they become convinced they'll never get the chance to prove what they're capable of because someone else has chosen to "label" them just because of their size.
I submit that size has little to do with how well an athlete can perform and compete or how much he/she can achieve in their sport. To help prove that point, here are some examples of some athletes that have been labeled "undersized" and a short mention of their accomplishments. In basketball, from the teams in the NCAA tournament this year: Madison Davis, UNC Asheveille- 5'10 Guard, Shawn Vanzant, Butler 5'11 Guard, Kemba Walker, UCONN, 6'0 Guard, all said to be undersized when recruited and it was also written that "size was their weakness". Look at 5'10 Guard Andrew Albicy from France who is projected to be drafted in the NBA draft this year. What do you think is written for his "weakness"...size. Continuing in basketball, how about former NBA stars Spud Webb (5'7), Earl Boykins (5'5), Nate Robinson (5'9), Calvin Murphy (5'9) and Mugsy Bogues (5'3) shortest player ever in the NBA who also managed to block an amazing 39 shots in his pro career.
Let's take a look at some of the NFL players that were labeled "undersized". De Sean Jackson, WR 5'10 who had 125 catches, 2079 yards and 11 TD's when entering his 3rd season in the NFL. Bob Sanders, 5'8 Safety, 2 time Pro-Bowl selection, taken in the 2004 draft when it was said his weakness was he was, "undersized". Steve Smith, 5'9 WR, taken in the 3rd Round 2001 draft, 10 seasons, 574 catches, 8330 yards and 50 TD's. Darren Sproles, 5'6 RB, he was said to be to small when coming out of college, 130th overall pick in fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft. Danny Woodhead, 5'7 RB. No D1 offers for college despite a strong high school career, holds the single season and all-time D2 rushing record. He didn't receive an invite to the combine, so relied on his "pro-day", he went undrafted in 2008, signed a free-agency contract in the NFL and still plays there today. Lastly, how about Defensive Lineman, Dan Klecko, 5'11 3 time Super Bowl Champion who, although had a great college career, was labeled "undersized".
Lastly, consider a non-traditional athlete taken from the Old Testament named David. In 1 Samuel 17 we read of the battle between David and Goliath. What is interesting is that there was no one in King Saul's army that was willing to or had enough courage to face Goliath on the battle field. David was only there because he had brought some things from his father to give to his older brothers that were in the army. Yet, when her heard Goliath step forward and shout out his usual defiance, David took exception to it and without hesitation, told King Saul that he wanted to fight him. Saul tried to plead with him not to saying, "You're Just A Boy" (today that sounds like, "he's a little undersized")...see the parallel? David would have nothing to do with being limited by his size. He knew who he was, who's he was and what he was made of and capable of achieving in that battle and wasn't about to back down. The Bible tells us in 1 Samuel 17:48 that, "As the Philistine (Goliath) moved closer to attack him, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him." Scholars say Goliath stood better than 9'0 Feet Tall and David was maybe 5'5 at best...the 5'5 young boy ran to the battle field and decisively defeated Goliath!
Do you think David was listening to anyone say of him that he was "undersized"? Do you think David was willing to be limited by someone else’s opinion of him? I don't think so. The same thing goes for you! No matter what others say about you, your size, your appearance etc, it does not define you!!! Just as David knew he had everything he needed to compete and win, you have that same thing in you. You have everything you need to compete at any level and win! God made you the way you are because it's just the perfect way for you to fulfill the plans he has for you. Thus, don't back down, don't go into competition with fear or hesitation just because someone may stand taller than you. Be bold! Run to the battle field, let what is in you come alive and compete with a furry that puts the bigger person on the retreat! Only you can limit you...
It is my prayer that your ears will be deaf to anyone’s opinions about you and further that people will learn not to label and limit people because of their size or appearance etc.
This phrase has the potential to do great damage to a young man/woman when it's spoken yet interestingly enough, normally it is not the intention of the person speaking it to cause damage. I have witnessed high school, college and pro coaches make the statement that a person is a little under-sized and I've witnessed athletes hear that spoken about them in person or in an interview on television. No matter how the athlete hears it said about them, I see a common reaction; some conceal it better than others, but they still display the common effect of that being spoken about them. Their facial expressions show disappointment, sadness and rejection. Their mindset becomes that of not being good enough, not having what it takes and they become convinced they'll never get the chance to prove what they're capable of because someone else has chosen to "label" them just because of their size.
I submit that size has little to do with how well an athlete can perform and compete or how much he/she can achieve in their sport. To help prove that point, here are some examples of some athletes that have been labeled "undersized" and a short mention of their accomplishments. In basketball, from the teams in the NCAA tournament this year: Madison Davis, UNC Asheveille- 5'10 Guard, Shawn Vanzant, Butler 5'11 Guard, Kemba Walker, UCONN, 6'0 Guard, all said to be undersized when recruited and it was also written that "size was their weakness". Look at 5'10 Guard Andrew Albicy from France who is projected to be drafted in the NBA draft this year. What do you think is written for his "weakness"...size. Continuing in basketball, how about former NBA stars Spud Webb (5'7), Earl Boykins (5'5), Nate Robinson (5'9), Calvin Murphy (5'9) and Mugsy Bogues (5'3) shortest player ever in the NBA who also managed to block an amazing 39 shots in his pro career.
Let's take a look at some of the NFL players that were labeled "undersized". De Sean Jackson, WR 5'10 who had 125 catches, 2079 yards and 11 TD's when entering his 3rd season in the NFL. Bob Sanders, 5'8 Safety, 2 time Pro-Bowl selection, taken in the 2004 draft when it was said his weakness was he was, "undersized". Steve Smith, 5'9 WR, taken in the 3rd Round 2001 draft, 10 seasons, 574 catches, 8330 yards and 50 TD's. Darren Sproles, 5'6 RB, he was said to be to small when coming out of college, 130th overall pick in fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft. Danny Woodhead, 5'7 RB. No D1 offers for college despite a strong high school career, holds the single season and all-time D2 rushing record. He didn't receive an invite to the combine, so relied on his "pro-day", he went undrafted in 2008, signed a free-agency contract in the NFL and still plays there today. Lastly, how about Defensive Lineman, Dan Klecko, 5'11 3 time Super Bowl Champion who, although had a great college career, was labeled "undersized".
Lastly, consider a non-traditional athlete taken from the Old Testament named David. In 1 Samuel 17 we read of the battle between David and Goliath. What is interesting is that there was no one in King Saul's army that was willing to or had enough courage to face Goliath on the battle field. David was only there because he had brought some things from his father to give to his older brothers that were in the army. Yet, when her heard Goliath step forward and shout out his usual defiance, David took exception to it and without hesitation, told King Saul that he wanted to fight him. Saul tried to plead with him not to saying, "You're Just A Boy" (today that sounds like, "he's a little undersized")...see the parallel? David would have nothing to do with being limited by his size. He knew who he was, who's he was and what he was made of and capable of achieving in that battle and wasn't about to back down. The Bible tells us in 1 Samuel 17:48 that, "As the Philistine (Goliath) moved closer to attack him, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him." Scholars say Goliath stood better than 9'0 Feet Tall and David was maybe 5'5 at best...the 5'5 young boy ran to the battle field and decisively defeated Goliath!
Do you think David was listening to anyone say of him that he was "undersized"? Do you think David was willing to be limited by someone else’s opinion of him? I don't think so. The same thing goes for you! No matter what others say about you, your size, your appearance etc, it does not define you!!! Just as David knew he had everything he needed to compete and win, you have that same thing in you. You have everything you need to compete at any level and win! God made you the way you are because it's just the perfect way for you to fulfill the plans he has for you. Thus, don't back down, don't go into competition with fear or hesitation just because someone may stand taller than you. Be bold! Run to the battle field, let what is in you come alive and compete with a furry that puts the bigger person on the retreat! Only you can limit you...
It is my prayer that your ears will be deaf to anyone’s opinions about you and further that people will learn not to label and limit people because of their size or appearance etc.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Where Will You Play?...On the Perimeter or Down In The Paint?
Recently I was having lunch with a pastor friend of mine; Pastor Brian. He made a great reference to how the devil really turns up the attack against us when we are on the verge of doing something really impactful for the kingdom of God and likened it to defense in a basketball game. He inspired me to write this blog.
I love this time of year in college basketball. Teams know that every win is important toward making it into their respective tournament. They really increase their level of effort and take their game to a new heights. This is especially true of those teams that know they're close to "being on the bubble" of getting in or being left out. One area you can clearly see the increase in the effort and level of the game is on defense. Teams know they must limit the number of "good looks" their opponents get and they know the high percentage scoring shots come mostly from within the paint vs. those that are taken from the perimeter and three-point range.
When the ball is out on the perimeter you'll usually find a one-on-one coverage on the person with the ball. Defense may be a little lose, not right on the person with the ball and if a shot is taken you'll see it somewhat contested and normally the defender is careful not to foul. However, the defensive mindset and intensity changes once the ball is passed to a player that is in the paint, the area of high percentage scoring shots. Once the ball is inside, you see defenses immediately collapse and the person with the ball is often double-teamed and played very tight. If a shot is taken from inside the paint the shooter is often fouled in the attempt with the hope that it will prevent a score. The defensive team is giving everything they can to prevent the opponent from threatening their chance of a victory by succeeding on a high scoring percentage shot attempt.
The offensive team is a real and prominent threat to the team on defense at this point. The defensive team will do everything in its power to prevent the threat of a loss, even to the point of committing a foul. The rationale: if they foul and prevent the 2 points from being scored, they have a better chance that the shooter will only make 1 of the 2 free throws he or she has been awarded. When the ball gets inside the paint, the defense becomes unrelenting, ruthless.
Every day of our life there is a game just like this going on around us. A game where teams from the Kingdoms of Light and Darkness are playing for the win [OF US]. Unlike a basketball game, we can't watch it and the game clock never reads "0"; it goes on without end. The devil, captain of the kingdom of darkness team, wants to keep people as far away from God as he can; he and his team are always on the defense.
God, captain of the Kingdom of Light Team, uses us, to influence and help draw those that the devil and his team are trying to keep from God, to God. When our relationship with God is weak i.e. we are not reading the Bible and spending time in prayer, we are like the person with the ball on the perimeter. We aren't much of a threat to the devil or his team so he lightly guards us. He just brings a little trouble now in then our way to contest us and make us aware that he's there ready to turn up the defense if he needs to.
However, when our relationship with God is strong, we are spending time in fellowship, the Bible and in prayer, that's when we are taking the ball down into the paint. We are on the verge of a high percentage scoring opportunity to impact someones life for God. We are a threat to the other team and as a result, that is the time the devil and his team really seem to turn up the defense against us. Seems like a lot of things in life go wrong and start to unravel. We need to keep pressing toward the goal, take the shot and not be afraid of being fouled. God promises us it is safe with Him, He promises to be our refuge, our protector, our shield: 2 Samuel 22:3 "my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior". 2 Samuel 22:31 "As for God, His way (his offense) is perfect; the Lords word is flawless ; he shields all who take refuge in Him". Psalm 18:2 "The Lord is my rock, my fortress, my deliverer; my God is my rock in whom I take refuge..."
With an awareness of God and His power and safety within Him referenced above, we can be on the offensive and we can play the entire game. We don't have to be on the sidelines or the bench waiting our turn to play. We can take confidence in the promises and characteristics of God and take the ball in the paint and help our team win against the team from the kingdom of darkness. Ultimately that team is going to lose: Deuteronomy 33:27 "The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. He will drive out your enemies (kingdom of darkness) before you saying, 'Destroy Them'!"
There are too many people involved in this game that are "on the bubble" of getting in or being left out when it comes to eternity for us to not be on the offensive. Where do you want to play: On the perimeter and not be much of a threat or down in the paint, going for the high percentage shot and defeating the team that is against us day in and day out? Take the Ball Down Low and Score!
I love this time of year in college basketball. Teams know that every win is important toward making it into their respective tournament. They really increase their level of effort and take their game to a new heights. This is especially true of those teams that know they're close to "being on the bubble" of getting in or being left out. One area you can clearly see the increase in the effort and level of the game is on defense. Teams know they must limit the number of "good looks" their opponents get and they know the high percentage scoring shots come mostly from within the paint vs. those that are taken from the perimeter and three-point range.
When the ball is out on the perimeter you'll usually find a one-on-one coverage on the person with the ball. Defense may be a little lose, not right on the person with the ball and if a shot is taken you'll see it somewhat contested and normally the defender is careful not to foul. However, the defensive mindset and intensity changes once the ball is passed to a player that is in the paint, the area of high percentage scoring shots. Once the ball is inside, you see defenses immediately collapse and the person with the ball is often double-teamed and played very tight. If a shot is taken from inside the paint the shooter is often fouled in the attempt with the hope that it will prevent a score. The defensive team is giving everything they can to prevent the opponent from threatening their chance of a victory by succeeding on a high scoring percentage shot attempt.
The offensive team is a real and prominent threat to the team on defense at this point. The defensive team will do everything in its power to prevent the threat of a loss, even to the point of committing a foul. The rationale: if they foul and prevent the 2 points from being scored, they have a better chance that the shooter will only make 1 of the 2 free throws he or she has been awarded. When the ball gets inside the paint, the defense becomes unrelenting, ruthless.
Every day of our life there is a game just like this going on around us. A game where teams from the Kingdoms of Light and Darkness are playing for the win [OF US]. Unlike a basketball game, we can't watch it and the game clock never reads "0"; it goes on without end. The devil, captain of the kingdom of darkness team, wants to keep people as far away from God as he can; he and his team are always on the defense.
God, captain of the Kingdom of Light Team, uses us, to influence and help draw those that the devil and his team are trying to keep from God, to God. When our relationship with God is weak i.e. we are not reading the Bible and spending time in prayer, we are like the person with the ball on the perimeter. We aren't much of a threat to the devil or his team so he lightly guards us. He just brings a little trouble now in then our way to contest us and make us aware that he's there ready to turn up the defense if he needs to.
However, when our relationship with God is strong, we are spending time in fellowship, the Bible and in prayer, that's when we are taking the ball down into the paint. We are on the verge of a high percentage scoring opportunity to impact someones life for God. We are a threat to the other team and as a result, that is the time the devil and his team really seem to turn up the defense against us. Seems like a lot of things in life go wrong and start to unravel. We need to keep pressing toward the goal, take the shot and not be afraid of being fouled. God promises us it is safe with Him, He promises to be our refuge, our protector, our shield: 2 Samuel 22:3 "my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior". 2 Samuel 22:31 "As for God, His way (his offense) is perfect; the Lords word is flawless ; he shields all who take refuge in Him". Psalm 18:2 "The Lord is my rock, my fortress, my deliverer; my God is my rock in whom I take refuge..."
With an awareness of God and His power and safety within Him referenced above, we can be on the offensive and we can play the entire game. We don't have to be on the sidelines or the bench waiting our turn to play. We can take confidence in the promises and characteristics of God and take the ball in the paint and help our team win against the team from the kingdom of darkness. Ultimately that team is going to lose: Deuteronomy 33:27 "The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. He will drive out your enemies (kingdom of darkness) before you saying, 'Destroy Them'!"
There are too many people involved in this game that are "on the bubble" of getting in or being left out when it comes to eternity for us to not be on the offensive. Where do you want to play: On the perimeter and not be much of a threat or down in the paint, going for the high percentage shot and defeating the team that is against us day in and day out? Take the Ball Down Low and Score!
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
It's In The Past...
I've always been intrigued by how a team can be playing so well, have all the momentum, a large lead going into the latter part of a game only to lose it all. They had been playing so well the whole game and then suddenly everything changed. They no longer execute, cannot move the ball, opponents score on play after play and before you know it the game is over and the team that had the large lead finds themselves walking off in defeat. I've seen this a lot this year in men's and women's sports teams at all levels and I've wondered what the cause of it is.
It seems that you can trace this loss of momentum and execution, the point where everything shifts and a team goes from dominating to being dominated, back to a single instance called a "mistake". I've watched teams playing like there is nothing that is going to prevent them from winning; that is, until they make a mistake. Once that occurs they immediately become disabled as a team, unable to execute, unable to stop their opponent; they lose their lead and never recover and sustain a loss. Why? If it can be traced back to a mistake, then what is is about that mistake that causes this to happen?
Well, it is not the "mistake" itself. What is interesting is that it is not necessarily the "mistake" that causes a team to lose its execution, momentum, effectiveness and focus. Instead, it is the inability for the team to put the "mistake" in the past and leave it there. Often when a team makes a mistake, be it a turnover, a bad serve, whatever it may be, they become caught in the moment that the mistake happened and dwell on the mistake. They don't move on from the moment of the mistake or the mistake itself and the result is a team that has lost focus on the game and task at hand. They have shifted focus to the mistake and the moment it occurred in. They continue to make more mistakes, more turnovers, more ineffective plays. They place the control of the game in their opponents hands and are no longer an effective team, they are no longer presenting any resistance to their opponent.
Did you know life is very similar to this scenario I just described to you? Athletic teams become crippled in competition due to focusing on a mistake or the moment in time the mistake happened. In life, we allow mistakes (or sin's if you will) to shift our focus to the mistakes we have made or the moments in which they were made. By focusing on the mistakes we've made, we become ineffective in the 'game' of life. Remember back to the earlier article, "There Is Strength In The Numbers" that it was shown that the devil is our opponent in life based on John 10:10..."the thief (devil) comes only to steal, kill and destroy...". The devil (our opponent) would like nothing more than to get us to shift our focus on to our mistakes in life and the moments that they were made.
The athletic teams that lose their effectiveness and momentum after a mistake do so because they can't get over the fact that they made the mistake and that it produced an unfavorable outcome for them; a turnover, points scored by the opponent due to the mistake. They just keep going over it and over it in their minds. They stay trapped there in their game and that's why they're completely ineffective from that point on. Their focus is broken on the task at hand and they spend their time and energy in disbelief that they made the mistake almost as if they were beating themselves up over it and can't forgive themselves and then forget about it. We do the same thing in life. We allow ourselves to go replay our mistakes in our minds and go over and over them again and again. We can't believe that we made that mistake, so we keep going over it, re-living it. We keep feeling the shame, the sting of the unfavorable outcome it produced for us and we are not only unable to forgive ourselves for the mistake, but we are also unable to forget about it.
Teams that overcome their mistakes, maintain momentum and achieve the victory do so by knowing that they are never going to be "perfect"; it is not possible. They accept that they are going to make a mistake, sometimes many, but what sets them apart from other teams is their ability to leave their mistakes in the past. They do not dwell on them. They choose to learn from them, but in knowing they cannot be "perfect", they commit to the next best thing and that is, to give their best effort on every play; do their very best. It is true for us as well. There is no way we can ever be "perfect". The fact that we have a free will (the ability to make choices) means we are destined to make a wrong choice now and then; a mistake. We need to accept that we cannot be perfect and stop beating ourselves up for the mistakes we have made. We need to be like the athletic team that overcomes and allow our mistakes to stay in the past. Like an athletic team, we cannot go back in time and change the behavior that caused the mistake but we can learn from them to help prevent the same mistake again.
The Bible gives us a couple of great instructions on how our mistakes (sins) can be left in the past; that we can be forgiven and our mistakes (sins) can then be forgotten. Forgiven: 1 John 1:9 "If we confess (admit) our sins He is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and cleanse us of all unrighteousness". God is quick and willing to forgive our sins if we are willing to admit them to Him. In the NIV translation of the Bible, there are 59 verses that make mention of forgive, forgiveness and forgiven. That is pretty strong evidence that God is willing to and loves to forgive us of our mistakes; our sins. What about forgetting about our sins? How do we keep them from playing out in our minds time and time again? Forget: Psalm 103: 10 "For as far as the east is from the west, He has removed our transgressions (sin) from us". Can anyone provide an accurate distance on how far separated the east is from the west? No. There is no possible way to even comprehend how great a distance that is. Yet, the Bible tells us that in Gods' eyes, our sins are removed from us in that huge distance. That means they are in the past! The sequence is, we admit our mistakes (sins), God forgives them, then puts them in the past and they are as far away from us as the east is from the west!
We need to realize we cannot be perfect and commit to living each day by giving it our best effort. We need to accept that mistakes (sins) are going to occur, but, we need to realize that as soon as they occur, they are in the past. They are forgiven and they are as far away from us as the east is from the west. Because of that, we can free ourselves of the shame and sting of our mistakes (sins). We don't have to allow our mistakes to re-play themselves in our minds and distract our focus. We can prevent ourselves from becoming ineffective against our opponent in life and we can be victorious by allowing God to do what he says He will do above for us and our mistakes.
It seems that you can trace this loss of momentum and execution, the point where everything shifts and a team goes from dominating to being dominated, back to a single instance called a "mistake". I've watched teams playing like there is nothing that is going to prevent them from winning; that is, until they make a mistake. Once that occurs they immediately become disabled as a team, unable to execute, unable to stop their opponent; they lose their lead and never recover and sustain a loss. Why? If it can be traced back to a mistake, then what is is about that mistake that causes this to happen?
Well, it is not the "mistake" itself. What is interesting is that it is not necessarily the "mistake" that causes a team to lose its execution, momentum, effectiveness and focus. Instead, it is the inability for the team to put the "mistake" in the past and leave it there. Often when a team makes a mistake, be it a turnover, a bad serve, whatever it may be, they become caught in the moment that the mistake happened and dwell on the mistake. They don't move on from the moment of the mistake or the mistake itself and the result is a team that has lost focus on the game and task at hand. They have shifted focus to the mistake and the moment it occurred in. They continue to make more mistakes, more turnovers, more ineffective plays. They place the control of the game in their opponents hands and are no longer an effective team, they are no longer presenting any resistance to their opponent.
Did you know life is very similar to this scenario I just described to you? Athletic teams become crippled in competition due to focusing on a mistake or the moment in time the mistake happened. In life, we allow mistakes (or sin's if you will) to shift our focus to the mistakes we have made or the moments in which they were made. By focusing on the mistakes we've made, we become ineffective in the 'game' of life. Remember back to the earlier article, "There Is Strength In The Numbers" that it was shown that the devil is our opponent in life based on John 10:10..."the thief (devil) comes only to steal, kill and destroy...". The devil (our opponent) would like nothing more than to get us to shift our focus on to our mistakes in life and the moments that they were made.
The athletic teams that lose their effectiveness and momentum after a mistake do so because they can't get over the fact that they made the mistake and that it produced an unfavorable outcome for them; a turnover, points scored by the opponent due to the mistake. They just keep going over it and over it in their minds. They stay trapped there in their game and that's why they're completely ineffective from that point on. Their focus is broken on the task at hand and they spend their time and energy in disbelief that they made the mistake almost as if they were beating themselves up over it and can't forgive themselves and then forget about it. We do the same thing in life. We allow ourselves to go replay our mistakes in our minds and go over and over them again and again. We can't believe that we made that mistake, so we keep going over it, re-living it. We keep feeling the shame, the sting of the unfavorable outcome it produced for us and we are not only unable to forgive ourselves for the mistake, but we are also unable to forget about it.
Teams that overcome their mistakes, maintain momentum and achieve the victory do so by knowing that they are never going to be "perfect"; it is not possible. They accept that they are going to make a mistake, sometimes many, but what sets them apart from other teams is their ability to leave their mistakes in the past. They do not dwell on them. They choose to learn from them, but in knowing they cannot be "perfect", they commit to the next best thing and that is, to give their best effort on every play; do their very best. It is true for us as well. There is no way we can ever be "perfect". The fact that we have a free will (the ability to make choices) means we are destined to make a wrong choice now and then; a mistake. We need to accept that we cannot be perfect and stop beating ourselves up for the mistakes we have made. We need to be like the athletic team that overcomes and allow our mistakes to stay in the past. Like an athletic team, we cannot go back in time and change the behavior that caused the mistake but we can learn from them to help prevent the same mistake again.
The Bible gives us a couple of great instructions on how our mistakes (sins) can be left in the past; that we can be forgiven and our mistakes (sins) can then be forgotten. Forgiven: 1 John 1:9 "If we confess (admit) our sins He is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and cleanse us of all unrighteousness". God is quick and willing to forgive our sins if we are willing to admit them to Him. In the NIV translation of the Bible, there are 59 verses that make mention of forgive, forgiveness and forgiven. That is pretty strong evidence that God is willing to and loves to forgive us of our mistakes; our sins. What about forgetting about our sins? How do we keep them from playing out in our minds time and time again? Forget: Psalm 103: 10 "For as far as the east is from the west, He has removed our transgressions (sin) from us". Can anyone provide an accurate distance on how far separated the east is from the west? No. There is no possible way to even comprehend how great a distance that is. Yet, the Bible tells us that in Gods' eyes, our sins are removed from us in that huge distance. That means they are in the past! The sequence is, we admit our mistakes (sins), God forgives them, then puts them in the past and they are as far away from us as the east is from the west!
We need to realize we cannot be perfect and commit to living each day by giving it our best effort. We need to accept that mistakes (sins) are going to occur, but, we need to realize that as soon as they occur, they are in the past. They are forgiven and they are as far away from us as the east is from the west. Because of that, we can free ourselves of the shame and sting of our mistakes (sins). We don't have to allow our mistakes to re-play themselves in our minds and distract our focus. We can prevent ourselves from becoming ineffective against our opponent in life and we can be victorious by allowing God to do what he says He will do above for us and our mistakes.
Friday, December 3, 2010
WHAT vs. WHY...Which is the Better Question to Ask??
All of us have encountered some form of adversity in life or athletics. Perhaps you've suffered a major set-back at the hands of a financial problem, the loss of a loved one, losing a job, a car breaking down. Is someone getting a promotion over you or is someone getting ahead, while you seem to always get pushed down? The fact is, adversity does and will continue to occur in life.
Adversity also occurs In sports and one significant way adversity comes is in the form of serious injuries. I'm not talking about an ankle that gets turned or the types of injuries that "come with the game" which diligent treatment will take care of. I'm talking about serious injuries...a concussion that ends a career, a tibia/fibula break that can't be recovered from well enough to play again, a serious knee injury with multiple ligament tears...injuries that are certain to end a career or promise to be a serious threat to end one. Another way adversity comes in sports is in the area of playing time. Everyone wants to be on the field, court or rink but as you know only so many at one time can contribute during a game. We/you may think you deserve more playing time than you're getting...that can be frustrating, make it difficult for you, cause you to suffer while you watch someone else play.
When an injury or adversity occurs that threatens to take something away from you that you love it usually results in a response from us. We often find ourselves asking a question, "Why".
"Why" is a very understandable response to an adverse situation. When adversity comes, it usually doesn't make sense, doesn't seem fair and we want to know "why". Is "why" the best question to ask in a time when injury in sports or adversity in life present themselves? In my opinion, 'no', it's not the best choice of a question to ask. Before we look at what might be a better question to ask, let's look together at, as strange as it may seem, what purpose adverse situations can serve in our lives.
According to Dictionary.com, adversity is defined as: adverse fortune or fate, a condition marked by misfortune, an unfortunate circumstance or event. Synonyms are: catastrophe, trouble, misery or disaster. Adversity mirrors "tribulation" which defined is: grievous trouble, severe trial or suffering, an affliction, a cause of distress.
What does the Bible say about trials and tribulations (adversity)? James 1:2-4 (NIV) "Consider it pure joy my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything". The Bible also has something to say about suffering: Romans 5: 3-4 (NIV)..."because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance, character and character, hope".
The role of Adversity in our lives and/or in sports is to, believe it or not, move us from where we are at the time of the adversity, to closer to being complete, not lacking in anything and it is done through a process. The scripture references above makes the answer to "why" clear: adversity happens because God allows it and uses it to bring about a process wherein He refines us. So, to coin the old phrase, "Why ask why"?
What might be a better question to ask in the face of adversity instead of "why"? I suggest asking "WHAT". Asking "what" takes the focus off of self and the circumstance of adversity and allows God to reveal to us WHAT it is that He wants to show us, teach us as we go through the adversity.
God is concerned with the condition of our heart, it's what he looks at. 1 Samuel 16:7 tells us that God's focus is on the [condition] of our heart, not what is on the outside [the circumstance or the "why"]; ..."the Lord does not look at the things that people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart". When we allow ourselves to ask "why", we are focusing on the circumstances, the outward appearance; that doesn't serve any purpose or do anyone any good. It's like participating in a self-pity party. Asking why often leaves a heart filled with bitterness, resentment and anger which hardens a heart which hardens people's attitudes, behaviors and character.
Through times of adversity, God is at work on transforming our heart. It's the critical component of our relationship with Him and it's the central component of us. God wants to put our hearts through a process of tearing down (refining) and then re-building. Giving us a heart that is stronger and more in tune with Him and His leading in our lives.
Remember Matthew 6:33; (NIV) "but seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well". God wants to have His rightful place as the priority in our life and have His rightful control of our heart. So the next time you face adversity, stop and remember that through the adversity, God is at work and instead of asking "why", ask God "what" it is that He is wanting to do in you.
Adversity also occurs In sports and one significant way adversity comes is in the form of serious injuries. I'm not talking about an ankle that gets turned or the types of injuries that "come with the game" which diligent treatment will take care of. I'm talking about serious injuries...a concussion that ends a career, a tibia/fibula break that can't be recovered from well enough to play again, a serious knee injury with multiple ligament tears...injuries that are certain to end a career or promise to be a serious threat to end one. Another way adversity comes in sports is in the area of playing time. Everyone wants to be on the field, court or rink but as you know only so many at one time can contribute during a game. We/you may think you deserve more playing time than you're getting...that can be frustrating, make it difficult for you, cause you to suffer while you watch someone else play.
When an injury or adversity occurs that threatens to take something away from you that you love it usually results in a response from us. We often find ourselves asking a question, "Why".
- Why did this have to happen?
- Why did this happen to me?
- Why did it happen now?
- Why didn't it happen to someone else?
"Why" is a very understandable response to an adverse situation. When adversity comes, it usually doesn't make sense, doesn't seem fair and we want to know "why". Is "why" the best question to ask in a time when injury in sports or adversity in life present themselves? In my opinion, 'no', it's not the best choice of a question to ask. Before we look at what might be a better question to ask, let's look together at, as strange as it may seem, what purpose adverse situations can serve in our lives.
According to Dictionary.com, adversity is defined as: adverse fortune or fate, a condition marked by misfortune, an unfortunate circumstance or event. Synonyms are: catastrophe, trouble, misery or disaster. Adversity mirrors "tribulation" which defined is: grievous trouble, severe trial or suffering, an affliction, a cause of distress.
What does the Bible say about trials and tribulations (adversity)? James 1:2-4 (NIV) "Consider it pure joy my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything". The Bible also has something to say about suffering: Romans 5: 3-4 (NIV)..."because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance, character and character, hope".
The role of Adversity in our lives and/or in sports is to, believe it or not, move us from where we are at the time of the adversity, to closer to being complete, not lacking in anything and it is done through a process. The scripture references above makes the answer to "why" clear: adversity happens because God allows it and uses it to bring about a process wherein He refines us. So, to coin the old phrase, "Why ask why"?
What might be a better question to ask in the face of adversity instead of "why"? I suggest asking "WHAT". Asking "what" takes the focus off of self and the circumstance of adversity and allows God to reveal to us WHAT it is that He wants to show us, teach us as we go through the adversity.
God is concerned with the condition of our heart, it's what he looks at. 1 Samuel 16:7 tells us that God's focus is on the [condition] of our heart, not what is on the outside [the circumstance or the "why"]; ..."the Lord does not look at the things that people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart". When we allow ourselves to ask "why", we are focusing on the circumstances, the outward appearance; that doesn't serve any purpose or do anyone any good. It's like participating in a self-pity party. Asking why often leaves a heart filled with bitterness, resentment and anger which hardens a heart which hardens people's attitudes, behaviors and character.
Through times of adversity, God is at work on transforming our heart. It's the critical component of our relationship with Him and it's the central component of us. God wants to put our hearts through a process of tearing down (refining) and then re-building. Giving us a heart that is stronger and more in tune with Him and His leading in our lives.
Remember Matthew 6:33; (NIV) "but seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well". God wants to have His rightful place as the priority in our life and have His rightful control of our heart. So the next time you face adversity, stop and remember that through the adversity, God is at work and instead of asking "why", ask God "what" it is that He is wanting to do in you.
Monday, October 18, 2010
........ IS IT IN YOU.........?
"Is It In You"? You don't have to think very hard to know what company that slogan belongs to; do you know who it is? It's not Nike, Not Under Armour...it's....Gatorade! Gatorade has a series of commercials where athletes are shown going through grueling workouts, pushing themselves to the brink of collapse. When there is no more energy, no more endurance, they find refreshment, new strength, the ability to rapidly recover and go on, in a bottle of a sports drink called Gatorade.
As they slam down the contents of the sports bottle, they receive hydration, carbohydrates, potassium, sodium...all the components that are essential for an athlete to function at maximum levels for extended periods of time. In the commercials Gatorade is depicted as becoming the core of the body, so much so that the sweat coming out of the pores on the athletes bodies is Gatorade itself. The athlete finishes the drink and returns the same grueling workout they were doing before and as they go the beads of Gatorade sweat fly from their bodies. This specially formulated sports drink provides a fresh new start, a transformation of an athlete on the brink of collapse, now revitalized, recharged and empowered to compete. It is depicted as being so powerful, so necessary in order to compete at your best that the Gatorade commercial challenges how effective you're going to be as an athlete by asking you, "Is It In You"?
I have another question for you..."Is He In You"? Living life is just like training to be an athlete. It's grueling, it can punish you to the point of collapse and giving up. It will take as much as it can out of you, take you to the point where you have no more energy, no more endurance. There is peer pressure, pressure to fit in, do things you don't want to do in order to gain acceptance. In life, you need something that can come in and provide you new refreshment, new strength, the ability to recover and go on; that something is Jesus. Jesus has a desire to be to your body and in your body in the same way Gatorade is shown in their commercials. He wants to live at and be the core of who you are. He wants to be what comes out of you when you compete, when you train, when you live in front of others and are faced with situations that tempt you to compromise on your values and convictions. Just like Gatorade, Jesus promises that He will give you new strength, he will refresh you and give you new energy. How can He do that? He knows life is hard, that it will wear us down and take everything out of us. He wants us to Cast our Cares [and anxieties] upon Him (1 Peter 5:7). When we allow ourselves to get worn down by striving in life, trying to take matters into our own hands, worrying about being accepted or good enough, we cause ourselves anxiety, turmoil and panic. Jesus wants to take that away from us by us allowing Him to be in control. He already knows what we are worrying about, striving for or encountering anxiety over; He's Omniscient (he knows everything).
As a matter of fact, the Bible tells us that we can have an unlimited supply of new strength, endurance and recovery (not grow weary); where? It says so in Isaiah 40:31 "But those who wait upon the Lord will gain new strength, they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary". We don't have to strive in life to "to do it right" or obtain acceptance by performance. The Bible says in Philippians 4:13 that, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". You can trust that He will do what he promises to do. Is He In You?...
As they slam down the contents of the sports bottle, they receive hydration, carbohydrates, potassium, sodium...all the components that are essential for an athlete to function at maximum levels for extended periods of time. In the commercials Gatorade is depicted as becoming the core of the body, so much so that the sweat coming out of the pores on the athletes bodies is Gatorade itself. The athlete finishes the drink and returns the same grueling workout they were doing before and as they go the beads of Gatorade sweat fly from their bodies. This specially formulated sports drink provides a fresh new start, a transformation of an athlete on the brink of collapse, now revitalized, recharged and empowered to compete. It is depicted as being so powerful, so necessary in order to compete at your best that the Gatorade commercial challenges how effective you're going to be as an athlete by asking you, "Is It In You"?
I have another question for you..."Is He In You"? Living life is just like training to be an athlete. It's grueling, it can punish you to the point of collapse and giving up. It will take as much as it can out of you, take you to the point where you have no more energy, no more endurance. There is peer pressure, pressure to fit in, do things you don't want to do in order to gain acceptance. In life, you need something that can come in and provide you new refreshment, new strength, the ability to recover and go on; that something is Jesus. Jesus has a desire to be to your body and in your body in the same way Gatorade is shown in their commercials. He wants to live at and be the core of who you are. He wants to be what comes out of you when you compete, when you train, when you live in front of others and are faced with situations that tempt you to compromise on your values and convictions. Just like Gatorade, Jesus promises that He will give you new strength, he will refresh you and give you new energy. How can He do that? He knows life is hard, that it will wear us down and take everything out of us. He wants us to Cast our Cares [and anxieties] upon Him (1 Peter 5:7). When we allow ourselves to get worn down by striving in life, trying to take matters into our own hands, worrying about being accepted or good enough, we cause ourselves anxiety, turmoil and panic. Jesus wants to take that away from us by us allowing Him to be in control. He already knows what we are worrying about, striving for or encountering anxiety over; He's Omniscient (he knows everything).
As a matter of fact, the Bible tells us that we can have an unlimited supply of new strength, endurance and recovery (not grow weary); where? It says so in Isaiah 40:31 "But those who wait upon the Lord will gain new strength, they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary". We don't have to strive in life to "to do it right" or obtain acceptance by performance. The Bible says in Philippians 4:13 that, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". You can trust that He will do what he promises to do. Is He In You?...
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Preparing to Compete...Having a Chance to Win
Does an athlete just "show up" for their season and in their mind think that they're ready to compete? Take for example this time of year when fall sports are well under way. When conditions are extreme, extreme heat, extreme physical demands with two-a-days, extreme competition for a spot, how do you think an athlete will fare if he/she has not maintained a disciplined physical conditioning and lifting program over the summer? Not well. They're not ready to compete! Athletes today train year round, every day. They lift (physical condition), watch film (know their opponent), read playbooks (know what their assignment is), practice (repetition, get it right). Raw talent doesn't get it done in today's world of athletics. An athlete must prepare and do what is necessary to be able to compete and have a chance to win.
The same holds true in life. In my last post (There is Strength In The Numbers), I referenced that the devil is our opponent in life. His sole aim is to take us out, to keep us from fulfilling God's design for us as an athlete and a person. In order to have a chance to win in this competition for our life, we need to train year round, every day. We need to to care for our body, not put things in to it that will harm it, prevent from achieving its maximum potential (physical condition). We have to read the Bible ( know our our assignment). There is no "film" to watch of our opponent, yet you don't have to look far to see him at work in the world around you. Do you see people oppressed by anger, addictions, frustrations? Do you see people acting out with violence against others just because they can? The "film" is actually played for us every moment of every day so it's easy to "know" the opponent and and his tactics and strategies. Everything we need to know about the nasty and destructive intentions of our opponent are listed in the Bible. Likewise, our assignments for life are given there as well. We're to live a life that holds others in higher regard than we do for ourselves. We're to love our neighbor (Matt 22:39), pray for our enemies (Luke 6:27), love unconditionally (John 15:12). We have to do these things every day (repetition).
If we are focused on our own wants and desires vs. the design that God would have for our life, we're going to get caught up in all kinds of things that are going to prevent us from having a chance to win. God tells us that His ways are different than our ways (Isaiah 55:8). Did you know that God has plans that are uniquely and intended specifically for each one of us? He says so in Jeremiah 29:11, "for I know the plans I have for you" declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future". That's encouraging! God has a plan for you and me; it's a game plan for our lives. Following his game plan gives us a better than average Chance To Win. An athlete cannot take a single play or repetition off. If they do, his/her team suffers; it decreases their chances of winning. No matter the sport...it's a game of (inches, seconds, shots) and so on. Life is a game of MOMENTS and it's critical to train to win every moment. If we don't, we are not ready to compete against the the most evil opponent there is...if we don't train for it...we are not prepared to compete...we don't have a chance to win...we will suffer defeat.
Care for your body , make good decisions (physically train), Read the Bible (know your playbook, know your assignment), see the "film" of your opponent going on around you every day (know your opponent). Prepare yourself to Compete and Have a Chance to Win! By doing this, not only do we give ourselves a chance to win but we provide our teammates (those around us, in our communities, our work place, those in need) a Chance To Win as well! Isn't that a great thing to participate in; helping others Win too?
The same holds true in life. In my last post (There is Strength In The Numbers), I referenced that the devil is our opponent in life. His sole aim is to take us out, to keep us from fulfilling God's design for us as an athlete and a person. In order to have a chance to win in this competition for our life, we need to train year round, every day. We need to to care for our body, not put things in to it that will harm it, prevent from achieving its maximum potential (physical condition). We have to read the Bible ( know our our assignment). There is no "film" to watch of our opponent, yet you don't have to look far to see him at work in the world around you. Do you see people oppressed by anger, addictions, frustrations? Do you see people acting out with violence against others just because they can? The "film" is actually played for us every moment of every day so it's easy to "know" the opponent and and his tactics and strategies. Everything we need to know about the nasty and destructive intentions of our opponent are listed in the Bible. Likewise, our assignments for life are given there as well. We're to live a life that holds others in higher regard than we do for ourselves. We're to love our neighbor (Matt 22:39), pray for our enemies (Luke 6:27), love unconditionally (John 15:12). We have to do these things every day (repetition).
If we are focused on our own wants and desires vs. the design that God would have for our life, we're going to get caught up in all kinds of things that are going to prevent us from having a chance to win. God tells us that His ways are different than our ways (Isaiah 55:8). Did you know that God has plans that are uniquely and intended specifically for each one of us? He says so in Jeremiah 29:11, "for I know the plans I have for you" declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future". That's encouraging! God has a plan for you and me; it's a game plan for our lives. Following his game plan gives us a better than average Chance To Win. An athlete cannot take a single play or repetition off. If they do, his/her team suffers; it decreases their chances of winning. No matter the sport...it's a game of (inches, seconds, shots) and so on. Life is a game of MOMENTS and it's critical to train to win every moment. If we don't, we are not ready to compete against the the most evil opponent there is...if we don't train for it...we are not prepared to compete...we don't have a chance to win...we will suffer defeat.
Care for your body , make good decisions (physically train), Read the Bible (know your playbook, know your assignment), see the "film" of your opponent going on around you every day (know your opponent). Prepare yourself to Compete and Have a Chance to Win! By doing this, not only do we give ourselves a chance to win but we provide our teammates (those around us, in our communities, our work place, those in need) a Chance To Win as well! Isn't that a great thing to participate in; helping others Win too?
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