I am an inconsistent sports fan. I do not watch games consistently and I do not know most of the players’ names. But I do like playoff time because it is the most competitive time of the season, and you get all the best player and team backstories about the road to glory. This week has been NBA and NHL championship week for the Denver Nuggets and the Vegas Golden Knights respectively. I am a superfan of is life lessons and reminders that are all around us. The championship wins this week provide a few key reminders. This is not a recap of the games, but a highlight of what the wins, the first for each franchise, symbolize and some lessons from a championship week that we can apply in our own quests.
RESILIENCE
Not every championship series was a sweep. There were losses. But these teams allowed these defeats to continue to pave the road to glory, not end it. They used their skills and talents to regroup and devise a new game plan for wins. These wins turned into series wins that advanced them to the finals and ultimately to the championship wins. Players have to listen to their voice that says “Get back up, the loss is in the past. There are wins in the future.”
TENACITY
Moving forward through each series, quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals, requires physical and mental endurance. The games, and the workouts in preparation for the games, can be grueling. Players must listen to their voice that says “You can keep going. You have more in you.”
MINDSET
Mental fortitude is an imperative, especially when you want to occupy a space that you have never occupied before. For each of these teams, they had never been league champions. They were not the top pick for many pundits and sports fans. They had to believe that a championship was possible. Players must listen to their voice that says “You can do this. You are capable. You are a winner.”
In pursuit of our dreams, our successes, we must have a plan. It is also important to take note of the lessons around us to help keep us motivated. Note, these reminders should help keep us motivated, but the best motivation is internal. We must be our own best motivator and cheerleader. Remember these lessons from a championship week. It is vital to be resilient, tenacious and have a winning, unstoppable mindset. If we need to reprogram our voice and our internal conversations, let’s do it. Finally, as we move forward on our road to glory and face obstacles and setbacks, remember to listen to our internal voice and declare our affirmations.
“I am resilient.”
“I am tenacious.”
“I have a winning mindset.”
“I can keep going.”
“I have more in me.”
“I can do this.”
“I am capable.”
“I am a winner.”
“I am unstoppable.”
“I can be the first.”
“I am a champion.”
At Diagnosis to Destiny, we are focused on building a community of cancer survivors who are following and achieving their dreams after a cancer diagnosis. Our mantra is “Cancer won’t stop me. I’m claiming my destiny.” Hopefully, the lessons around us will also help us make great strides toward achieving our dreams.