You may not have even considered what I am about to say, but as a former competitive athlete I do know what I am talking about. Much of what I wish to say has to do with basic life skills, and the rest has to do with maintaining a winning attitude. So what is a winning attitude anyway? Well, it is much like a "can do" belief system that nothing is impossible and anything can be achieved with enough practice, hard work, will power and perseverance.
You see, I actually believe that, and in hindsight in looking back, I think my winning attitude in life may indeed trump other types of belief systems just judging by the accomplishments (scoreboard) in life. Yes, let's talk. Now then, I was a track star, that's a lot different than a wrestler, although I'd say the workouts are just as grueling at times.
In fact, in my younger days I often ran across, but not into, wrestlers putting on the mileage for stamina and leg strength. They ran laps, stadium steps and long distance too. They did wind sprints until they couldn't stand anymore and then did sit-ups until it hurt so bad they couldn't do another, then they started on the weights at the gym. Come time for their matches they had to be at or below weight. They sacrificed, trained, and beat their bodies into submission so the competition couldn't.
What does all this tell me? It tells me that their endurance and perseverance against pain and adversity built such a strong mental character that nothing before them thereafter will ever be close to the challenges they once faced – the rest from then on is really really. So, let me have you ask me that question once more; "Do young competitive wrestlers have an advantage in life?" Yes, of course, especially those who show up every day and give it 110% because those are the champions, not just in sports but also in life.
The other day, I met a former Olympic Wrestler and his friend competed in the Olympics for Boxing. They told me they could make anyone a champion, if that person had the heart and character to put in the workouts and never give up. I agree, and you know what, it's a lot like how things are in life too. You can't lose unless you throw in the towel, but mostly people throw in the towel long before it even matters, well before the showdown or event because they will not put in the hard work to even get there in the first place. Please consider all this and think on it.
