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Welcome to November ~ Here's to the Spirit of CompetitionDuring the month of October, I have watched in amazement as my daughters, Ann and Katie, now Juniors in High School, have bolted across the finish line in several regional cross country races. The sweat rolling down their bodies and their look of determination tells the truest part of me that they are going to succeed in life, no matter what. They don't take running lightly...as a matter of fact, they are relentless, and it is truly an awe-inspiring experience for me to behold. Their speed, consistency, and commitment to healthy living have paid off for them in a big way, and even though they win again and again, their success never seems to get in the way of their sportsmanship and their contribution. (Yes...I am bragging, because I am so very proud of them. They are such cool kids.) I also had the pleasure this month to spend the day with my son, Jack, during one of his many golf tournaments. (I have now lost count of how many he has played and how many he has won.) I don't watch him that often, because I often feel like I make him nervous. So this last time, I went out to watch him in the role of "Coach." During tournament play, I am not allowed to give advice, but my way of being was focused and solid, encouraging him to do the same. He played just as I was being...focused and solid, and while he did not win the tournament, his fourth place finish was played like a true pro. He even told me later that my being there made the difference for him on the back 9. Competitive sports (in my opinion) have been given a bad rap. They have been such a tremendous influence in the lives of my children, and their self esteem is healthy and strong as a result. I have watched my children learn how to take care of their physical bodies, how to be team players, how to be leaders, how to be coached, and how to be gracious players in the game of life. This month, I want to share with you one of my favorite articles: The Top 10 Life Lessons Your Child Can Learn from Playing Golf. I have to say that these can apply to all youth athletics, and these lessons are not something you can learn from a book or teach by talking or lecturing. Your child truly has to live it, learn to win and lose, suffer the consequences of negative behavior, learn how to dig deep, and they have to experience it boldly with their peers, coaches, family, and spectators watching as they are put to the test.
by Bea Fields During the last nine years, I have watched my son and his friends grow up in the world of Junior Golf. This amazing sport has brought out the best in these young men, and has taught them so many valuable life lessons. I am forever impressed, in particular to the following ten qualities that I have observed my son develop as a bi-product of the great game of golf. 1. Humility and RespectGolf requires that you show courtesy to others and that you communicate with respect. In the Junior Golf tournaments across the country, it is well stated that good sportsmanship must be exhibited at all times and that all play is ended with an exchange of a hand shake. 2. PunctualityWhen the tournament schedule states "Tee time is at 9:00," this means that you are to be on the tee box at 8:55. If you are late to the tee box, you are automatically disqualified, no questions asked. While this can be a tough lesson to learn, it is one that works brilliantly and has instilled in my son the importance of being on time for not only every tournament but every event in life. 3. ConfessionGolf is a game of honor, and recognizing that a transgression has occurred and taking responsibility for the transgression is a part of the game. This one act instills integrity and fairness to all concerned. 4. SafetyGolf balls and clubs are very hard and dangerous instruments, and one of the first and foremost rules of golf is safety. My son has been instructed again and again to not take practice swings in the direction of another person, not to swing clubs when someone else is walking by, and never to hit into a group playing in front of him. These rules of safety have filtered into other aspects of his life, including biking, swimming, and safety in the home. 5. QuietGolf requires an amazing amount of concentration, and quiet is required at all times on the golf course. While this takes practice for young kids, it is a life skill that teaches constraint and respect for others. 6. VisioningThe night before and the morning of a tournament, my son sits quietly and mentally and visually plays the course. This skill is teaching him how to "see the end in mind," which is key to goal achievement. 7. Problem SolvingRain, wind, trees, multiple sand traps, and deep rough can make for a challenging day of tournament play. These are a normal part of golf and can be an amazing opportunity for clever problem solving and personal growth. 8. FocusGolf is a tough sport. It requires that you not only know the physics of hitting the ball (and what club to use when) but requires intense mental and emotional concentration. Silencing the inner critic after a "bad shot" is crucial to regaining clear focus, which is an advanced skill to learn but one that can take you very far in life. 9. Practice, Persistence, and ListeningIn golf, instant success is very rare. My son has become a great golfer through daily practice, persistence, and through being open to listening to his mentors. In life, it is important to know that we rarely reach our goal in one "stroke." By practicing, making corrections along the way, being open to coaching, and being persistent, we can tackle most of life's tough challenges. 10. GraciousnessOne of the most important life lessons my son has learned from golf is
to be gracious and respectful to adults. At the end of each tournament, he
and his competitors thank and shake the hands of the tournament chairmen
and follow this up with a handwritten note of thanks.
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© 2004 Bea Fields | |