Championship Shape

The 96 hours leading up to and through Memorial Day, in the lacrosse world, is also known as “Championship Weekend.”

The collegiate season, which started on February 1st, culminates by crowning winners after four full months of heart, hustle, and perseverance.

Beyond technical skill and physical conditioning, the best teams are in Championship Shape.

“What percentage of individuals nationwide, would you say, are in-shape versus out-of-shape?” I often ask my clients. Answers range from 10-30% in-shape and 70-90% out-of-shape. “Out of the less than 1/3 that are in-shape, what portion of individuals nationwide are in game-shape (a term that refers to a capacity to compete throughout a game’s entirety)?” After shaking their heads, people usually say 5-10%. Then, I ask the final question, “What percentage of those who are in game-shape are in Championship Shape?”

A few weeks after my fifth professional lacrosse season ended, sweat covered the gym mat beneath an echo bike, which I gripped tightly with my feet and fists. As I aggressively pumped my arms out and pounded my soles down, my mind wandered to a championship game that occurred roughly one month prior. Closing my eyes, plays and moments from the game fluttered throughout my imagination. I saw hesitancy. I felt fear. I noticed bouts of anger, anxiety, and doubt.

I snapped my eyes back open.

I shook my head in disbelief.

I realized … being in game-shape is not enough.

Championship Shape is peace under pressure.

It’s a quiet mind amidst a loud audience. It’s a calmness during uncertain circumstances. It’s tranquility despite urgency.

So, the final question is not, “What percentage of people are in Championship Shape?” but rather: “How does one attain it?”

Sport psychology is packed with a variety of different subtopics including but not limited to self-awareness, goal-setting, visualization, injury rehabilitation, team dynamics, attention control, and relationship enhancement. However, none of these are truly effective alone.

The more you train your body, the more it does for you. The more you train your mind, the less it gets in your way.

In the movie, Burnt, the main character battles his own obsession and competitive nature with the necessity of cooperation, delegation, and empowerment of others. As he strives valiantly for a three-star Michelin restaurant, ego and hubris become overwhelming opponents. Brought to his physical and psychological knees, self-reliance and resistance give way to acceptance and surrender. A me-oriented guy achieves Championship Shape by evolving into a we-focused leader. 

Through relationships, we become truly successful.

In a similar way to a car breaking down with only three tires and a clock confusing us with only 11 numbers, competitors cannot reach ultimate destinations by themselves.

If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.

A strategy is insufficient. It takes a system.

An athlete merely participates. It takes a team to triumph.

A healthy body is good. It takes a clear mind and a sound spirit to be great.

Championship Shape calls forth a holistic attention to body, mind, and spirit. The more energized and hydrated we are in our bodies —> the more clarity and calmness we have in our minds —> the more confident and faith-filled we become in our spirits —> the greater the chances of winning life’s championships.

Start with self-awareness, goal-setting, and action plans. You will get in shape.

Progress with trustworthy relationships, consistent discipline, and an environment of excellence. You will reach game shape.

Finish your race through belief, courage, and faith. You will surrender into Championship Shape.

— MG