What is it about the Olympics and other sporting events that makes them so compelling? Let’s face it; it is the original ‘reality’ television and anything can happen. You never know the outcome, so it suspenseful. But, what I think we gravitate to is the pursuit of excellence. The most decorated athletes are examples of the incredible potential for human achievement. The most memorable are those who develop, not only their talent, but, their character.
There are profound lessons we can learn through athletics. I will never forget watching Magic Johnson, a former Olympiad, playing in the NBA All Star Game after he had tested positive for HIV. I marvel at how he rose above his circumstances. How about Muhammad Ali, who sacrificed 3 1/2 of his prime fighting years to be true to his values and beliefs by refusing to go into the military. I will always remember Derek Redmond who is remembered for his performance at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona where, with a torn hamstring, he fought through his pain and, with assistance from his father, managed to complete a 400 meter full lap of the track as the crowd gave him a standing ovation. He lost the race but won the hearts of many. Sports offers us some very real and touching moments and we can be inspired by them, but I invite you to get in the game!
Life is not a spectator sport. An estimated 30 million people will be watching the Olympics at any given moment. What if 30 million people decided to commit to excellence without competing with others? How might the world be? How would your life be if you committed to excellence. I submit that, not only would you not have time to watch sports, you probably won’t even care that you missed them. People are being lolled to sleep by being spectators. Many people sit back and absorb whatever others dish out. They are becoming morally bankrupt and mentally lazy, and the conseguences are huge. Kids are disappearing, being exploited in unthinkable ways, and we just watch more Maurray show’s. Our economy is in the toilet. People spend every penny that they make, and more, and are leaving nothing for their children and grandchildren. The world is devastated by polution and many people would rather drill for more oil; than to be good stewards of our planet. (Love the T. Boone Pickens Plan) We must wake up, grow up, and show up!
This is America! We are the ‘can do’ people. We can clean up the polution in our media, our enviroment, and most of all in our minds. Barack Obama has said, “We need to change the mindset that got us into Iraq.” The mindset, is a powerful distinction. It is much different that the circumstances that got us into the war. It is the mindset that needs changing. The mindset that gas and our 401K’s are worth going to war over. The mindset that allows s*xualiztion of young children, and everything else, for that matter. The mindset that says, you deserve to have it all, and too bad for everyone else. The mindset that is attracted blames instead of taking responsibility. The mindset that wants to punish and not forgive. How do you do this? You become the change you wish to see. It starts with you. But, it doesn’t end there. The church I attend, Crossroads, has a saying, “We run.” They run to the sick, to the poor, to the hurting, to those who need help. Many of Crossroads’ members are growing and sharing at the same time. They are not waiting to be perfect before they contribute to others. They are not waiting to get thin enough, rich enough, and for some healthy enough, to help others. They are not spectators.
Get into the game. Clarify your values, set lofty goals, define your vision for the world and then get to it! Strive for excellence simply by doing your best. For one week I am offering The 4 Cornerstones of Wealth Workbook absolutely FREE. The 4 Cornerstones of Wealth Workbook is designed to help you to clarify your values, vision, purpose, and mission. Go to my web site, download the workbook, and begin today to create a world that you want to leave for your children and their children’s children. Barack Obama said, “I am running because of what Dr. King called ‘the fierce urgency of now’. I am running because I do believe there’s such a thing as being too late.” The time is now. Will you run?
Posted By: Barbara Dixon
Monday, August 25th 2008 at 2:02AM
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