My boys city league soccer season ended this weekend with a coaches game, where the coaches from all the different age levels competed in a regulation game.

What was quite staggering was that one of the coaches playing had only one arm.

And he played goalie!!

His attitude in playing goalie was admirable, but a number of us stated that what was even more amazing was the example this coach set for the kids. He showed them that despite a disability or an “unfair disadvantage”(as one kid put it), he did not let that keep him from giving his all and being effective.

This coach Gave UP the excuse that he had one arm and showed everyone there, old and young, what you can accomplish if you don’t let excuses govern you.

Great leaders forfeit alot in order to set examples for those who are watching them. What are some of the things you can Give UP to be that pace setter?

Some negative things to Give UP for the sake of those you lead:

• Excuses
• Poor habits
• Blaming
• Lack of vision
• Personal agendas (not personal goals)
• Status (in doing the hard or front line work to show the example)
• Your weaknesses and fears
• Lack of trust in others
• Desire to control

By Giving these UP, you will jettison those drag factors that prevent both you and your teams from reaching their destinations.

Conversely, you can also Give UP these things to bring even more positive results to your and your people:

• Your time
• Your abilities and gifts
• Your passion for serving others
• Your character
• Your energy
• Your knowledge
• Your ability to instill hope

When a leader Gives UP the best of themselves, it’s a momentary sacrifice to set those behaviors as a model for others to follow. You will set the culture for others to flourish. It may cost something in the short,  but there is always large gains in the long term big picture.

What are some things, both bad and good, that you can Give UP this week to let your teams prosper? Don’t be like the people on the sidelines in awe of those who do. They’re not the ones inspiring others. Instead, get in the game and show others what can be done.

(image: meetville.com)