The Good Fight

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith.”

-II Timothy 4:7

Fighters win!  They keep the faith and fight until the job has been completed.  There is honor in staying the course through every test that you encounter and staying true to the mission. Persisting through temporary hardship and difficulty makes us better for the future.  It eliminates quitting as an option and builds physical and mental strength.  Fighters disregard the opinions of fools that revel in the trials and hardships that winners endure on the journey to success.  When we fight the good fight, we are made capable and strong enough to achieve our goals.At the end of every day, ask yourself: 

Have I fought the good fight.  

• Did I do my best?  
• Was I noble in my actions?  
• Was I others-centered? 
• Did I enhance my character through my thoughts and actions? 
• Did my actions match my plan?  

These are tough questions that need to be answered honestly to determine whether or not the day has been won or lost. 

The good fight is about succeeding the right way, having resolve while earning success through hard work.  When you fight the good fight, the importance of the slow and steady journey to lasting success is understood.  Doing things the right way all the time makes success inevitable.  I tell our teams that our wins and losses are a byproduct of how we do things on a daily basis. If we fight the good fight, we are going to win more than we lose in competition and in life.

The good fight also enhances our character. Be known as a person of character. Do not worry about perception or reputation because they come from others’ opinions and hold no depth. They will take care of themselves in time. Character has substance. It is based on our actions and reveals who we are and what we believe. A person of character gives noble, honest effort and never compromises integrity. 

 Who do you see when you look in the mirror? Can you look that person in the eye and feel good about the person you are becoming?  If so, you are on your way and can persist through anything.

THE MAN IN THE GLASS

When you get what you want in your struggle for self And the world makes you king for a day, Just go to a mirror and look at yourself And see what the man has to say.

For it isn’t your father or mother or wife Whose judgement upon you must pass. The fellow whose verdict counts the most in your life Is the one staring back from the glass.

You may be like Jack Horner and chisel a plum And think you’re a wonderful guy. But the man in the glass says you’re only a bum If you can’t look him straight in the eye.

He’s the fellow to please – Never mind all the rest. For he’s with you clear up to the end. And you’ve passed your most dangerous, difficult test, If the man in the glass is your friend.

You may fool the whole world down the pathway of years And get pats on the back as you pass. But your final reward will be heartaches and tears If you’ve cheated the man in the glass.