You Are The Champion!

Who gets to decide if you achieved your goals, if you won, if you are the champion?  Shouldn’t you be the judge of your success?

The University of Central Florida (UCF) football team finished their 2017 season undefeated. That comes after going without even one win just two years ago.  But, the guardians of championships for the highest level of college football didn’t think UCF played good enough opponents to qualify for a chance at the national championship.  So, when UCF won its last game of the year over a very tough opponent, the school’s athletic director declared of their success: “National champions. Undefeated.”

And then the celebration began. The team went to Disney World and marched with Mickey Mouse to cheering crowds.  And the coaches got their big bonuses which they were entitled to if the team won a national championship.  Championship rings were ordered for the players and plans were made to raise a banner honoring the champions.  The sports world, of course, could not let this display go without serious criticism.  And to that, one writer responds, “Whatever! This rocks. (UCF) decided not to be disappointed because this season was not a disappointment.”  Exactly, I say.

As you prepare your goals and plans for 2018 you get to decide what will be your measure for success.  So, when you reach your goals, and I know you can if you want to, then celebrate!  Don’t let the ‘world’ decide if you are a champion, a winner, a success. You decide.  That friend who manages to find the only cloud in a clear blue sky, ignore her. That boss who is never satisfied, what does he know about you?  That co-worker who insists he outperformed you, why should he judge your success?

So, set some goals, realistic, yet challenging.  Set up a party fund so that you can invite your family and friends to the championship celebration.  Mark your goals down and put them someplace you will see them often, and right next to that piece of paper, place this story as a reminder that you will decide that you are the champion!

(Source: Sports Illustrated, January 15, 2018; “The Case for Controlling Your Own Happiness”, by Stephanie Apstein)