Excellence

What is it that truly separates the average athlete from the good or the good athlete from the great? If you answered that question with the word “talent,” That is only a small part of the equation.

Muhammad Ali once said, “Champions aren't made in gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them: A desire, a dream, a vision. They have to have last-minute stamina, they have to be a little faster, they have to have the skill and the will. But the will must be stronger than the skill.” Yes, skill (or development thereof) does have some basis in talent; however, the real message in that quote goes way beyond sheer talent, and even the skills of a sport (which can be learned and improved on). The key is in that last sentence, “the will must be stronger than the skill.” The power in that quote is exemplified in those last eight words.

Self-reflection like this is a key to discovering enjoyment and happiness through your sports experiences, as well as in life.

It is where your heart and passion lie. It is what drives you, makes you stronger, especially when things become most difficult (and/or you are at your weakest). Once you have decided on your path, it is this factor, above all others, that ultimately determines your level of success.

Aran Awards and Engraving specialize in sports awards!

The Gold Star

Sometimes people are screaming for recognition without anyone noticing. You’d be surprised what kind of difference recognition will make, if only you could recognize the signs that people crave it.
There is always room for employee reward and recognition activities that generally build positive morale in the work environment. The Pall Corporation, in Ann Arbor, MI, has had a "smile team" that meets to schedule random, fun employee recognition events. They have decorated shop windows, with a prize to the best, for a holiday.

They sponsor ice cream socials, picnics, the "boss" cooks day, and so on, to create a rewarding environment at work. Another company holds an annual costume wearing and judging along with a lunch potluck every Halloween.
Special occasions, National Holidays and birthdays aren’t the only times people deserve a pick-me-up. Anniversaries are a great time to give someone the recognition they’ve always deserved. Try to remember to give employees the recognition they deserve every time the anniversary of their start with the company rolls around.

If you attach recognition to "real" accomplishments and goal achievement as negotiated in a performance development planning meeting, you need to make sure the recognition meets the above stated requirements. Supervisors must also apply the criteria consistently, so some organizational oversight may be necessary.
The challenge of individually negotiated goals is to make certain their accomplishment is viewed as similarly difficult by the organization for the process to be a success.

It’s usually not hard to tell when someone is having a rough week. I call it the slump because usually said individual slumps down into their chair and wears the same stone cold, glossed over look on their face. If you ever spot the slump, it’s time give that person some positive energy!
People also like recognition that is random and that provides an element of surprise. Monday is always a hard day. No one likes coming down from the dream land that is the weekend. It’s the perfect day to praise someone and give them that extra pep in their Monday step.

Find out more tips, rewards and awards at aranawards.com & on our facebook page.