1. 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

2. Character and Competition:
What is Success?
How is it defined?
What does it look like?
Why is it important?

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4. Character and Competition

5. In athletics, can one be successful without winning?
Character and Competition
In athletics, can one be successful without winning?

6. Character and Competition
Competition/Winning
Character
Success
Result Oriented
Process Oriented

7. Success = Winning Character and Competition
And what we have accomplished…

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13. 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.”

14. 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

15. Success = The Journey Character and Competition
And who we are becoming

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“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

19. 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).

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So what now?

21. 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.

22. 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

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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.”

25. Character and Competition
Matthew 16:26
What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul??

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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

28. Obstacles + Challenges
Character and Competition
Obstacles + Challenges
Academics… where does it fit in
Health, Diet
Outside Activities
Time management

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