What makes a champion? Is it ruthless attitude, belief in yourself, focus and determination? A champion is a strong competitor who never gives up, never gives up. A true champion would rather fall down while she pushes herself and push herself to the max, than sit down because she’s tired. I remember maintaining a wide horse stance in karate class for what seemed like hours while our instructor often repeated that it was okay to slump to the ground, but it was forbidden to stand up to find relief. Giving up is never an option for winners. Remember the words of Tim Allen’s character Captain Nesmith in Galaxy Quest: “Never give up. Never give up.”
At Wimbledon this year, we witnessed a true champion in action: According to the Associated Press, “limping, hurt and essentially playing on one leg, Serena Williams managed to pull off a three-set victory.” At one point, Williams fell to the ground and experienced a crippling leg cramp. “I thought about not breaking up, but very briefly. I thought she wouldn’t be able to live with myself if she at least hadn’t tried,” she said after the event. Serena Williams summoned all the strength and fortitude within her and found victory, as a true champion will. Against all odds, she prevailed.
The same attitude and characteristics also describe the successful entrepreneur. Even though it may seem like there is little hope at times, you have to stay hopeful. There is always something to learn from past experiences, something we can reach within that will provide the drive and inspiration to prevail.
There will always be the quiet temptation to quit, find a job, and run away, but the serious entrepreneur realizes that during those bewildering moments, success is often waiting, just ahead, obscured by the next bend in the road. Though currently unseen, triumph awaits beyond the coming fall.
The winner knows within himself that he will either find a way to prevail on his current course or change course as many times as necessary, and ultimately find success there. This winning attitude is expressed so eloquently in the old adage “I can’t do anything with the wind, but I can adjust my sails.” Quitting smoking is simply not an option. That is the winning attitude that separates the champions from the rest.
Entrepreneurial champions possess these same characteristics. Most winners are also more inspired by the stories of other winners and their successes against all odds. Such sources of inspiration often fuel the fires of desire and persistence, providing that much-needed boost that often gives them their edge. Go and do the same.