There are stark differences that distinguish champions from others. Some may specifically attribute talents, physical capabilities, and intellectual competencies to those who are champions. I argue it is their mindset that sets them apart from others, not their physical and intellectual talents.
Anyone can develop the mindset of a champion through practice and action. You can even start today!
I have compiled the top 7 characteristics and principles of champions that will pave your way towards a champions mindset.
1. Champions have a strong belief in themselves or in a higher power
Some champions attribute their success to their strong belief in themselves. They whole-heartedly believe they are the best at what they do. They also believe they are going to achieve what they set out to accomplish. On the other hand, some champions believe their higher power is guiding and carrying them to success. It is their higher power that has provided them with the necessary talents to be a champion.
Without this strong belief, either in themselves or in a higher power, the champions mind cannot exist.
2. Champions are eager students
Champions never stop learning. No matter the profession, champions strive to digest as much information as possible. They essentially have a beginners mind. They look for opportunities and information available to them that will better serve their purpose in achieving success. Champion athletes and entrepreneurs know they have the ability to continue to cultivate and craft their abilities through knowledge and practice. They have a strong passion for continuing their education, which in turn affords them a mindset that seeks continuous growth.
A champion will strive to be the best at what they do, regardless of natural ability, they know by continuously learning about their craft, they will better serve themselves and their goals. Champions do not have self-limiting beliefs. Instead, a champion believes challenges and continuous learning opportunities are essential for their future.
3. Champions are mentally tough and resilient
The mindset of a champion is flexible and strong. Champions harbor the ability to cope with setbacks and obstacles, but they also have the strong will to succeed and overcome any failures that come their way. It is their strong belief in themselves or a higher power that keeps them mentally adept and resilient. Champions realize the greatness they seek will not come easy and they know they will face obstacles and set-backs.
Champions know they cannot be positive all the time, but they are committed to be absolutely engaged in life. When the going gets tough a champion will take charge and full responsibility for improving their skills and motivation.
Champions are aware they are their own worst enemy.
4. Champions have mastered their minds
Champions have cultivated a practice of mindfulness. This means they have been able to tap into the ability to live purposefully in the present moment. They continuously bring their attention to what is happening around them, rather than being fixated on failure or successes of the past and future. This mastery requires keen focus and the ability to push aside any emotional baggage that will hinder them from achieving their goals.
A champion does not allow limiting beliefs or destructive self-talk to discourage them from their path of greatness. They have mastered their mind in a fashion that only allows for emotions and thoughts that serve them to achieve their goals. Champions are mindfully aware of the noise between their ears and know when they have mastered their minds nothing can get in their way.
“Who is in control of your mind? You are.” – Aubrey Marcus
5. Champions do not give up – they are committed to success
“Fall down seven times and stand up eight.” – Japanese Proverb
Champions do not give up. Their strong belief in themselves or a higher power motivates them to continuously push through adversities and failures. They have cultivated a mindset of commitment to their success and are willing to sacrifice their time and energy to achieve their goals.
We all know that pro-boxers are some of the hardest working athletes in the world. You know why? Rather than asking, “How long should I be training for every day?” They ask, “How long can I train every day?” You see the difference?
This mindset which is rooted and committed to success is so strong it cannot be influenced by anyone or anything.
6. Champions have a strong relationship with their bodies
Regardless of occupation or profession, a champion has a strong relationship with their body. Champions know their body inside and out and respect and understand the needs of their body. They are aware of what their body needs in order to grow as an individual towards being a champion. They are aware of their nutritional and physical needs and the need to continuously improve their bodies.
They are mindfully aware if their body is out of tune, they will not be able to operate at a high standard which is required to achieve their success.
7. Champions have a powerful team supporting them
Behind every champion there is a team. Whether it is friends, family, coaches, or mentors, there is someone helping the person become a champion.
No matter the profession, champions enlist the help from others that can provide them with greater insight and experience to assist them along their journey to success. The champions team are people who can offer an outsiders perspective, experience in the given industry, and connections to propel them forward along their path to greatness. A champion chooses to surround themselves with people who believe and support their goal by continuously motivating them and providing positive feedback.
To be great you must surround yourself with great people.
Conclusion
So there you have it, the seven characteristics of champions. You can start working on your champion mindset right now. See if you have covered all of these aspects on your journey towards successes.
Remember, these characteristic do not apply only to athletes, they apply to everyday life, your career, family, and personal development towards a champion’s life.
