Do You Really Love To Compete?

As a trainer, sports commentator, and coach, you begin to see similar traits in athletes.  I have noticed a common trait in the the really good athletes, and that is the ability and want to compete, the ability to never give up, and the innate optimism in any and every situation.  We as coaches, trainers, viewers enjoy testing, challenging and pushing players to see what type of competitor they are.  Coaches that recruit players not only recruit talent and potential, but also your response to challenges.  Do you embrace your challenges with confidence, poise, and grace, or do you shy away, get angry, mope and give up?  These are tell tell signs of a competitor.  Jimmy Butler for the Timberwolves is a competitor.  Jimmy took the 3rd string squad and defeated first string.  In basketball first string usually beats second string and demolishes third so hearing that Jimmy Butler was able to take the third tier group and wipe the floor with the first group is impressive.  What also is impressive, is that Jimmy took third string with confidence and had the mentality "No challenge is too great" and he responded accordingly.  For young players who mope and get angry at the obstacles simulated, planned and created by the coach, just understand that you failed his or her challenge presented to you.  Win, lose or draw you need to compete no matter what with the understanding that with an L comes an opportunity to improve, to find out something about yourself, to never give up and to always compete.