Kevin Burrell is a scout for the Chicago White Sox and one of my favorite leaders. His twitter account is so insightful that I included him in my The Top 30 Pastors And Christian Leaders You Should Follow On Twitter in 2023.
Kevin has a unique ability to pack deep meaning into a small number of words. His economy of words and use of brevity is something all communicators can learn from.
Earlier this week, he tweeted the post shown below. After reading, I will provide the leadership lessons I gleaned from Kevin’s thoughts.
5 Things to Know and Do to Become a Champion in Life and Sports
The following are 5 Things to Know and Do to Become a Champion in Life and Sports we learn from Kevin’s 49 words above:
No One Drifts Into Becoming A Champion
Being a champion in life and in sports does not happen by default. It happens by design. Kevin wrote “To be a champion in life and in sports”. The first two words are important – “To be”. Being a champion in life and sports is about doing and becoming.
Champions In Life And Sports Master The Mundane
Champions never tire of the fundamentals. In fact, they relentlessly pursue the mastering of basics. Kevin reminds us that “Attention to details matter.” Lining up, standing at attention, and taking off your cap for the National Anthem is something players do dozens, maybe hundreds of times, each year. This practice could be taken for granted. However, mastering the mundane is what makes champions.
John Wooden spent time each season teaching his players how to put on their socks. If you can master basic items like correctly putting on socks and lining up for the National Anthem, you have a chance of mastering much more complex items.
For a deeper dive into the importance of mastering the fundamentals, read One Thing Which Allows Leaders To Truly Make A Difference And Stand Out From All Others and The Mundanity of Excellence – Why It Is Vital Every Leader Knows This Principle.
Champions In Life And Sports Do The Lonely Work
Marvin Hagler said, “It’s tough to get out of bed and do roadwork at 5 AM when you’ve been sleeping in silk pajamas.” I would add to Hagler’s comment, it’s tough for anyone to get out of bed and do roadwork at 5 AM! The lonely work is difficult but everyone will eventually see the results.
The picture above is taken in an empty stadium. As Kevin pointed out, “No fans. No media. No cheers from thousands of fans.” An often quoted Spartan motto is “Sweat more in practice, bleed less in war.” Muhammad Ali said, “I hated every minute of training, but I said, ‘Don’t quit. Suffer now and live the rest and live the rest of your life as a champion.”
Champions In Life And Sports Steward Their Influence Well
Champions and leaders are always being watched. This is the cost of influence. Leaders do not operate in a vacuum. While we must embrace doing the lonely work, we must also embrace the deeds we do in private will eventually be revealed in the light. Kevin observed that “simply a handful of scouts and parents watching.”
Thanks to social media, countless people are now aware of the Clemson baseball team’s practice habits.
Champions In Life And Sports Show Respect
Respect is often in short supply. But champions respect the game, respect the process, respect their opponents, respect their coaches, respect the fans, and respect their country.
Conclusion
You are not going to drift into becoming a champion in life and sports. It requires mastering the mundane, doing the lonely work, stewarding your influence well, and showing respect. Are you willing to do what it takes to become a champion?
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