Is It All About The Trophies?

With the Olympics only two years away it makes you realise the power of sport and the buzz it can create. But just because cheerleading isn’t recognised as a sport does not mean you cannot be a champion in what you do. It is this that reminds us that success is not just a material trophy, it is the satisfaction of doing the best you can and being appreciated by your fellow athletes and peers. With the impending new season, here are a few things to help you remember why you do what you do best…. CHEERLEADING!



ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE

The love theme from Aviator Allstars last season was a good example of a team demonstrating their love for the sport… did they win? No. Did they look like they were having fun and did the crowd enjoy it….yes! So obviously I am not talking about the romantic love of hand holding, pillow talk and slushy Facebook statuses. I'm talking about what your heart desires to do day and night, what you put your whole soul into doing, and the one thing you know you are good at or want to be good at. For me, of course, this is what cheerleading is all about. So remember cheerios, you will only be good at something that you love doing if you give 110%. Your true love will always be a love in your life but until you give your all, it will only ever be a hobby.



"A DREAM IS JUST A DREAM. A GOAL IS A DREAM WITH A PLAN AND A DEADLINE". - HARVEY MACKAY



How many times have you seen that cheerleader sitting on the side watching practice? Or heard someone say "I want your stretches", "I wish I could tumble like you!" or "I really want to get my Cupie"? Now, how many of those cheerleaders are actually practicing and training these skills? Now that you have established what you love to do, set goals you want to reach. Nothing is impossible and measurable goals are the way to success. You will also need to set a time limit on when you want to reach these goals of yours. If you are working on a tumbling pass or stunt sequence, allow yourself only so many weeks to achieve it and work out just how many days you are willing to practice and can practice. Your stunt group can set goals as a group to nail that Tick-Tock or get that perfect kick double basket toss. Remind yourself that a flower does not grow if you do not water it, so you surely will not get better if you do not practice. I know it will be hard and time consuming, but while you are sitting around thinking and wishing everyone else is out and doing.



JUST DO IT!



It's all sorted now. You know what you’re passionate about and you have set goals for yourself. All that is left is to DO IT! Remember that material trophies and medals will fade away, you may win 1st 2nd 3rd or nothing, but the memories of awesome practices, performances and friendships will last a lifetime. If you or your team's goal is to win first place, remember that the championship is won at practice and the trophy is picked up at the competition.



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