Way of the Champion. Jerry Lynch, Ph.D.

      

      Published in 2006 by Tuttle Publishing, an imprint of Periplus Editions (HK) Ltd., with editorial offices at 364 Innovation Drive, North Clarendon, VT 05759 USA and 61 Tai Seng Avenue, #02-12, Singapore 534167.

      Copyright © 2006 by Jerry Lynch and Chungliang Al Huang

      All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any from or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without prior written permission from the publisher.

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      ISBN 978-1-4629-0364-1

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      First Edition

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       INTRODUCTION

       A Champion’s Soul with a Winner’s Heart I

      I.THE WAY OF SELF-AWARENESS

      1.Lessons on Self-Knowledge 3

      2.Lessons on Purpose and Vision 22

      3.Lessons on Knowing Your Opponent 38

      II.THE WAY OF STRATEGIC POSITIONING

      4.Lessons on Deception 47

      5.Lessons on Emotional Management 57

      6.Lessons on Readiness 75

      III.THE WAY OF COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE

      7.Lessons on Embracing Adversity 93

      8.Lessons on Champion Virtues 115

      9.Lessons on Opposites 133

      IV.THE WAY OF TEAM UNITY AND LEADERSHIP

      10.Lessons on Team Harmony 153

      11.Lessons on Selflessness 168

      12.Lessons on Conscious Leadership 180

       AN EPILOGUE

       Trusting the Process 199

      INTRODUCTION

      A Champion’s Soul with a Winner’s Heart

      So YOU WOULD LIKE to become a champion. Following the advice of actor Robert De Niro... “fuhgeddaboutit.” It’s not possible; it doesn’t happen. Having said that, I know I now have your attention. You see, a champion is never something you become... ever. It starts now by acting as a champion, committing yourself to practicing the habits and ways of a champion, choosing to engage in a lifestyle that demonstrates such qualities and characteristics on a consistent, daily basis. This “way of being” is, in the words of scholar Joseph Campbell, a “hero’s journey”—an up-and-down, gain-and-loss odyssey of self-discovery as you become dedicated to exploring the unlimited boundaries of your full human potential, in athletics and life. Along this journey the true champion must ask: Does this journey have heart, passion, and love? If not, misery and failure will result. If so, success will be the by-product.

      Champions are valiant fighters and brave warriors. In ancient times, warriors were courageous, focused, visionary, modest, passionate, and completely selfless, working for the higher good of the group or tribe. They were “athletes” of indomitable spirit and iron will who, by believing in themselves, knew that all was possible. These Zen warriors were specialists in defeating an opponent when the true battle had less to do with external events than with the battles raging inside themselves. They were fierce competitors who waged war against their inner fears, frustration, fatigue, and self-doubt, and the rewards for such victory were deeply personal and satisfying. Winning was always the by-product of their victories within.

      Although certain physical strengths are needed to excel in athletics, there are additional “ways” and qualities that separate the champions from the near champions, a host of internal, intangible characteristics that I refer to as the “stuff of champions.” One person who exemplifies these traits is distance runner Keith Foreman, who was told by a world-renowned college coach that he didn’t have the “right stuff” to compete at that level—that he essentially didn’t measure up. With championlike qualities of courage, fortitude, determination, and perseverance, Keith went on to become an all-American and only the fifth U.S. runner to break the four-minute-mile barrier. In my mind, Keith possessed the Way of the Champion... his heart and soul were in it. Keith truly was the quintessential warrior.

      As with Keith’s experience, a Swiss aerodynamicist once demonstrated by calculations that bumblebees cannot fly. Yet, although the bee has none of the “right stuff” for flight, it seems to be a champion aviator. Like this