Top 5 Lessons to Learn from GSP

Most sports fans at least heard about the recent UFC fight between Georges St. Pierre and BJ Penn. Truthfully, I like GSP as a fighter and competitor, but since BJ is the local boy from Hawaii, of course, we had to root for him.

If you saw or heard about the fight, you know that GSP dominated!

There are reasons why I like and respect GSP and these qualities are also a big part of why he's so great at what he does.

So here is my list of the Top 5 Lessons to Learn from GSP

5. Never make excuses
Even after losses or disappointing fights, I never heard this guy make excuses like most other fighters (and athletes in general) tend to do. He simply states what he didn't do or what he needed to have done differently to have had a chance at a better fight. He doesn't blame other people, outside influences, or his situation. He takes responsibility for his shortcomings (and often apologizes to his fans and supporters) without making excuses as for why he fell short and without acting like a crybaby. He just tells it like it is, takes responsibility for his own performance, and moves forward.

4. No matter how good you are, always push to become better
Even if you're a champion, don't just sit back and think you're hot stuff. Continue to learn and seek improvement. GSP always seems to be open to new training, new techniques, and new strategies. He has a good team of people around him and actually listens to their insights. Many players, especially good ones, tend to have a "I already know everything I need to know" mentality. They shut out what their coaches and trainers are trying to teach them without even giving them a chance. Once you think you know it all or "have it all" you aren't going to get any better and someone will pass you by. Someone who, like GSP, is eternally seeking to get better no matter how good they already are. That person will eventually fly right past you as if you were standing still because once you think you're all that, you will stop moving forward.

3. Train hard!
When GSP trains for a fight, he doesn't mess around. The harder you push yourself in training, the more confidence you'll have in competition. Leave nothing to chance. Just because you are "supposed" to win doesn't mean you can afford to slack in practice. It might end up biting you in the butt. The more you push yourself in practice, the more confidence you'll have in the game because you know you've already done everything you could possible do to get ready. Don't allow lack of preparation to be the difference between you and your opponent. Don't take the chance that you will be less successful simply because you chose not to prepare. Remember, the harder you train, the easier the game.

2. Get over yourself
So many people, especially those that are getting to a level where they are experiencing success, are so caught up with themselves that they miss out on the opportunity to know their opponent. Players and teams can get caught up with the, "Well, I can do this" and "Our _____ is better than theirs" or "That team doesn't have the ______ that we do." Knowing your opponent and what their strengths and weaknesses are and finding a way to be smart in your "attack" on them will go a lot farther than being "into" everything you can do. Yes, it's good to be confident, but stop focusing on the how "great you are" and prepare. Forget about all those things that you "can" do and figure out what you "need" to do in order to break your opponent down and tear them apart. In other words, even if you have all the physical talent and ability to outplay your opponent, be smart! Don't just go in and try to match blow for blow, muscle for muscle, when you could be working smarter, not harder and be more successful.

1. Always respect your opponents
After every fight I've seen, and maybe I haven't seen them all, GSP always shows respect to his opponents, win or lose. Even when he loses and talks about what he should have done differently, he still manages to give credit to the other fighter and not lessen what they have done. Often times I'll see athletes come out on the losing end of a competition and make it all about them. "I didn't do this" or "I should've done that" and things would have been different "if only I..." without giving any credit to the person on the other side...as if that other person just got lucky they had a bad day. While it may be true that you didn't do what you needed to do to come out on top, your opponent did have the ability to take advantage of the opportunities presented. Most of the time, especially in big games or tough competitions, your opponent trained hard and wanted that prize just as much as you did (or maybe more). Do not belittle their efforts. Give credit where credit is due. It's getting more and more rare to see athletes with the kind of class GSP often displays. I can't stand it when I see players or teams win championships and then shove it into their opponents face. It's one thing to be excited and happy and pumped up and celebrate what you just accomplished. It's another to rub it in to the opponent you just beat. Respect the game by respecting everyone involved.