Being Champions Before Championships

For years, I’ve used the expression “Being Champions before Championships” with teams, coaches, and athletes. This blog series is dedicated to exploring ideas that go beyond tactics, strategies, results, and scoreboards. It’s about redefining what it means to be a champion and understanding success on our own terms—not as society defines it.

True championships aren't found in titles, trophies, or accolades. It resides in the inner qualities and values that shape who we are. For me, being a champion starts long before any win or result. Being a champion is about building character, belief, trust, and love. 

Being a champion means facing adversity and growing because of the obstacles faced along the way. It means not being afraid of failure; understanding that failure is our greatest teacher in life. It means always living through our standards and values and holding each other accountable along the way. Being a champion means sacrificing individual stats or goals, understanding that we will always go further together. 

Being a champion is a choice and will never be defined by any result or championship won.

 Now, let's dive deeper into how I define being a champion.

Building Character, Belief, Trust, and Love

Character is the cornerstone of any champion. It is the inner strength that drives us to do the right thing, even when no one is watching. A champion's character is built through their actions, choices, and integrity. It’s not enough to be talented or skilled; a true champion must possess the moral compass to remain grounded and act with humility, especially in moments of success. Character is tested during adversity, and it is during these times that champions emerge—not by how they celebrate victory, but by how they respond to defeat.

Belief is the fuel that powers a champion's pursuit. It is the unwavering conviction in themselves, their team, and their purpose. A champion’s belief is what keeps them going when the odds are stacked against them, when challenges seem insurmountable, and when failure seems inevitable. This belief isn’t rooted in arrogance, but in the confidence that they can grow, adapt, and overcome. It is a belief in the power of resilience and the understanding that every setback is an opportunity to learn and improve.

Trust is the glue that holds a champion's journey together. It’s the trust they place in themselves to stay committed to their vision and the trust they build with others around them. Whether it’s trust in a coach’s guidance, trust in teammates, or trust in the process, it is this foundation that allows champions to push through difficulties together. Trust strengthens relationships and creates an environment where vulnerability is not a weakness, but a strength—where individuals can lean on each other and rise together.

Love is what connects everything. It’s the passion that drives champions to give their best, not just for personal glory, but for the collective good. Love is about caring for the people who are on this journey with you—your teammates, coaches, family, and community. It’s about the love for the game, for the process, and for the people who support you through thick and thin. While love and belief fuel a champion’s heart, embracing adversity and overcoming failure fuel their growth. It is through struggle that champions are truly forged

Embracing Adversity and Failure

The path to greatness is never a straight line; it is filled with challenges, setbacks, and obstacles. True champions understand that adversity is not something to be feared but embraced. It is through overcoming difficult moments that we grow stronger, wiser, and more resilient. Failure is often seen as a negative outcome, but champions recognize failure as a powerful teacher. It provides valuable lessons that success cannot offer. The willingness to learn from mistakes, adapt, and rise again is what separates champions from those who merely wish for victory. Every setback becomes an opportunity for growth, and each failure teaches something essential about perseverance and resilience.

Living by Standards and Values

Being a champion means adhering to a set of standards and values that guide behavior and decision-making. It’s about holding oneself to a high standard and not compromising on integrity or commitment, even when it’s easier to take shortcuts. Champions live with purpose, and their actions reflect their values—whether those values are honesty, hard work, discipline, or respect. These standards don’t change based on circumstances, and they influence not only the way a champion competes but the way they live their life. Living with these values creates a sense of accountability, where champions hold themselves and those around them to the same high expectations. This accountability strengthens teams and builds trust, making success a shared experience rather than an individual one.

Sacrificing for the Greater Good

A champion understands that true success is rarely a solitary achievement. It requires collaboration, unity, and sacrifice. The best athletes, leaders, and individuals know that individual stats or personal goals should not come at the expense of the group. Being a champion means recognizing that the collective effort of a team is what propels everyone forward. This willingness to sacrifice individual glory for the benefit of the group creates a spirit of camaraderie and mutual respect. It is in these moments of selflessness that the greatest achievements are often born, not from one person’s effort, but from the sum of many working together toward a common goal.

A Champion's Choice

Perhaps the most significant aspect of being a champion is that it is a choice. It is not defined by external validation, nor by winning a championship or receiving recognition. A champion chooses to rise above the ordinary, to face challenges head-on, and to live according to their values, regardless of the outcome. The decision to be a champion is a commitment to the journey, not just the destination. It is about living authentically, embracing growth, and always striving to be better. Even without the medals or the titles, a champion’s true victory lies in their consistent effort to live with integrity, resilience, and purpose.

Conclusion

As you can see, being a champion is much more than winning—it is about embodying the principles of character, belief, trust, love, and sacrifice. It is about navigating adversity with grace, learning from failure, and always striving to be the best version of oneself. Being a champion is not defined by external accolades or outcomes, but by the choices made each day and the way one lives according to their values. It is a lifelong journey, a mindset, and a commitment to growth. True champions are those who rise each day with the intention to lead by example, inspire others, and face life’s challenges with unwavering determination. In the end, being a champion is a choice, and it is the choices we make that truly define us.