G.O.A.T.

During the U.S. Open, Serena Williams received the well-deserved honor of being called the G.O.A.T. of tennis.

In the sports world, we are told that certain players have achieved the status of "Greatest of All Time". Tom Brady (football), Mohammad Ali (boxing), Michael Jordon (basketball) and Tiger Woods (golf) are some sports figures mentioned.

These players were born with an innate talent but they had to learn core skills when they were young to obtain G.O.A.T. status, which is so rare.

I researched the core characteristics of top athletes and here are the most important attributes: Ability, Self-Confidence, Motivation, Self-Discipline, Willingness to Take Instruction, Stress Management, Focus/Concentration, Resiliency, Competitiveness, Humility, Consistency, Leadership, Adaptability, Teamwork, Commitment to Excellence.

Come to think of it, these are the same characteristics that make people successful in school and in their career. All truly successful people exhibit most of the values listed above. They are stressed at an early age and reinforced as children grow older. That's how they become a part of who they are.

I like to think that reading and discussing the scenes in the "Don't Be That KID!" Series help parents, grandparents and educators begin the lifelong process of acquiring these skills.

Few people will reach the status of G.O.A.T. but we can help our children learn the characteristics to become great in their own way.