Cham-pi-on: <noun> A winner of first prize or first place in competition: One who shows marked superiority: A militant advocate or defender: Warrior; Fighter: One who does battle for another’s rights or honor.
Merriam-webster
We all need the champion qualities of a winning spirit. Though you may think it is qualities that you are born with, I disagree. The most useful qualities of any champion is faith, perseverance, and self discipline. The latter one proving the easiest to shirk. Champion qualities can be taught and cultivated. The end result being a winning spirit gained.
Faith
Faith is the most useful quality every champion needs. The Bible tells us that if we have the faith of a (tiny little) mustard seed we can move mountains. (Matthew 17:20) The same passage also warns against the lack of faith. Faith is an incredibly important facet for a winning spirit. Faith is to be cultivated and highly possessed. The Bible even tells us how to increase our faith. In Romans 10:17 (KJV) it tells us that, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” So in order to have and increase faith we must hear the word of God. Faith translates over into all areas of our life. Faith is a champion quality worth cultivating for a winning spirit. Just ask David how he defeated the giant. David had FAITH that God would help him conquer the seemingly unconquerable foe.
Perseverance
There are scores of scriptures in the Bible relating to perseverance. Galatians 6:9 (KJV) states, “And let us not be weary in well doing, for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” And of those who keep the faith until the end in their Christian walk this is written in Matthew 24:13 (KJV), ‘But he that shall endure until the end, the same shall be saved.” Perseverance matters. Vince Lombardi, dubbed America’s Greatest Coach of All Time is known for this quote, ” Winners never quit and quitters never win.” Determine if your goal is the will of God for your life and then don’t ever give up. Stay in the game until the end by just keep getting up and trying again and again.
Per-se-ver-ance: <noun> Continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition: the action or condition or an instance of persevering: STEADFASTNESS.
mERRIAM-WEBSTER
Self Discipline
Self discipline is another highly utilized and desirable quality when developing a winning spirit. William James made this wise statement, “Everybody ought to do at least two things each day that he hates to do, just for practice.” Even if it means starting out slow to get the job done, momentum can be gained. I try to tackle the toughest problems early in the day to devote the energy needed to accomplish them. Robert Frost penned this truth, “Life is tons of discipline.” Total truth! Self discipline is a champion quality worthy to be practiced daily. Without this vital skill then most fall short of the victory of accomplishing the goal set before them.
Final Result
All three qualities of faith, perseverance, and self discipline are instrumental in developing a winning spirit. They are indeed champion qualities that we all should strive to cultivate and use in our everyday life. These champion qualities should be taught to our children and grandchildren for them to develop a winning spirit. Champions are known for their incredible performance, good sportsmanship, and power wins. All traits that I would be honored to have counted as champion qualities for my winning spirit.