Know who you are and you'll know what to do

Our summer schedule is filling up quickly at Victory School of Wrestling. Answering questions and replying to e-mails about what we we’re going to do have compelled me to challenge our athletes (and my readers). Instead of focusing on what you are going to do this summer, how about focusing on who you will become this summer?

Often times we place our identity – who we are – in the things we do. At Victory, we have a special poster that states, “wrestling is not who we are, it’s what we do.” Who you are is more important than what you do.

Before God tells us what to do, He tells us who we are. Matthew 5:14 says, “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” Know who you are and you’ll know what to do. In God’s economy, identity comes before activity.

What am I going to do this summer is important to pin down, but who am I going to become is more important.

Potential energy vs. kinetic energy

I received a Bachelor of Arts in History, so I didn't take many science classes while I was in college. I do, however, remember from high school that energy is categorized in two main classes: potential energy and kinetic energy. Potential energy is stored energy. Kinetic energy is energy of motion.

As athletes, we need to be actively building up our stores - increasing our potential - and when our number gets called, we need to take action. The phrase we use in the wrestling world is "pulling the trigger." Potential will always be potential until action is taken. Then, and only then, it becomes strength and power.

The world is run by people who show up

I've been involved in many different organizations over the past few years. I can't say that I enjoy my role in each of them, but I joyfully accept the responsibilities that I have. I was raised to think of others first, and as a result, I find myself in volunteer positions and a part of organizations that must make difficult decisions. I believe in being part of the solution rather than complaining about problems. Often times, these roles can be thankless and disheartening, however, we all know that the world is run by people who show up and I make a point to "show up" when it matters. I aim to BE the change that world is waiting for. I don't expect others to do for me what I can do for myself.

Somehow, our world has morphed into something that is a stark contrast to the way I was raised. I see self-esteem trump self-respect. This is completely backwards and leads to a culture of individuals who posses a sense of entitlement. I have a strong dislike for entitlement.

It's easier to critique the decisions of other than it is to have to courage to be a part of decisions that matter. People rant and rave about the decisions that are made by others, but don't take initiative to get involved when it has the potential to make a difference. I'm surprised by how many people think they are privileged to all of the information and decision making processes of organizations while never offering their services to help or share their input when it has the potential to sway the decision. Their input comes in the form of complaints - often anonymously and without recourse (heaven forbid that someone would actually offer these opinions in front of others when accountability is prevalent).

My advice to these individuals is to get involved. Put in the same amount of time that I am. Instead of criticizing the decision making process and questioning the integrity of those making the decisions, show up when it matters. Show up when it's not convenient of self-serving. The world is run by people who show up.