You Are Great!

With the passing of the holiday season, I have watched my students prepare work hard to get ready for the upcoming National tournament in DFW. They are attending more classes, have been more focused and have pushed themselves far more than they probably thought they were capable.

The desire to do “something great” at the tournament has sparked a sense of urgency and drive the way very few things can. On the day of the event, when you are nervous and pacing about the tournament, I want to make sure you understand that you will not find greatness on the tournament floor. No, you found it in yourself, the second you decided to compete! Greatness doesn’t come from a ribbon or medal. It doesn’t come from the adulation of a crowd. It comes from something as simple as taking on the challenge.

Sure, the medal is cool. But you found your greatness when you set a goal for yourself and started doing whatever it took to achieve that goal. You have already showed your greatness. No matter what the outcome at the event. I am proud of you. You are great because you will take on a challenge few would dare to take upon themselves and you are great because you have faced your own insecurities and doubts and have entered the field of competition. The only losers are those that have shunned this moment in fear of defeat.

To the brave go the spoils and the victories this day. Without the bravery to face whatever outcome may happen, we cannot know the exhilaration of true victory. As I prepare to go to the tournament, I wish to say to all of my students that, as their instructor, I am proud of you. Yes, I know the tournament hasn’t even started and I don’t yet know the outcomes of any of the day’s events. But, none of that matters. What matters to me is what you have accomplished more already than most people dream to achieve. Regardless of the outcome, your greatness can never be questioned. YOU ARE GREAT!