need for leadership. Although he was thrust into an
unexpected dilemma, he acted quickly and immediately rose to
the occasion. He understood that trying to devise an escape
plan might destabilize an already sensitive emotional
environment. What if they were never found? Would their false
hope turn into despair? He led exceptionally well and although
he was not responsible for physically guiding them through the
maze of flooded tunnels to freedom, what he did for them
psychologically was invaluable. He ministered to them in his
own way according to his culture and beliefs. He was more
triumphant as a leader than if they’d won the world cup
because in this particular instance lives were on the line. And
of all the time they’d spent together throughout the year prior,
this week will forever be emblazoned on their minds under his
leadership.
As a leader, that coach made the decision to concentrate on
keeping his team’s hopes high by settling their minds.
How does one settle their mind? First of all it takes self-
discipline. You have to be able to overcome emotional and
physical obstacles by first knowing that you can. Not a belief,
but a knowing, which takes your knowledge of something a
step higher.
The first time you touched a baseball or put on a glove you
didn’t possess the same skill level that you possess today.
Why? Because you hadn’t yet had the opportunity to discipline
yourself to learn from your parents and/or coaches and you
hadn’t spent the countless hours of practice and playing in
games to further refine your skills. In order to succeed you had
to choose to dedicate time and effort.
Likewise, self-discipline is also a learned ability. It’s not
something that happens overnight. It is a process that is honed
through obstacles and adversity. Just know that the only way
3