Players must be taught to make good "choices." The question they need to ask is, "Are my priorities in order?" We need to know the importance of the decisions we make when it comes to training, working hard, attitude, and per- forming. Some choices affect the team and others affect the individual. When the choices for success are made clear to the individual and team, then it is up to the player to choose the direction that leads to improvement and ultimate suc- cess. It takes discipline to be able to make great choices consistently.
One of the biggest choices players must make is how to treat teammates. Keeping the same unselfish mind-set and helping others on the team is very important in creating unity, trust, and respect. Players will face difficult choices on and off the field. They can choose to react positively or negatively. Their choices will determine their future. If too many players react negatively in adversity, then the team’s future is bleak. It is a mind-set that must be taken under au- thority by the coach. Negative attitudes cause internal self- destruction of the group and will cause the team to break
under pressure.
There has to be a way to choose the right things when being a part of a team. We must turn to the foundation found in the Word to bring us understanding of how to choose.
A player’s attitude toward the game and teammates is a choice. When a player has a big ego, he is setting himself up for failure under pressure. Humility and hard work are always the best choices when being a team leader. Players will naturally follow a teammate who makes great choices and shows respect to each player on the team, top to bottom.
Players on the team know when their leaders have the right attitude and approach. It does not matter how good a player is if he makes bad choices on and off the field. He will lack respect from his or her teammates. This type of player is destructive to the team and will cause team blowup under pressure situations.
The Word of God tells us in Matthew 5:38-44 NLT:
“You have heard the law that says the punishment must match the injury: ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also. If you are sued in court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat, too. If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it two miles. Give to those who ask, and don’t turn away from those who want to borrow.
“You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!”
Jesus is telling us that it is a "CHOICE" how we react to situ- ations. Unfortunately, our emotions get in the way and we react differently than what the Word teaches us, especially in situations under pressure. Pressure always exposes our foun- dation. If we have built a solid and humble foundation that parallels what is in the Word, we have established a platform that will stand firm under even the most extreme pressure. Team and individual success depends upon a foundation that is established by making great choices.
