This article by Bruce E. Brown, from the Proactive Coaching Life Lessons collection, presents "Work" as a championship principle. It explains that work gives athletes confidence, that great work habits are a choice and an investment in yourself and your teammates, and it uses quotes from Sun Tzu, Muhammad Ali, Patton, Truman and George Brett to illustrate why the game deserves your best effort.
Championship Principle: Work
Title: "Most battles are won before they are fought." Sun Tzu 450 BC
Center Piece of the Story: Work gives you confidence, it is a choice and the game and your teammates deserve your best.
The Real Fight Is Won Away from the Crowd
"Before I get in the ring, I'd have already won or lost it on the road. The real fight is won or lost somewhere away from the crowd. You've to win it in the gym and on the road before you dance under those lights." Muhammad Ali