2021 is the year for champions. This means there’s allowance for emerging champions besides existing ones. The emerging champions are those who are willing to go the extra mile mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually.
What does that entail? To go the extra mile means, you are fully aware of what it takes to be named a champion and you are prepared to pay the price. The price of COURAGE, HARD WORK, ASSERTIVENESS, MOTIVATION (SELF). In my previous blogs, I have expounded on these requirements. Today, I am expounding on the principle of 5Ps, which champions understand and apply.
5Ps is an acronym for Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance.
A proper preparation is targeted, focused and strategic. It entails mental, physical, emotional and spiritual preparation. Positive mental attitude is a must have for a champion. The mindset of a champion is “I CAN” It is never “I COULD, I SHOULD, I MAY, I CAN’T”. Never!
“But Caleb tried to quiet the people as they stood before Moses. “Let’s go at once to take the land,” he said. “We can certainly conquer it!””
Numbers 13:30 NLT
““Master,” said David, “don’t give up hope. I’m ready to go and fight this Philistine.””
1 Samuel 17:32 MSG
A champion knows and applies the principle of SWOT Analysis as part of his proper preparation. SWOT stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. It is a technique for assessing four aspects of your business or personal ability. Champions learn to make the most of what they have to their best advantage. . .
“But David persisted. “I have been taking care of my father’s sheep and goats,” he said. “When a lion or a bear comes to steal a lamb from the flock, I go after it with a club and rescue the lamb from its mouth. If the animal turns on me, I catch it by the jaw and club it to death. I have done this to both lions and bears, and I’ll do it to this pagan Philistine, too, for he has defied the armies of the living God! The Lord who rescued me from the claws of the lion and the bear will rescue me from this Philistine!” Saul finally consented. “All right, go ahead,” he said. “And may the Lord be with you!” Then Saul gave David his own armor—a bronze helmet and a coat of mail. David put it on, strapped the sword over it, and took a step or two to see what it was like, for he had never worn such things before. “I can’t go in these,” he protested to Saul. “I’m not used to them.” So David took them off again. He picked up five smooth stones from a stream and put them into his shepherd’s bag. Then, armed only with his shepherd’s staff and sling, he started across the valley to fight the Philistine. So David triumphed over the Philistine with only a sling and a stone, for he had no sword.”
1 Samuel 17:34-40, 50 NLT
Performance is an action word. Mere talk is cheap. As seen in the passage, David spoke and he acted. He recalled his past victories, skills set, declined a borrowed armor and courageously faced and defeated Goliath, the current champion.
Your emergence as a champion in 2021 is predicated on objective evaluation of your current abilities, skills, your willingness to actively engage your mind, courageous action, willingness to acquire new skills if necessary, collaborative effort if needed, and divine assistance.
“Then He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.””
Matthew 4:19 NKJV
No matter your ability or strength, you did not create yourself. Champions learn to tap into divine source. The One who made you can remake you, support you, guide you, direct you. He will guide you to your predetermined outcome.
““Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.””
Jeremiah 1:5 NKJV
Without adequate preparation, we are hardly guaranteed success in any venture. He who fails to plan actually plans to fail.
Prayerful, proper preparation prevents poor performance!
Have an impactful week!