The Athlete Inside

If you’re a true athlete you already know it! But what defines an athlete? What element of performance would you use? Strength? Power? Speed? What about endurance? If someone challenged you right now to prove that you’re an athlete, what would you say or do?

The proof is in the pudding you would say. Just watch me play my sport buddy boy. Or better yet, take a look (as you lift up your shirt). See these rock hard abs? They’re my athletic calling card and they don’t come easy.

The Oxford Dictionary defines an athlete as “a skilled performer in physical exercise or a healthy person with natural athletic ability.” So it’s not only about playing a sport. It’s about what it takes to get in shape. It’s about mental discipline and pride. It’s about dedication, performance and training. It’s about intelligence and strong self-esteem. It’s about showing up and doing the work, day-in and day-out. Like the tide. You know it’s coming back in when it’s out.

We have to be very careful when it comes to defining who and what we are, because in order to achieve that which lies within us, we have to see ourselves as we truly are. We're athletes engaged in the Sport of Life. Yes, the Sport of Life. Life is a sport and the objective is not to win. Say what? The objective is to play according to the rules. Read your rule book. The object of sport is not to win. It’s to play the game according to the rules. At the end when the game is over, the team or player with the most points is declared a winner.

Winning is an effect not a cause and there’s a huge difference, but few know that.

So what makes a great athlete? Are you a great athlete? Let’s start with the basics.

A great athlete is true to themselves. They play whatever game they play because they love the game. Why they love the game tells us who they are. Sport doesn’t build character, it only reveals it. How you play the game tells us who you are. It tells us what kind of person you are.

Great athletes don’t feel pressured by anyone to play. They are comfortable in their own skin and have their own reasons for playing. For example, I love the sport of bodysurfing. When I catch a wave I feel free and alive. Time stands still and I’m ageless. I’m one with the wave and one with Nature.

When you play your sport do you feel free and alive?

A great athlete is someone who is in the process of developing great skill. They are demonstrating progress in their life and in the sport they love. The great shape and fitness they attain is simply a testament to the fact that they have paid their dues.

Make no mistake. In the Sport of Life, your dues must be paid in full or you will lose your membership. Membership is for life. Never forget that.

Photo by Thoda from Burst

As always...stay well and live free!

Dr.C