Talent or ability can help someone get to the top of their area of expertise, yet it is character that keeps someone at the top. When you think of top-tier athletes or excellent students, it’s important to see that they aren’t at the top of the game or their class because they were simply born with good genes. Those who get to the top of their game and remain successful are individuals that have learned to have an incredible work ethic and adopted a growth mindset. They have realized that they can continue to develop and improve and also have developed a strong character. As quoted in Carol S. Dweck’s Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, people who demonstrate character are those who work hard, who learn how to keep their focus under pressure, and who stretch beyond their ordinary abilities (p. 97). Mia Hamm was asked if she was the greatest player of her time. She answered, “No. And because of that, someday I just might be.” This is the mindset and the character that lead people, like Mia, to the highest level of success.

I coached an amazing team about a decade ago. Were they stacked with super stars? Not exactly. But this team proved to contend with high level teams because each one had discovered how to play with heart, with character. These players knew how to dig deep and to raise their level individually and as a team. Those games when they played a team that had more “natural” talent were great examples of character being more valuable than talent alone. Talented teams often struggle against the “underdog” teams. Natural talent can be outhustled and outplayed by teams that play with character and who have the will of champions. I call these types of performances “heart games.” Character is crucial to stay on top.

Obstacles are great tests to us in all aspects of life. Tough moments are when we get the opportunity to stretch ourselves beyond our comfort zone and to demonstrate the will and mind of a champion. My senior collegiate season was a daily test to me. We had an amazing roster, yet half of the starting lineup was injured, out for the entire season with way too many knee injuries. Game after game was a challenge, and I had to take on more responsibility to help our team get through to the playoffs. There was no option to not succeed, I was determined to do everything I could to help our team, and at times felt I was able to continue to dig deeper and find more to give to the team. I was able to sustain a high level of play and became a better player through that adversity. This was helpful in my next step as a professional where the grind and the obstacles are much greater. I am grateful for the adversity of my senior season and realizing more than ever the power of willing myself to succeed.

Coach John Wooden puts it quite well, “I believe ability can get you to the top, but it takes character to keep you there…It’s so easy to… begin thinking you can just ‘turn it on’ automatically, without proper preparation. It takes real character to keep working as hard or even harder once you’re there. When you read about an athlete or team that wins over and over and over, remind yourself, ‘More than ability, they have character.'”

Remember these keys: Work your butt off! Practice having a growth mindset. Embrace obstacles. Dig deep and demonstrate character!