Blog Post

A Champion’s Mindset

Greg Taylor

What is a champion? 


Merriam-Webster.com says: “Winner of first prize or first place in competition, one who shows marked superiority, one that does battle for another’s rights or honor.”


My personal definition is: An overcomer, an overachiever, relentless, never quits, never stops learning, always helping others win and celebrate their victories, always helping people that can’t help themselves, encouraging everyone, humble, peacemaker, purpose-driven, fighter, and a warrior!


What is your definition? 


My former pastor, Denny Duron, often greeted parishioners with a cheery, “Hey, champion!” I was attracted to this because of the way he spoke encouragement to everyone. I had always wanted to be the best–to win. And, by extension, if I won, someone else would lose. But maybe I’m not the best. Maybe my job isn’t to defeat those around me. Maybe my success is not measured by comparing myself to others. As Pastor Duron called us all champions, that’s what he said to me–all of us can win! And we can all win by doing our very best. 


I have learned that my journey is my journey. Put your focus and passion into the journey, not comparing yourself to other people’s journeys. It is a waste of time and will drain you of your purpose and passion! 


We can all be champions in our own skin!


I encourage you to take a step back and analyze how you can build your championship life!


Three mindsets to consider while on your journey of being a champion:

  1. A belief in yourself!
  2. Be your best!
  3. Freedom of choice!


1. A Belief in Yourself

Think about an athlete–one who has all the physical tools, and yet he fails. Think of the underdog–the one who simply cannot defeat a more powerful, more able opponent–until he does. We all can cite dozens of real-life examples of both of these. What does the winner have that the loser does not? Belief. Belief that it can happen. Belief that if I simply keep trying, good things will happen. Belief that I will not stop, even when those around me are certain that it’s pointless. Belief is what enables us all to fulfill our promise, by giving us the energy, the inspiration to push forward as we grow to become the best version of ourselves. 


2. Be Your Best

Not THE best, but YOUR best. This is a critical distinction, as, by definition, only a small number can actually be THE best at anything. If we hold this up as our standard, then its achievability makes it uninspiring, even deflating. But anyone can be THEIR best. If you want to get an idea of how good you could be. First, let’s see how hard you’re willing to work. Second, let’s see how open you are to changes in yourself. Third, let’s see what kind of teammate you are going to be. Once we have determined this then we can find purpose to drive our energy to be relentless and remember that we are competing against yesterday’s performance. Remember, the harder you work on yourself and your journey, the luckier you become.


3. Freedom of Choice

Each day we get to choose a path of being a champion, living in mediocrity, or worse. A couple of years ago, my oldest son Trey told me that the most powerful thing that he has is the freedom of choice. Wow, he gets it. That day I felt the freedom that was in his mind and heart. Being a champion starts with a daily choice, that I believe in myself and I will be my best. Once people around us feel this freedom, everyone will be encouraged to be a champion!


On your journey of your championship life, we will need to be free to leave all limitations and non-essential thinking and people behind us. 


Take this Freedom Pass with you: 

Success is not final, failure is not fatal, but certain death is not going after your dreams.

Why Not ___________ ____________! Fill in your name

#WN _ _ (Put you first and last initial there)

Good luck on your journey to your championship life!


Love to hear your opinion on this championship-building lifestyle!



Let’s GROW!


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