Talent Loses to Temper

There were two games going on this week in Wichita’s Round House as thousands of basketball fans watched on. There was The Basketball Tournament (TBT) quarterfinal between the Wichita State alumni team and the Kansas alumni team as the Jayhawk alumni won in an extraordinary Elam Ending. 

The other game taking place simultaneously was Talent vs Temper.  Unfortunately, Talent lost to Temper as the game was marred with multiple fights, player ejections, and an indefinite suspension. What should have been remembered for incredible basketball will instead be remembered for a loss of emotional control.

It only takes one moment to overshadow years of hard work.  Character is never tested when everything is going your way. Character is tested when emotions are running high.

Every athlete will eventually face a bad call, a cheap shot, an arrogant opponent, an embarrassing mistake, or a heartbreaking loss. Those moments reveal something deeper than athletic ability.  They reveal character.

The Cost of One Bad Decision

What happened on the court lasted only a few minutes.  But the images are still dominating social media. Fans noticed.  Employers noticed.  Parents noticed.  Young athletes noticed.  Character can take years to build and only seconds to damage.  Every decision we make either deposits into our reputation or withdraws from it.

Emotional Intelligence Is a Competitive Advantage

One of the greatest leadership skills any athlete can develop is  emotional control.  The athlete who stays calm under pressure gains an enormous competitive advantage.  They think more clearly.  They lead better.  They make wiser decisions.  They become someone teammates trust.

Championship teams aren’t simply filled with talented players.  They’re filled with disciplined players.

Your Opponent Doesn’t Control You

One of the greatest lies in sports is:  “He made me do it.” No.  People may influence our emotions.  But they do not control our responses.  Leadership begins the moment we accept responsibility for our reactions. 

The greatest competitors understand that the hardest opponent to defeat isn’t standing across the court.

It’s the one living inside us.

Years from now, people will remember that final shot that won the game.  But, unfortunately, many more will remember that this was the evening that Character Crashed on the Court.

What do you want people to remember about you and your days of competition?

Your statistics?  Or your character?

Your victories?  Or your integrity?

Every competition gives you two opportunities.  One is to display your talent.  The other is to display your character.  Talent may win games.  Character wins respect.

The Apostle Paul said, “And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. ¹⁵ And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. ¹⁶ Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another…with thankfulness in your hearts to God. ¹⁷ And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3

Lead with composure.

Lead with integrity.

Lead so that when the game is over, your reputation is stronger than your performance.

God Bless!