Those Who Stay Will Be Champions

Anyone who knows me on a personal level clearly knows that I love the Michigan Wolverines. But out of all the sports that really brings out the fanatic in me, is their football program. And this year, The Michigan Wolverine’s Football is at the top of the mountain. With their most recent win against Alabama Crimson Tide to get to the College National Championship which is set for next Monday in Houston. To say that I am excited for this opportunity to watch Michigan truly be at the mountaintop, I just never thought I would see it in my lifetime.

The University of Michigan, known for their rich sports legacy, carry a powerful motto that transcends the realm of athletics: “Those who stay will be champions.” This mantra not only defines the resilient spirit of Michigan athletes but also encapsulates the essence of grit, determination, and perseverance. For me it’s all about staying the course, even in extreme adversity.

The phrase “Those who stay will be champions” finds its roots in the legendary tenure of Bo Schembechler, the iconic head coach of the Michigan Wolverines football team from 1969 to 1989. Schembechler instilled a culture of discipline, hard work, and unwavering commitment within his players. The motto serves as a testament to the idea that enduring challenges and staying true to one’s goals are the keys to achieving championship status.

The Wolverines’ motto extends beyond the athletic arena, resonating with students, alumni, and fans alike. It serves as a rallying cry for anyone facing challenges in pursuit of their goals, reminding them that enduring difficulties and maintaining focus will lead to eventual triumph. In academics, careers, and life, the ethos of the Wolverines encourages a mindset of resilience and determination.

This saying harkens back to one of my favorite books on personal growth by Angela Duckworth. The book being Grit: The Power of Perseverance and Passion. Because I have always thought that Grit has been one of my greatest strengths in my own life. I was never the smartest in the boardroom, or the classroom, or even the sometimes the living room. But what I always knew, that in a crowded field, I could outwork and outlast most regular individuals.

Angela Duckworth’s concept of grit goes beyond talent and intelligence, emphasizing the combination of passion and perseverance as key determinants of success. For a Filipino entrepreneur, the challenges inherent in the business landscape demand a tenacity that goes beyond mere skill. Grit becomes the driving force behind the pursuit of long-term goals and the resilience needed to weather the storms of entrepreneurship.

Success in the entrepreneurial landscape is not instantaneous; it’s a process that requires grit. The Wolverines’ saying reinforces the idea that champions are not born but made through the crucible of challenges.

I am elated in the fact that I get to witness one of Michigan’s greatest teams of all time, or even Michigan’s greatest football team of all time. If they win the national championship next Monday, I believe they cement themselves as such. Outside of the game, I take this mantra with me even outside of the football field. Staying the course is what it means to me, the power of passion and perseverance despite the challenges and hardships of life itself. It empowers me to be a better me each and every day.

Go Blue!