Chad Pohlman, Director of Athletics at The Bear Creek School

Varsity Boys Soccer Coach

Defining Success for Today’s Student Athlete

What is ?

How is it defined?

What does it look like?

Why is it important?

Jeffrey Spencer

“First, we're born to win. We've a primal instinct that compels us to achieve. That drive is what's behind each thought and action. It's what initiates every moment of our lives. We see this, for example, even in the most common of conversations. Have you ever heard anyone say they can't wait to get up the next day to fail? All I ever hear is how tired people are of being less than they know they're capable of being and how much they want more success and fulfillment….The goal doesn't matter. It could be something as simple as cleaning your bicycles chain for an upcoming triathlon, buying vitamins, or as complex as preparing a climb up Mt. Everest. The point is we're born to pursue and achieve goals, as that's the way nature designed us.”

• The pursuit of excellence

• Setting high goals that challenges students to strive for more

• Learning to fail and dealing with failure in a safe environment

• This is real life – Not everyone wins

• Competition and goal setting builds confidence

• Winning increases motivation

“Class always shows, whether you win or lose. People can tell instantly if you have class by watching you perform and interact with others. If you have class, you don't need much of anything else to be a winner. If you don't have it, whatever else you have won't make up the difference.”

~ Unknown

• Properly places moral character above any single accomplishment• Teaches priorities and personal responsibility• Easily transferrable lesson to all areas of life (academics, work, family, etc…)• More inclusive (everyone gets to participate and experience the journey)• Praise is given and students are rewarded for things that they can control

(effort, attitude, etc…) vs. something they might not be able to control (winning).

The question should never be which is more

important… Winning, Losing, Success, and even

Character Development are simply words in our

vocabulary. It is the monetary value we place on each

one of those words that will shape our children and

their worldview related to who they are.

Winning & Losing• Neither define who we are

• It is not the pinnacle of Success nor the depth of self worth

• Both are valuable, and yet neither is important unless put in

the appropriate context

New York City pastor and author Tim Keller in his book Counterfeit Gods…

“More than other idols, personal success and achievement lead to a sense that we ourselves are God, that our security and value rest in our own wisdom, strength and performance. To be the very best at what you do, to be at the top of the heap, means no one is like you. You are supreme.”

Matthew 16:26

What good will it be for someone to gain

the whole world, yet forfeit their soul??

• Academics… where does it fit in

• Health, Diet

• Outside Activities

• Time management