Defining Success for Today’s Student Athlete Character and Competition: Defining Success for Today’s Student Athlete Chad Pohlman, Director of Athletics at The Bear Creek School Varsity Boys Soccer Coach
Character and Competition: What is Success? How is it defined? What does it look like? Why is it important?
Character and Competition
Character and Competition
In athletics, can one be successful without winning? Character and Competition In athletics, can one be successful without winning?
Character and Competition Competition/Winning Character Success Result Oriented Process Oriented
Success = Winning Character and Competition And what we have accomplished…
Character and Competition
Character and Competition
Character and Competition
Character and Competition
Character and Competition
Character and Competition Jeffrey Spencer “First, we're born to win. We've a primal instinct that compels us to achieve. That drive is what's behind each thought and action. It's what initiates every moment of our lives. We see this, for example, even in the most common of conversations. Have you ever heard anyone say they can't wait to get up the next day to fail? All I ever hear is how tired people are of being less than they know they're capable of being and how much they want more success and fulfillment…. The goal doesn't matter. It could be something as simple as cleaning your bicycles chain for an upcoming triathlon, buying vitamins, or as complex as preparing a climb up Mt. Everest. The point is we're born to pursue and achieve goals, as that's the way nature designed us.”
Character and Competition Benefits to a program that emphasizes winning: The pursuit of excellence Setting high goals that challenges students to strive for more Learning to fail and dealing with failure in a safe environment This is real life – Not everyone wins Competition and goal setting builds confidence Winning increases motivation
Success = The Journey Character and Competition And who we are becoming
Character and Competition
Character and Competition
Character and Competition “Class always shows, whether you win or lose. People can tell instantly if you have class by watching you perform and interact with others. If you have class, you don't need much of anything else to be a winner. If you don't have it, whatever else you have won't make up the difference.” ~ Unknown
Character and Competition Benefits to a program that de-emphasizes winning and focuses on character/journey: Properly places moral character above any single accomplishment Teaches priorities and personal responsibility Easily transferrable lesson to all areas of life (academics, work, family, etc…) More inclusive (everyone gets to participate and experience the journey) Praise is given and students are rewarded for things that they can control (effort, attitude, etc…) vs. something they might not be able to control (winning).
Character and Competition So what now?
Character and Competition The question should never be which is more important… Winning, Losing, Success, and even Character Development are simply words in our vocabulary. It is the monetary value we place on each one of those words that will shape our children and their worldview related to who they are.
Character and Competition Winning & Losing Neither define who we are It is not the pinnacle of Success nor the depth of self worth Both are valuable, and yet neither is important unless put in the appropriate context
Character and Competition
Character and Competition New York City pastor and author Tim Keller in his book Counterfeit Gods… “More than other idols, personal success and achievement lead to a sense that we ourselves are God, that our security and value rest in our own wisdom, strength and performance. To be the very best at what you do, to be at the top of the heap, means no one is like you. You are supreme.”
Character and Competition Matthew 16:26 What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul??
Character and Competition
Character and Competition Set goals that are challenging Hold yourself accountable Do not make excuses Enjoy the Journey Grow in character and faith Go for the win Learn from failure Understand your identity is not in results Give all glory to God
Obstacles + Challenges Character and Competition Obstacles + Challenges Academics… where does it fit in Health, Diet Outside Activities Time management
Character and Competition