Greatness
Many years ago, many of you may remember a book titled “7 Days in Utopia” followed by a movie with the same name staring Robert Duval. It was a book basically about golf but the principles were ones that could be related to life itself. An easy read, filled with mindset truths that could be easily adapted to any of us tackling challenges and distractions that the world sends our way.
The author was David L. Cook, PHD, who is a sports psychologist who helps athletes to redefine themselves to be just who they are rather that accepting the pressures of who others want them to be and succumbing to the scrambling of fear and failure, defeat compromise and ‘what ifs’.
We are in Colorado and we had a chance to hear Cook speak to a small group and he included experts from his new book “greatness”… (and yes it is titled with a little “g”) and a title that you almost need a magnifying glass to read. It is printed on the background of shiny white glossy paper. which I found to be genius because…. all the print and stories shared inside referenced greatness not to be what the world showcases but what we have the ability to do, ( I am adding) with God’s help, to adjust our thinking to be a launching board for good and worthy actions and reactions.
Our thoughts are generated by our mind, and our actions are a reflection of our thoughts. So how do we go about transforming our thoughts to be in line with truth, and reality and forgo the distractions that so many times get in the way of our ability to carry on in life? Our weaknesses, strengths, talents and gifts are all part of the package that God has made each of us to be, but how often are we hesitant to embrace the fullness of life due to the adversities, failures and hurdles that find ways to try to confront us, conform us and confine us.
Cook’s explanation for greatness comes through each of our answers to three questions: He refers to them as three elements that serve as the first three pillars to greatness:
1) Where do you want to go” (Focus)
2) How bad do you want to get there? (Passion)
3) Do you have the mental skills to handle the adversity along the way? (Mental Toughness)
If I were to compare these pillars to biblical ones I would suggest that they line up with some of these thoughts and verses.
1) Focus: “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things” (Colossians 3:2). Focus
Distraction is the nemesis of focus. We are constantly tempted to pull away from a consistent focus on Christ. As a result, we often find ourselves being tossed to and fro by the concerns of life or circumstances that are before us. Crystal McDowell
We give the enemy access to our life through fear. We give God access to our life through faith. Pay attention to what you pay attention to. Where your mind goes, you go. The quality of your inner response (where you focus your heart and mind) determines the quality of your outer response (what you do and how well you do it).
2)Passion: Colossians 3: 23
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,Matthew 6:21For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
For the soul of a person to be inflamed with passion for the living God, that person's mind must first be informed about the character and will of God. There can be nothing in the heart that is not first in the mind. Though it is possible to have theology on the head without its piercing the soul, it cannot pierce the soul without first being grasped by the mind. R.C Sproul
3) Mental Toughness: “Therefore, prepare your minds for action, and be sober-minded … set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” Peter 1:13
Navigating the challenges of a fallen world requires faith-driven mental toughness. When you are mentally tough, you don’t focus on trying to control the situation, you focus on trusting God and controlling yourself. When confronted by a difficult or challenging situation, mentally tough people don’t dwell on how they feel, they focus on what needs to be done. Tim Knight
Cook told a story of being a young teenager who was learning golf from a trusted friend. Each time the friend put his club back in the bag , he would say Picasso. Why? Because each time he set up a shot he would imagine a vision of a masterpiece in his mind. And Cook took that lesson and established three letters he would use as a guide to accomplishing his masterpiece: SFT. See it, Feel it and Trust it…and that was his where he would set his mind. When we set our goals to paint out our masterpiece or vision, no matter how grand or how small, we too can use these three letters as a guide. Or maybe use those letters to remind you to SET FORTH TRUST in God and his plans and his loving grace upon you.
Lastly I will close by a sharing Cook's fourth and prominent pillar: and that is having a noble heart. For that is where greatness is found!!! Cook told a story of a Nebraska Volleyball Coach named Terry Pettit. Cook had been invited to join them as they set their goals and sights on a National Championship. At one occasion he asked the coach is he coached out of unconditional love or conditional love based on performance Unconditional love does not mean a coach isn’t demanding or driving or tough it just means at the end of the day his or her team knows they are loved . Pettir said let me think about that and get back to you.
His answer came in action during a semifinal match of the NCAAbnational championship. The game was heated and emotional and tied 7 to 7. Coach called his team to a huddle and said “no matter if we win or lose , you need to know something, And as he looked around the faces and met them each eye to eye I love you each very very much! The players were stunner that that was his message, no technical ques, no padded instruction…plain and simply…Go get em!They were free to play fearlessly and freely.
I tell you this story because as we go through life, we are confronted so often on choosing to base our feelings of performance or love. Which do you consider to be most inspiring? Isn’t there a freedom for all of us when we know we are working to please God and not man…for God loves us at all times, in all circumstances no matter what we have accomplished or even when we have failed or messed up. If we are to be noble in character, we must try to emulate the example given to us by Christ: Love one another in good times and bad and continue to think of others first instead of self.
Matthew 7:12 So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.
I know this is a little long, but just thought it worth a small share.
Blessings to you this day!!!
Praise God wherever you are and whatever situation He has allowed you to be in . . . His glory will shine through!
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