*Photo Credit: AFP/Getty Images
“Champions aren’t made in gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them-a desire, a dream, a vision. They have to have the skill, and the will. But the will must be stronger than the skill.
-Mohammad Ali-
A champion is someone who surpasses or defeats all rivals in a competition again and again. Champions also fight or speak for another person or in favor of a cause; a champion of equal rights. Muhammad Ali was one of the most influential athletes in American history, a three-time heavyweight boxing champion who fought as well with his mouth and mind.
His lifestyle, attitude, and declarations attest to this fact. Ali had mountainous courage, boldness, resilience and humility. He was said to be a selfless person who also upholds his values and convictions fearlessly. He was quoted as saying: “I am America. I am the part you won’t recognize. But get used to me. Black, confident, cocky; my name, not yours; my religion, not yours; my goals, my own; get used to me.” He was very assertive and sometimes brash and loud. He shouted “I am the greatest! I am the King of the world!” into the microphone of radio reporter Howard Cosell after winning one of his fights.
You must be wondering why I am focusing on Mohammed Ali in this post. The reason is this: at the start of 2021 I stated that the year is for champions. I have written some posts on a few letters of the acronym C.H.A.M.P.I.O.N. (see Welcome 2021, Connection and Courage , The Making of Champions, Hard Work. )Today I am writing on ASSERTIVENESS as an essential skill set which a champion must possess. Assertiveness is the ability to express clearly and with conviction how one feels, what one wants or a need without being aggressive or rude. It is a skill that could be learned, perfected, and used as found appropriate in different circumstances. A champion cannot be closed mouth. A closed mouth is said to be a closed destiny. As a champion you have a God given voice which is symbolic or synonymous to your destiny. Your voice is as powerful as your Maker’s because you are made in His image.
There’s another historic champion in Israel, King David. He was assertive, bold, and fearless in the Lord.
“David replied to the Philistine, “You come to me with sword, spear, and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies—the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. Today the Lord will conquer you, and I will kill you and cut off your head. And then I will give the dead bodies of your men to the birds and wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel! And everyone assembled here will know that the Lord rescues his people, but not with sword and spear. This is the Lord’s battle, and he will give you to us!””
1 Samuel 17:45-47 NLT
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Coach Bimpe is the Founder & Chief Servant Officer of Connect Coaching Center, LLC.
Resident in Columbus Ohio, USA, her organization provides coaching and leadership training services around the globe. As a faith-based organization, we are dedicated to equipping you with practical skills and tools to discover your hidden potential and purpose. We empower you to build deeper connections with yourself and others, enabling you to lead a life of purpose and impact.
For your personal or organizational coaching, leadership training and or speaking engagements, or for a free 30 minutes discovery session, please contact us or email CoachBimpe@connectcoachingcenter.net. Tel: +1 6143535028