by Harriet Hairston
My high school volleyball team went 12-1 my senior year. We were the #1 team in Germany and the #3 team in Europe by the end of the season. I can definitely attribute our success to two philosophies our coach introduced us to.
The first attribute is something that I’m sure has been heard over and over again, and is relevant to more than just volleyball: ATTITUDE is EVERYTHING. It’s a small thing that makes a huge difference. Personally, I’ve been dealing with my attitude in a great degree lately. I think I’m an all right person, but I’ve got a lot of maturing to do in the area of RESPONDING vs. reacting. Whether the chips are up or down, my attitude should remain the same, and pressure should not define me. It should only magnify who I already am. I refuse to believe that who I am is a nagging, irritable woman who throws a temper tantrum at the first sign of things not going my way. Sure, I can be spoiled at times, but that’s a character flaw that can be fixed IF I allow my attitude to remain in check when the going gets tough.
For me, that’s only possible with the second attribute my coach taught us: no matter what, the score is always 0 to 0 until the time is up! Whether we were running a clinic or getting the breaks beaten off us, we never looked at the scoreboard. If we were winning, we may have made the mistake of getting the big head and underestimating our opponent. If we were losing, we may have made the mistake of giving up too soon and not playing with the required intensity that caused us to be the formidable team we had become throughout the season. Sometimes life throws punches that make your knees want to buckle…but the heart of a champion refuses to give up until the time is up! In order to maintain that philosophy, the first attribute mentioned must be adhered to. I can’t have the attitude of a chicken and expect to soar like an eagle!
With a great attitude born out of faith in God and refusing to give up, the victory is already won. I just have to believe it and persevere until all is said and done. What’s the score? Zero to zero…until my time is up and my casket drops.
God bless!
~ Harriet
{ 3 comments }
I like that – “The score is 0 to 0 until the time is up.” I’m teaching that to my kids!
Great post as usual…do you ever get tired of reading that?
LOL @ Tara
I’m glad I don’t base the success of my writing on whether or not someone comments or views the article. Otherwise I’d be in a depression! ROFL!
Thanks for the encouragement! If ONE PERSON adopts what has helped me through the years, then I’ve done what God called me to do. All I need is one mic…ROFL!!!!
Hi Harriet….as you can see I am a little behind on the articles..but I am catching up. As always this was a good post and great reminder to keep my attitude in check when the pressure is on. I could have used this reminder earlier in the week
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