Personal Growth Through Sports

Yesterday I stood in front of 50 athletes and coaches and talked to them about their responsibility as students, athletes and leaders. I stressed the idea that sports have to be about more than the games being played.

When we reduce the lofty teaching potential of athletic participation to the score of the games, we have lost a chance for personal growth.

Athletes have the responsibility to show courage in their decision making. Leaders have to sometimes be like the eagle. The eagle does not flock with the crowd; it stands alone with pride. Athletes are under a microscope with others watching their every move, this means that they must move about with a high level of integrity.

They have the unique chance under public scrutiny to blend mind body and spirit with a unity of purpose like no other venue. We the public hold athletes to very high standards, and rightfully so. Applying the same standards to our personal lives will foster personal growth.

It will make us better individuals. Stronger individuals.

Creating High Personal Standards

Boundaries and standards work hand in hand. Personal growth is really inhibited without high standards and strong boundaries. Boundaries protect you from other people’s behaviors. Standards are behaviors and actions to which you hold yourself.

It is important to understand that boundaries are a tool to keep people and situations at a reasonable distance emotionally so that they don’t drain your energy. When you establish strong boundaries, fear diminishes and you are able to trust on a deeper level.

By setting boundaries, you are telling others how you want to be treated. More often than not, these actions and attitudes increase the level of respect you get from others. By knowing what constitutes acceptable and unacceptable behavior toward you, others will naturally treat you with more respect.

Setting high personal standards is a way of living that keeps you from living according to the whims, beliefs, and goals of others and of society. Standards are a statement about who you are and how you behave.

With that said, what are your boundaries? What are your standards?