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Step 1
Repeat after me: It’s only a game. This is not life or death, and despite our aspirations, our weekly golf game rarely pays the mortgage. It is possible to take your game/sport/training seriously without taking yourself too seriously.
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Step 2
Play fairly. This should go without saying, but hey, cheaters are out there in droves. This fact does not give you permission to bench your ethics.
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Step 3
Don’t apologize for being faster, stronger or more talented than your peers. Likewise, don’t rub their slower, weaker, less talented noses in it. The word we’re looking for is gracious.
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Step 4
Consider winning just one of many reasons you participate in sports. Focus on the pride you have in learning a skill, training hard or overcoming a challenge.
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Step 5
If you’re a parent, remember that every grumble and sigh is recorded exactingly by your children. Be a grown-up and a good role model. This applies to watching sports on TV, in public, and especially when cheering on their own efforts.
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Step 6
Cheer more than you criticize.
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Step 7
Seek out examples of good sportsmanship. In a world full of celebrity-athlete tantrums and brawls, it’s easy to forget that most athletes are pursuing their sports with their dignity intact. Make note of these examples, and if you have children, point out these stories to them.
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Step 8
The more activities you try, the more you will come to appreciate the skills it takes to excel at them. This appreciation will keep you humble. Make an effort to try one new sport a year.
Comments
kselz said
on 12/30/2008 Great comments and very important. 5*s
robert_mcguire said
on 4/14/2008 All great points. Especially like #3 and #5.