‘4 Mental Habits Begging You to Behave Intelligently’
7 More Biblical Principles About Sport and Life, Part II
Part I of this series outlined 7 of 14 principles about sport and life attaching biblical recognition of these pursuits. They were setting clear goals, continuous learning, time management, resilience, adaptability, networking, and communication. What can you learn from athletes? What can you learn from the bible? Here are 7 more key principles that can help you ‘be the winner’ in both aspects of life:
8. Mindset: Cultivate a growth mindset. Believe in your ability to learn and adapt. Positive thinking can be a powerful asset. A strong mind set has a powerful influence on your behaviors and in accomplishing your goals.
Peter 3: 18 “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity.”
9. Ethical Behavior: Uphold high ethical standards in both personal and business interactions. Trust is valuable in all aspects of life.
Matthew 7:12 “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.”
Psalm 25:21 “May integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for you.”
10. Health and Wellness: Prioritize your physical and mental health. A healthy body and mind are the foundation for success.
Proverbs 14:30: “A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body, jealousy is like cancer in the bones.”
Galatians 5:22-23: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”
11. Financial Management: In both personal and business finances, practice responsible budgeting and financial planning.
Romans 13:8 ” Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.”
12. Teamwork: Recognize the value of collaboration and teamwork. Both in life and business, working well with others is often essential.
Philippians 2:1-30 “So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,”
13. Leadership: If you're in a position of leadership in business, lead by example. In life, be a leader in your own journey, setting a positive example for others.
Matthew 20: 25-28 “But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and the great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
14. Persistence: Stay committed to your goals, even in the face of challenges. Persistence can often make the difference between success and failure.
1 Chronicles 16:11: “Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!”
Hebrews 10:36: “For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.”
2 Thessalonians 3:13: “As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good.”
14. Persistence: Stay committed to your goals, even in the face of challenges. Persistence can often make the difference between success and failure.
1 Chronicles 16:11: “Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!”
Hebrews 10:36: “For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.”
2 Thessalonians 3:13: “As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good.”
For an Expanded Explanation See:
Baglino, Michael J. Europe Meets Florida: Encounters with Psychology, Culture and Religion. New York: LT Publishing, 2023.
The New American Bible. Washington, D. C.: World Catholic Press. 2011
Orlick, Terry. In Pursuit of Excellence: How to Win in Sport and Life Through Mental Training. Champaign, Illinois. Human Kinetics. 2016.