Lessons from high school athletes

Lessons from high school athletes

I went to my daughters’ school athletic banquet tonight. Team after team went to the stage as their coaches told about the seasons they had this year.

Each coach told about how his or her team came together, each in different ways.

Some coaches talked about adversity that their teams faced. Some had injuries. Some had other challenges. Each had worked their way through them.

One coach talked about nicknames that his team had adopted for each other. Clearly this brought the team closer together.

Another coach talked about the goals the team had strived to reach.

But the most inspirational words of the night came from seniors who had played their last high school games.

One talked of how he was grateful to have had a school that allowed him to participate in athletics.

Another talked about how sports had taught her the power of teamwork.

Another talked of how athletics taught her leadership skills.

All this got me thinking of how each member of each team gave up part of their individuality for the good of the team.

A star basketball player had to learn how to make the other players better.

A softball player had to switch positions to make the team better.

All this got me thinking of how I can improve the teams of which I am a part.

First I can look at the overall goals of the team instead of just my goals. If the team is doing well, I’m doing well.

Next, I can decide how my talents and my gifts can fit into the team. I’m on each team because I contribute to it. I can look at what part of my strengths will fit into the needs of the team.

Finally, I can look for ways to improve myself in every situation. The seniors athletes didn’t just go through the motions in their sports. They looked at how they could improve themselves in each game.

If we’ll look, we can find ways to improve ourselves in the situations we face. Do that and we’ll be winners no matter the score.

Steve DeVane
This network marketing system constantly teaches me how to improve my life and business.

2 thoughts on “Lessons from high school athletes

  1. Hi Steve

    That’s great to hear from such young people, who understand the
    act of self sacrifice. Which will help the team be better, making everyone involved enjoy the improvement.

    Together
    Each
    Achieves
    More

    Gary

  2. Gary,

    These kids give me hope for the future. They understand what it means to work together on a team for the greater good.

    Great way to look at TEAM, too.

    Thanks.

    Steve

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