Think positively

As we approach the end of the Preseason Training Program at Victory School of Wrestling, we are reflecting on our objectives and evaluating if we're on track in meeting the standards set in the beginning. The main objectives deal with the physical, mental and spiritual dimensions of training in hopes of becoming the Total Athlete.

Refining our technique, returning to basic skills and conditioning was purely physical. The spiritual aspect was addressed in training like barbarians and possessing a transcendent cause. Thinking positively has been the heartbeat of the mental development as these student-athletes stand on the doorstep of greatness.

The mantra of the 2008-09 season was greater things have yet to come and greater things are still to be done which coincides with this year's find the silver lining and turn it gold. The relation to each other is thinking positively. The greatest athletes are capable of discovering opportunities for growth in every situation. Their positive attitude become infectious and they make others around them better people.

The famous country singer Kenny Rogers released a song over five years ago that perfectly illustrated the positive thinking that I'm talking about. He tells the story of a little boy who is in his back yard playing baseball by himself. The kid tosses the ball in the air, swings and misses and there was strike one. He bends over, picks up the ball and does it again. Strike two. Finally, bound and determined to hit the ball over the fence, the kid throws the ball in the air and swings with all of his mite. The ball falls to the ground and that's strike three. Without hesitating, the boy walks into the house and tells his parents that he's the world's best pitcher. The song's tune isn't great, but the message is. This boy was thinking positively about his abilities.

I believe the best athletes in the world think positively. If they strike out, they may just realize that they're pretty good pitchers. Thinking positively allows each athlete to focus on their strengths and recognize where they succeed most. This is crucial in the development of young men as they strive to become confident individuals who reject passivity, accept responsibility, lead courageously and expect the greater reward.

We can all choose to think positively right now. Sometimes it's very difficult, but if we change our attitude and perspective, we can change our life. In changing our life, we change lives of others and eventually have a greater impact on the entire world.