DEVELOP THE COURAGE TO STAND ALONE

I the privilege of seeing Tim Tebow speak Friday night at a local private school fundraiser in Arvada. While the past few years have made it easy to become skeptical about celebrity athletes, I think Tebow is the real deal.

In a 40 minute presentation, unscripted and without notes, Tebow laid out a plan for living life to the fullest in front of an audience of about 2,000 students and parents.  His three key points were as follows:

1) Live with Passion

Life is too short not to care. Life is too short to do things you don’t enjoy. School isn’t just about learning book knowledge, it’s about developing your passions and figuring out what you want to do with your limited time on this earth.

2) Develop the Courage to Stand Alone

If we are going to live principled lives, we won’t fit in every situation and sometimes we’re going to be in conflict or disagreement with others. Speaking to a room full of 10 to 18 year olds, this was a great message. Standing alone doesn’t mean wagging your finger in the face of others when they make different choices, but it does mean knowing what you believe and understanding that’s it okay to stand alone, with your principles.

3) Finish Strong

Finally, in every situation, finish strong. If you make a commitment, keep it. If you start a project, finish it. If you become frustrated, endure and understand that finishing strong is the greatest satisfaction there is in any situation.

Tebow said that his philosophy on the football field is to be the toughest, strongest and most resilient player on the field. The last man standing. The player no one wants to face.

In an era of celebrity and self-absorption, it was great to hear Tim Tebow speak of passion, principle and courage.  I have heard it said that money doesn't make a person - it simply makes a person more of what they already are.  My hope is that my kids will see Tim Tebow use the platform he has been given to continue to stand up for passion, principle and courage, traits that every young person is going to need in order to succeed in the years ahead.