An object in motion remains in motion until acted upon by an outside force. This law of physics, known as inertia, also applies to life. Positive forces propel us forward while negative forces keep us from achieving our potential. All humans are subjected to distractions, both positive and negative. Winners effectively manage these distractions, refusing to be trapped in the web of negative thoughts, words and people. One of the most reliable predictors of success is passion. Passion evolves when one chooses positive thoughts, words and people. Additional forms of positive energy are desire (goals); love (compassion); faith (belief); and the most powerful, hope. When a person allows these forces to influence their life, positive results occur naturally – positive attitudes, healthy relationships and successful, rewarding careers.

Individuals are also subjected to negative energy – fear, anger, envy, greed and jealousy. These undesirable forces result in destructive actions such as complaining, arguing, blaming, gossiping and one of the worst, worrying. Needless to say, people who choose to be influenced by these negative forces have toxic attitudes, unhealthy relationships and less than successful careers.

Winners choose to associate with positive people and elect to be influenced by positive sources of energy. They understand the wisdom of the following statement – “Show me your friends and I will show you your future.” Who one associates with (a choice) has a direct bearing on the quality of their life. A high school classmate, blessed with the athletic abilities to play professional basketball, is wasting away in prison for choosing a life of crime. This wasted potential can be attributed to the fact that he chose to associate with the wrong crowd in the 7th grade. “Show me your friends and I will show you your future” was never truer!

Teams (athletic, corporate, family, church, school) are a collection of diversified personalities committed to achieving goals. All teams, like people, have potential – what they can be. What they will be - goals accomplished - is determined by how each member manages their time, energy, attitudes and relationships. When these sources of energy are effectively managed, teams achieve their full potential. When passionate hearts commit to a shared vision, they can accomplish the impossible. A powerful example of managing energy was the Gold Medal performance of the USA hockey team in the 1980 Olympics – belief, passion, perseverance and desire! The players had faith (belief) in each other, cared (compassion) for each other and were passionately committed to achieving their goal. This collective source of positive energy – often referred to as momentum - gave hope to their impossible dream.

Star performers Show Thankfulness, Appreciation and Respect to everyone, especially their fellow team members. They understand the true meaning of teamwork – Together Excellence, A part Mediocrity. Winners take CARE of their lives by the Choices they make, the Attitudes they take, the Responsibilities they accept and a total commitment to Excellence in all thoughts, words and actions. They understand what they watch, listen to, read, think about and whom they associate with (the big one!) directly influence the quality of their lives. It’s simply a choice.

Are you catching the right energy?