USAIN BOLT - The CHAMPION

A Lot has been said and written about Usain Bolt. He has been called a Legend, An Icon, A pacesetter, a History Maker, A Great Champion, a lovable sportsman  and so on and so forth.
In fact many were at the Olympic Stadium to watch him make history the 3rd time winning Goal in the 100m Race that when he came out of the tunnel for the race, the whole Stadium went up in applause and cheers.
It was beautiful to behold and he was really taking all in and appreciating the warm welcome.

This is a young man who loves running and possibly on bare foot. (Have you not observed that he always removes his sandals after the Race?) He is so humble and very appreciative of all that God is doing in his life and for Him. After every race , he will kneel to pray and end with the sign of the Cross. He is not arrogant and proud like other sprinters and Athletes. He is always acknowledging other Athletes and extending his hands of friendship to them.
 
From all his winnings and medals, someone wrote this beautiful articles on lessons to learn from this young man from Jamaica who has been on the spotlight for the past 12 years now. Its a beautiful write-up.

 LESSONS FROM USAIN BOLT
Sunday August 14th, 2016 was the date, Brazil the location and Usain Bolt once again won like a true champion, outrunning all other competitors in the men's 100meters Olympics race.

To be honest, the tension in the room was palpable. Would he beat his past records? Would someone else beat him? It seemed inconceivable, and yet possible. As the gun went off, and they all took off, it appeared in the initial seconds that Usain was lagging behind. Somehow though, I had a feeling his coach wasn't worried, and even closely watching him, you could just about detect that sense of confidence, that told you, this lagging was only temporary and possibly even strategic.

In sports, life or in business, there's a tendency to sometimes think that the person who's appearing slower, or who doesn't appear to be heading super fast for the finish line is going to lose or not do as well. Yet, it's what goes on behind the scenes, your background, routines, your practice, dedication, discipline, practice, and understanding that those who take off faster may not necessarily win the race that matters.

As we celebrate Usain Bolt's win, let's recognise a few championship principles highlighted by his win:

1. THE PREPARATION OF A CHAMPION.
What we didn't see was the consistent practice that went on before the Olympics. Practice, practice, practice makes champions.
The biggest challenge is consistency. Are you consistently working at your goals? We are all born as champions, but to actually win, we must put in the disciplined consistent work of unleashing the champion within through preparation and persistence.
2.  The CONFIDENCE OF A CHAMPION Champions have strong belief in themselves and their source. Usain prayed before his race, even in full view of the world. He ran. He won. He even thumped his chest before the finish line!  That's championship faith...knowing you will win even before you've touched the finish line. Too many lose their race because they lack confident belief in themselves and who they are. Confidence is a non negotiable trait in champions.
3. THE FOCUS OF A CHAMPION. Focus is a master strategy of champions. We see Usain staying focused when others even for the split  second when others were seemingly outrunning him. Did you notice he didn't start off at the head of the race? Yet he took it away. He didn't look back, or look around. Instead, he looked ahead at the finish line and the prize that was ahead.
4. THE VICTORY OF A CHAMPION. Champions own their victory with humility and pride. They understand that recognition, is part of the prize of winning the Olympics and excelling in life or business. He alone had the camera on him after the race and he didn't shy away from it as many of us do in the name of humility. Humility is recognising who you are and owning it with a sense of responsibility understanding it serves a higher purpose.
In life as in business, no one remembers  those who "also ran". Life doesn't reward the- "almost made it". The 'I tried'. It's a great story but it doesn't make history. History is made by those who push through first to the finish line. And then stand to be recognised, while knowing that with victory and recognition come responsibility. The expectation to model positive values for the young and old alike, for competitors as well as collaborators. Winning makes you accountable to keep on winning. It's a privilege as well as a commitment which champions don't take lightly.

5. THE STAMINA OF A CHAMPION. Finally, the the principle that resonates the strongest with me is the one that played in my consciousness at the end of the game. "The temporary lag of a true champion is at best strategic and at worst temporary" Don't ever count out people who have the DNA of a champion. They may appear slow in a season or even successive seasons, but give up on them or look down on them to your detriment. Those whose backgrounds, roots, values, standards, commitments to winning, who've been tried hard in past battles are not to be too quickly written off.

If you or anyone you know is going through a slow or tough season, be encouraged. Understand that it's only temporary. Trust the process, the practice and the purpose for which you are here. It will come together. You may not be Usain Bolt, but we all have the ability to come through into our own versions of victory.

What will you do differently to make history in your Life or business? What will you do to make your business a  standout championship business. What will you do to make sure you unleash your personal championship at work?

I know Practice makes perfect. More Practice more Perfection. So if you want to Ignite the Champion within you, please be humble, PRACTICE, PRAY, PRACTICE and you will definitely be a force to reckon with soon.