You may not have even considered what I’m going to say, but as a former competitive athlete I know what I’m talking about. Much of what I want to say has to do with basic life skills, and the rest has to do with maintaining a winning attitude. So what is a winning attitude anyway? Well, it’s a lot like a “can do” belief system in the sense that nothing is impossible and that anything can be accomplished with enough practice, hard work, willpower, and perseverance.

You see, I actually believe that, and in hindsight, looking back, I believe that my winning attitude in life may actually trump other types of belief systems judging by achievements (scoreboard) in life. Yes, let’s talk. Now I was a track and field star, that’s a lot different from a wrestler, although I’d say the workouts are just as exhausting at times.

In fact, in my youth I often crossed paths with, but not with, wrestlers struggling to gain endurance and leg strength. They ran laps, stadium steps and also long distances. They did wind races until they couldn’t stand up anymore and then they did sit-ups until it hurt so bad they couldn’t do another one, then they started with the weights in the gym. When it came time for their matches, they had to be at or below weight. They sacrificed, trained, and beat their bodies so the competition couldn’t do it.

What does all this tell me? They tell me that their endurance and perseverance against pain and adversity built such a strong mental character that nothing before them thereafter will ever be close to the challenges they once faced; the rest from then on is really easy. So let me ask myself that question one more time; “Do young fighters have an advantage in life?” Yes, of course, especially those who show up every day and give 110% because those are the champions, not only in sport but also in life.

The other day, I met a former Olympic fighter and his friend competed in the Olympic Boxing Games. They told me they could make anyone a champion, if that person had the heart and character to do the workouts and never give up. I agree, and you know what, it’s a lot like how things are in life too. You can’t lose unless you throw in the towel, but most people throw in the towel long before it matters, long before the match or the event because they won’t even try to get there in the first place. Consider all of this and think about it.