What is Competitive Character?

Team,

Brad Stevens, former Butler coach and current Boston Celtics coach, has a key criterion he looks for in players and coaches: Competitive Character.

Competitive character, as Stevens defines it, goes beyond a mere desire to win. It's about diligent preparation, team care, and staying focused under pressure. This mindset emphasizes consistent high performance, regardless of circumstances.

Stevens acknowledges that developing such character isn't easy and not everyone naturally possesses it. He believes having a few leaders with these values in the locker room can set a team on the path to excellence.

During his time at Butler, Stevens prominently displayed this value and emphasized it in recruiting pitches to ensure everyone understood the expectations.

So, what is competitive character?

It's an intriguing blend of personal integrity and competitive spirit. Character is revealed through actions and lifestyle choices, while your competitive nature drives you to excel. Renowned sports psychologist Dr. Jim Loehr suggests that "Drive" is the key difference between success and mediocrity, as seen in athletes like Roger Federer and Michael Jordan.

Competitive character is rooted in:

• A growth mindset

• Resilience

• Hard work

• Willingness to give your best.

• Integrity

This character isn't just about winning; it's about winning with honor, respect, and a relentless desire to improve. It means balancing exceptional personal qualities with a fierce competitive spirit.

While there are no specific studies on competitive character yet, research shows that participation in sports can enhance leadership skills and emotional management, particularly in high-pressure situations.

To implement competitive character, consider the following five questions, rated on a scale of 1 to 5:

1. Preparation: How well do you prepare for challenges, even when no one is watching?

2. Team Focus: Do you genuinely care about your team's success, even without personal recognition?

3. Under Pressure: Can you stay focused and perform well in high-pressure situations?

4. Resilience: How do you handle setbacks and failures?

5. Balance: Can you balance your competitive drive with integrity and respect for others?

Assessing competitive character can offer valuable insights into your ability to positively impact your team's success while growing personally and professionally. For youth players all the way up to the professional level, there is value in learning and training on these to improve and master the Competitive Characteristics of a champion!

Stay resilient,

Coach Dave

Founder Flow State Basketball

www.flowstatebasketball.com

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