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ATHLETIC COURAGE – ARE YOU KING OF THE FOREST?

"Courageous men never lose the zest for living even though their life situation is zestless; cowardly men, overwhelmed by the uncertainties of life, lose the will to live. We must constantly build dykes of courage to hold back the flood of fear." Martin Luther King Jr.

In the classic movie, The Wizard of Oz, a memorable and enchanting scene depicts the lion that lacked courage but still dared to dream, “If I were king of the forreeessst.” His “lionly” face charges with tough resolve as he woofs out what life would be like if he were courageous, daring and brave all the time.

What is Courage?

According to Wikipedia, “Courage (also bravery, fortitude, or intrepidity) is the ability to confront fear, pain, danger, uncertainly or intimidation." “Physical courage" is courage in the face of physical pain, hardship, death, or threat of death, while "moral courage" is the ability to act rightly in the face of popular opposition, shame, scandal, or discouragement.

Every time you step onto the field, it’s essential that you act like the King of the Forest and demonstrate physical and moral courage. Why? Coaches are watching. Fans are watching. Your family is watching. Kids who idolize you, the athlete, are watching. And, most importantly, you alone have to lay your head on the pillow each night. It takes courage to play your heart out even when you know victory will elude you. It takes courage to get back in the huddle after you’ve failed to execute an important play successfully. It takes courage after a game to put your “regular” clothes back on and go live your off-field life with purpose and resolve.

Think About It

Do you, like the lion, imagine what your life would be like if you exhibited courage all the time? First, though, it’s important to take a few moments and assess exactly what your fears are. Do you fear the future? Do you fear injury? Do you fear loss of your family in the midst of your hectic training and travel schedule? Do you fear you’ll be “that” athlete who falls from grace because of a moral lapse? Acknowledge your fears and write them down right now. Utter honesty is important here. You can’t show courage until you face your fears and acknowledge that they’re real.

"Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear - not absence of fear." Mark Twain

Building courage

Living life as a King of the Forest athlete is like building a muscle. The more you exercise it, the more it grows. Daily put into practice some of these simple ways to grow your courage muscle:

·  Look people in the eye when you’re in public.

·  End a relationship that drains you, hurts you, or is just plain negative.

·  Write a fan letter to someone who’s not famous – a teacher, a grocery store clerk; anyone who delights you or touches your heart.

·  Savor the struggle – courage doesn’t always come easily. Gain strength from the struggle and allow it to build you up, not break you down.

·  Admit your mistakes and take personal responsibility for your actions.

·  Live your life by design, not by your conditions.

"We become brave by doing brave acts." Aristotle

Commit to living life on and off the field as King of the Forest. Face your fears head on and build your courage by daily strengthening your courage muscle through action. Read Susan Jeffers book, Feel the Fear. . .and Do It Anyway where people grab hold of their fears and move forward with their lives.

Now repeat after me, “I am King of the Forreeessst!!”

Michelle Hill

Strong Copy Quarterback at Winning Proof

www.winningproof.com

714.797.3731 (resides in North Carolina)

Michelle Hill, the Strong Copy Quarterback at Winning Proof, is a sports and fitness content writer. She writes content for pro athletes, coaches, sports agents, sports psychologists, and fitness professionals that include e-newsletters, e-workbooks, brochures, sponsorship proposals, blog articles, and other marketing collateral.