You Control You

What does it take to become a gymnastic superstar? For me, it takes four things.

Many years back, I ran a non-competitive gymnastics program called Funastics. The kids that came to Funastics were excited to learn how to roll, jump, and flip in fun ways… but the lessons learned were more than just that. The fact these kids showed up each day, expressed to me their ongoing belief that they could do this stuff, despite any fears they initially had. Many who walked in had no prior gymnastics background, They could instantly see peers doing some difficult skills that might seem intimidating. From simple rolls on day 1 to tricks that defied gravity. It took courage for all students to just show up and try.

This brings me to the 4 tenets of the Funastics Star program: Courage, Commitment, Control, and Confidence, my building blocks of a superstar.

Each time a child could not do a skill, the focus turned to WHAT they learned and could do, not to failure. And it was their commitment that got them to get up off the mat, to try again, and again. There is no halfway to do a skill safely. Everyone in the Funastics star program practiced at their own skill level, meaning they could not try a harder trick until they safely passed off a prerequisite skill. Along with having fun, it took a lot of sweat and self-control to earn each star badge.

And with each earned gymnastic success sprang self-confidence. Confidence that bolstered their courage, drove their commitment to keep trying, which resulted in better self-control. Once this new level of confidence was awakened, the cycle started all over again with the courage to try something even more challenging...even more fun. Success builds confidence. If you are not finding personal success, find what you CAN do successfully, and start building from there.

As a coach, my kids needed to not only believe in themselves, but they had to trust their spotter or they would hesitate in mid-air. Anyone flipping backward toward the ground, as fast as they can, while attempting a back-hand-spring or back tuck, has to fully believe that their spotter will be there for them, and together they can do it. It takes all 4 - Courage, Commitment, Control, and Confidence. Yet it all starts with a belief that "I can".

It was my job to help the students learn how to roll, flip and fly. To help them find the courage to try something new. To commit to trying, again and again, to develop control of mind and body through safe structured practice. And ultimately build their self-confidence with success, one star at a time.

Can I change a child into a gymnastic superstar? The answer is I cannot. Only the children can change themselves. I can only try to guide them. Every day in our huddle, I would remind them, Who controls your body? (all say) I do! Who controls your mind? I do! Who decides you are good? I do! Who decides you are a good person? I do! You need to tell yourself that every day. No one tells you who you are, but you.

It is the same with becoming a faithful follower of Jesus. You control you. It takes Courage to stand up and share what you believe, every day. It takes commitment to learn from your mistakes and try again, every day. It takes self-control to obey the commandments, every day. And when you exercise your faith and see the peace and silent miracles the Gospel brings to both you and those you teach, it gives you the confidence to jump over life's stumbling blocks, every day.

But they that await upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Commitment is a little like diving into the water. Either you are committed or you are not. Either you are moving forward or you are standing still. There’s no halfway. We all face moments of decision that change the rest of our lives.