Champions are not defined by their achievements. They are defined by their obstacles.
I mean, come on, how interesting is a story about someone who is perfectly capable doing a mundane task well within their means? A wealthy woman buys a sports car. A body builder knocks out a little guy. An Olympic athlete swims a lap around the pool. A scientist writes an academic paper. Yawn.
It’s doubtful Hollywood will be producing any movies with those plot lines this year. And why? Simply because there’s no champion because there’s no obstacle.
It takes overwhelming odds, crushing circumstances, unfair situations, and powerful opposition to create a situation within which a champion can emerge.
Let’s face it, Superman would be pretty boring if there were no Kryptonite, right?
So why is it, then, when we look at our own story, at the details and events of our own lives, that we expect to be lauded as champions but shirk the fight?
Purpose
Anything worthy of praise and admiration must have undergone an experience wherein it faced the possibility of destruction and defeat. And, what’s more, the greater the challenge, the greater the adoration. Impressive victories are born of impossible odds.
The underdog prize fighter who squares off in the ring against the undefeated champ and wins…that’s a hero.
The tiny house that withstands the ferocity of a tornado and remains intact after the dust settles…that’s a victory.
The teenage mother that works full time, cares for her child, and still completes her college degree…that’s a champion.
So then, why do we so easily see challenges and obstacles and setbacks as terrible situations to be avoided at all costs? Every difficulty you face has a purpose.
Decision
When the flag drops and the race begins, we all have a choice to make. Do we put the hammer down and risk crashing and burning or do we settle for last place?
When the enemy charges, screaming their battle cry with bloodlust in their eyes, do we raise our sword and charge back at them or flee in terror?
When the deadline looms, when the budget is tight, when the support isn’t there, when the resources are slim, when the crowd opposes you, when competition is fierce, when fatigue sets in, when there’s no time left, when everything you see presses against you with waves of fear, despair, and anxiety crashing against the weakening gates of your soul…do you press back?
How convenient it is to lay claim to an excuse in times like these.
“Well, the timing just wasn’t right.” “I’ve decided to pivot my business in a different direction.” “I’ll handle that when so-and-so gets on board.” “Right now, I’m too busy to address that situation.” “I’m not really interested in her anyways.”
Exit stage right. Battle lost. A would-be champion dies.
To be clear, I’m not advocating making foolish decisions or taking risks for the sake of ignorant pride.
What I am talking about is you staring a genuine obstacle to the achievement of your vision, whether personally or professionally, square in the eyes and not backing down. You have to make a conscious decision to do this, not an excuse. You have to be willing to lay it all on the line despite the risk and the struggle you know will inevitably come from it.
Determination
Ironically, making the decision is the easy part, if there is any part of this process that is, in fact, easy. Racing into the fray to battle your enemy or jumping off the boat to save the drowning child is only the first step.
Real champions are made when the pain sets in.
It’s when your foe lands that blow that sends stars exploding across your line of sight, as your ears ring, the room spins, and your knees weaken that you have the real decision to make. Should I stay in this fight?
Halfway from the boat to the child, fatigue sets in and your muscles feel like lead weights. Cold waves pound you from every direction, dunking you under again and again, choking off your own air supply. Do I turn back?
In truth, it is less the obstacles faced and more the struggle they inflict that determines the essence of a champion. For, you see, real champions fight hurt. They don’t quit when the task seems impossible. They keep getting up after being hammered to the mat. They press forward, battered and bloody, when everything within and without screams for surrender.
Champions are not champions because of what they overcame. They are champions because of the content of their character. It is this character that is what allows them to overcome.
Maybe you’re facing something now that seems intolerable. Maybe you’re in the fight of your life and wondering if you should throw in the towel and walk away from that relationship, that business, that dream.
When everything around you is hostile, bleak, and discouraging, stop looking at it. Instead, look inside and remember your character. You are a champion. And champions don’t quit.
Until next time, don’t just be transformed: be Kinged.
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