A Champion's Heart

Just what is so special about the heart of a champion? After Lance Armstrong finished his last triumph on the Champ d'Elysee there was much talk about how Mr. Armstrong's actual heart was bigger than normal, thus allowing for more blood to be distributed to his body during peak performance demands. Do all champions have larger hearts? No, probably not. But, in any event, it would be a useless concern for those of us that are endowed with only normal sized hearts, because we still aspire to perform like champions. So, is there any hope for us? Of course!

But, rather than ask a question of physics and physiology, as golfers, let's consider what it might mean to play with the "heart of a champion." Let's put aside the physical heart and look into the meaning of the metaphor, "heart." To define heart in this manner, we need only consider all the adjectives or modifiers that usually describe a champion's performance, words like; passionate, determined, gutsy, fearless, unwavering, unconditional or perhaps, uncompromising. Think about all the times when you have referred to someone's performance and described it "full of heart." What have you recognized in their behavior or demeanor that has made such a strong and definitive impression?

A champion's performance is visible for all to see and admire, but what is not obvious is the more personal, underlying motivations that "drive" the player to excel in the way that they do. We could say, this is really the "heart" of the matter. Perhaps the vital question is always, one of "intention." Not, the intention such as "a plan" or a set of "hopes," but a question of powerful and uniquely personal inspiration that combines vision, motivation, desire and will to excel at something. This intentionality is often deeply intertwined in the fabric of our life's history and is often expressed with or without our even being very aware of it. But, for champions, this intention is an underlying force of their dedication. It is very much a primary force in their lives.

What is it? Can we buy it, drink it, inject it? No! But, maybe then, certain special people are just born with it? Yes, but...all of us are born with it as a fundamental power of our lives. Recognizing, accepting and harnessing that power is key to how great champions create extraordinary results in any game. For you and me, the process is just as simple. But, if it isn't happening naturally already, then work must be done to access and then direct that power towards the important goals and ambitions of our lives.

Now, to golf. On a golf course, there are 60+ times when you must ask yourself a simple question about intention, "what do I want?" Most often, this seems like such a ludicrously simplistic question. Of course, we all want to put the ball in the hole with the fewest strokes. If only it were that simple! But, it is! To have the best chance of putting the ball in the hole, you must constantly eliminate anything that would be in the way of the ball going into the hole.

What? Hold on, now. Such gibberish! Most people would think this is nonsense and I know it sounds like it. But, your suspicions, cynicisms and doubts are typical of the sort of things that are in the way of the ball! Test yourself. Go out on the putting green, stand over your next important putt and focus on doubt, mistrust and uncertainty and watch how far off-mark your putt will be. Or, stand on the tee with a new, expensive ball and and only think about how the spectators are going to judge you if you slice into the water or top the ball into the rough in front of you. What will happen?

Herein lies one of the keys to the intention game; you are the boss! It is your choice to play. It is your vision that compels your desire. It is your mind that focuses on either what is important or on all the other distractions. It is up to you to decide how serious you will be about the perfection of your play or how accepting you will be of the inevitable failures. It is up to you to put in the practice hours, hire the coach, buy the appropriate equipment, understand the slope challenges and all other aspects of the game. In all regards, you're it!

Champions get this. That is why they are so often described as totally committed and passionately dedicated. This emotional and mental state is no accident. They are clear. They are free. They are true to themselves. And, they are present and engaged with their lives' commitments. We can all learn from their example because we all have the same abilities and the same capacities. We may never equal their accomplishments or reach their level of performance, but we all have the chance to live and to excel with the passions and the whole hearted enthusiasm that is our birthright.