How Champions Think Ch 19

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Questions and Answers

What does the author emphasize as more important than sports?

Professional networking

Physical fitness

Educational opportunities (correct)

Media recognition

According to the author, what is a common issue with athletes after college?

They struggle to maintain physical fitness.

They receive fewer job offers than non-athletes.

They often become professional sports commentators.

They fail to apply sports lessons to their lives. (correct)

How does the author describe the relationship between talent and personal obligations?

Developing talent requires minimal effort once identified.

Having talent incurs additional responsibilities to set a good example. (correct)

Talent should be prioritized over responsibilities.

Only athletes have obligations related to their talents.

What common doubt do individuals express when seeking to improve themselves?

What if it doesn’t work? Signup and view all the answers

What is a prominent reason individuals hesitate to commit to challenging goals?

Doubt about the effectiveness of their efforts Signup and view all the answers

What principle did Vince Lombardi emphasize in his teachings?

The most important aspects of life are family, religion, and team. Signup and view all the answers

Why do many people choose not to pursue exceptional achievements?

They fear failure and prefer security. Signup and view all the answers

What does the author believe is a crucial aspect of extraordinary achievements?

Belief in one's abilities or faith Signup and view all the answers

What common attribute do exceptionally driven individuals share?

They seek excellence despite potential failure. Signup and view all the answers

How is success defined in the context of competitive sports?

By the fewest strokes taken in a game. Signup and view all the answers

How does faith relate to a golfer's performance according to the passage?

It involves trusting one’s skills and accepting the outcome. Signup and view all the answers

What principle does John Wooden emphasize in his Pyramid of Success?

Values such as integrity and cooperation are crucial. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the five pillars that Dick Bennett wanted his teams to build skills on?

Humility Signup and view all the answers

What is identified as a lasting failure over a lifetime?

Failure to try at all. Signup and view all the answers

How should an individual view their abilities and free will according to the passage?

They should take responsibility for their own development. Signup and view all the answers

What does the effort matter more than, according to the principles laid out?

The final score or results. Signup and view all the answers

What does the author suggest is essential for personal growth and success?

Collaboration with others and community engagement. Signup and view all the answers

What philosophy does Paul Tudor Jones embody through his charitable actions?

Giving back to the community fosters personal satisfaction. Signup and view all the answers

Which example illustrates humility as discussed in the passage?

Paul McCartney's down-to-earth demeanor despite fame. Signup and view all the answers

What overarching theme is presented about success and failure in the context of the passage?

The means of striving matter as much as the results. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Key Principles of Exceptional Living

Hesitation and Doubt: Many individuals hesitate to pursue excellence due to fear of failure ("What if it doesn't work?"). This fear stems from the perception that hard work doesn't always equate to success.
Unfairness of Success: The author argues life is not always fair. Exceptional outcomes can seemingly stem from luck, not always hard work. The author contrasts effort with outcome: having success doesn't always correlate with high effort.
Commitment to Excellence: Exceptional individuals are not deterred by the possibility of failure. They understand the odds are often stacked against them but still choose to strive for excellence in their lives.
Importance of Education: Education provides opportunities for future success. Sports are seen as a means to build skills and character, not an end. Education is valued over sports.

Philosophy of Excellence

Faith and Upbringing: The author's philosophy of excellence is rooted in his faith and upbringing. His father instilled the idea of education's importance.
Sports as Means, Not Ends: The author stresses that sports are a means to build valuable life skills for future success. Lessons about perseverance and commitment are key takeaways from sports.
Translating Skills to Life: The author emphasizes the importance of athletes and other individuals applying the lessons learnt in their chosen fields throughout their entire lives.
Personal Responsibility: Choosing to develop your gifts and be an exceptional person is a personal responsibility, irrespective of religion or lack thereof.

Importance of Effort Over Outcome

Effort, Not Outcome: The author highlights that the effort one puts into an endeavour is often more important than the results. Exceptional people focus on their daily progress and personal growth.
Accepting Failure as Part of the Journey: Failure is part of reaching excellence and is not viewed as a complete failure. It is important to derive satisfaction from daily effort.
Importance of Community: Success is not achieved alone. Others, including coaches, parents, teammates, and family, are essential for success.
Humility and Contribution: Being exceptional is not about superiority but about putting effort into learning and helping others. Recognizing the contributions of others is part of this.

The Role of Competition and Luck

Competition as Teacher: Competition pushes people to reach their full potential. It is crucial to the growth and development of exceptionalism.
Luck's Role in Outcome: Luck plays a significant part in outcomes, but it doesn't affect the effort put forth. Honest competitors focus on daily effort rather than outcome.
The Journey is More Important than the Destination: The process of achieving excellence is equally if not more rewarding than the final results and the end goal.

Finding Satisfaction and Peace

Finding Joy in Daily Progress: The author encourages focus on every day improvements and finding satisfaction in daily accomplishment, not outcome, because it is in control.
Peace of Mind: A strong philosophy of excellence, focused on hard work and contributing to the lives of others, leads to peace of mind. This allows individuals to handle both successes and setbacks with grace.
Never-Ending Pursuit: Living an exceptional life in a peaceful and thriving society is a constant pursuit of progress, growth, and learning, leading to a feeling of contentment and ongoing satisfaction.

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Description

Explore the fundamental concepts of achieving excellence in life through overcoming doubts and understanding the role of education. This quiz delves into the author's views on the relationship between effort and success and the importance of commitment. Challenge your perspectives on what it means to live exceptionally.