The Secret Of Becoming A Champion
Today, I’d like to teach you how to become a Champion.
I’d like to teach you how to get Big Returns in your life.
Now if you want small returns, skip this piece.
It won’t interest you.
If you want to live a mediocre life, content with mediocre harvests, mediocre results, mediocre rewards, mediocre marriage, a mediocre job, mediocre relationships, mediocre happiness, I repeat: this stuff isn’t for you.
But if you want big returns, big miracles, big blessings, big healing, big happiness—then continue reading.
This is for you!
Look around you.
The Secret of Big Returns is known by champions of the world.
Why are they champions?
Because they practice the secret.
How Many Sit-Ups Can You Make?
Why is Manny Pacquiao the best pound-for-pound boxing champion in the world?
You and I only see what Manny does on the ring.
We don’t see what he does outside the ring.
For example, I can do 10 sit-ups comfortably.
One day, to impress my wife, I tried doing 30 sit-ups. I only reached 25. After that, she had to carry me to bed.
Do you know how many sit-ups does Manny Pacquiao make in a day? 100? 200? 500? 1000?
Nope.
He does 3000. Every single day.
No wonder he’s a champ.
No wonder his abs are like steel.
When he’s training before a fight, from Monday to Saturday, he starts at 5:30am and ends at 4:00pm. That’s more than ten hours of rigorous, grueling, hardcore, violent training. Everyday!
In fact, Coach Freddie Roach says that Manny has one weakness: “Manny has a tendency to over-train, I have to stop him.” That’s dedication.
Why is Manny a champion in boxing?
Because he knows the secret of big returns: He gives his all.
The Guy Couldn’t Miss A Shot
Larry Bird was one of the best basketball players in the history of the game.
He was known for his shooting magic.
But it was no magic. It was practice.
After every team practice, he’d be the last player to leave the gym. While everyone else was taking a shower in the lockers, Larry would close the lights in the court and practice shooting in semi-darkness. Many times, he’d practice three-point shots while closing his eyes. He’d do that everyday.
One day, Larry Bird was making a commercial. The Director instructed him to miss a shot. That was what the scene required. Because his muscle memory was so strong, Larry had to take 10 shots before he missed it!
Why was Larry a champion in basketball?
Because he knew the secret of big returns: He gave his all.
Diabetes Couldn’t Stop The Dancing
Gary Valenciano is “Mr. Pure Energy”.
He’s the only entertainer that has won the Awit Award for Best Male Performer 11 times!
Yet this man has had Type 1 Juvenile Diabetes since he was 14 years old. So far, he’s had 90,000 insulin injections in his body. Yet his sickness has not stopped him giving his all every single time he’s on stage.
Why is Gary a champion in entertainment?
Because he knows the secret of big returns: He gives his all.
Broken Bones Come With His Job
Jackie Chan is one of the most successful action movie stars in the world today. He’s big both in Hongkong and Hollywood.
Jackie appears twice in the Guiness Book of World Records.
First, he holds the record for “most stunts by a living actor”. In fact, no insurance company is willing to insure him.
Because of his movies, he has fractured his skull, dislocated his pelvis, broken his fingers, toes, nose, both cheekbones, hips, sternum, neck, ankle, and ribs many times.
Second, he holds the world record for the most number of takes for a single shot in a movie. To make one scene perfect, Jackie had to shoot 2900 retakes. Of one scene!
Talk about dedication to his craft.
That’s Jackie Chan.
Why is Jackie a champion in action movies?
Because he knows the secret of big returns: He gives his all.
The Most Admired Person
In The 20th Century
Mother Teresa was called a living saint.
According to Gallop polls, survey after survey shows that even while she was still alive, Mother Teresa was already the single most admired person in the 20th century.
She served the poorest of the poor for 45 years. When she passed away, she left the world with 4000 nuns that ran 610 centers in 123 countries.
Why has she inspired millions of people?
Because she gave her all.
The Bible says, Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. (2 Corinthians 9:6)
It’s really the Law of the Harvest.
What you plant, you harvest.
If you plant small, you harvest small.
If you plant big, you harvest big.
And if you plant all, you harvest all!
Let me now tell you a fascinating story.
Jack, Ken, Poy
There were three brothers named Jack, Ken, and Poy.
One day, they were walking on the road. Each was carrying a bayong (native basket). They had just come from the field and harvested some potatoes.
Soon, they met an old poor man on the road, pulling a rickety cart behind him. He was dressed in rags and was walking barefoot.
“What happened to you?” the brothers asked him.
The old man said, “My whole town has been flooded! Hundreds of people are now homeless, without food or water. They are very hungry. Can you give your sweet potatoes so I could feed my poor townspeople?”
Jack, Ken, and Poy looked at each other and nodded their heads.
I’m telling you this story because Jack, Ken, and Poy represent the three kinds of givers in the world today. I want you to find out what kind of giver you are.
Jack, The Token Giver
Jack reached down his basket, pulled out 3 potatoes, and placed them onto the cart of the old man.
And the beggar said, “Thank you so much, my son.”
Jack represents the first type of giver: The Token Giver.
All Jack does is give tokens of himself whenever he can.
In his family, he gives tokens of his time and energy to his kids and his wife—just enough so his wife won’t leave him.
In his job, he does the barest minimum possible—so he won’t get fired.
And in Church, whenever the love offering basket is passed, he doesn’t tithe—he gives tokens. Just to say that he gave.
Because of his habit of giving tokens, his returns are tiny.
He has a job but his career is stagnant.
His family lives in one house but relationships are shallow.
He goes to Church but hasn’t grown spiritually.
Others however are like Ken…
Ken, The Tentative Giver
Ken did something different.
He brought his bayong near the cart, tilted itand poured half of its contents.
The old beggar said, “Thank you very much, my son.”
Ken represents the second type of giver in the world: The Tentative Giver.
He gives more than just tokens, but he still holds back.
In his family, he gives himself to them tentatively.
He has a 50/50 approach to relationships. Because of this, his relationships are average. Not great.
Let me tell you why.
I’ve been married for 12 years and here’s one very important principle I’ve learned: Marriages don’t work if the husband gives 50% and the wife gives 50%. A marriage works only if the husband and the wife each give 100% to each other.
When it comes to relationships, you don’t measure what you give. You don’t count. You throw away the ruler.
You don’t say, “I rubbed your back, you should rub my back.” That’s not love, that’s business. That’s not love, that’s legal contracts.
When you love a person, and you feel like you’re giving more than he’s giving you—don’t be bitter. Because you know that even if you don’t count, God is counting. And the Law of the universe will be the one who will reward you.
(Note: When I talk this way, I’m not talking about tolerating abusive, or drunkard, or philandering husbands. That’s a totally different issue. I’m talking about healthy marriages here!)
In his job, it’s the same: Ken gives satisfactory work. But not great work. He never goes beyond average. He never exceeds expectations.
How many of you know this: Promotions doesn’t go to performance. Promotions go to superior performance.
Ken hasn’t been promoted. Because he doesn’t take initiative or develops himself. He doesn’t look for ways to become better, or get trained, or look for mentors.
In his spiritual life, it’s the same story.
He tries to follow God but doesn’t trust Him with his entire life. He holds back.
Not like Poy.
Poy, The Total Giver
It was Poy’s turn.
Poy brought his bayong to the cart, inverted it and unloaded everything. He now carried an empty bayong.
The old man said, “Thank you very much, my son.”
Poy represents the third kind of giver: The Total Giver.
Manny Pacquaio is a Poy in boxing.
Larry Bird is a Poy in basketball.
Gary V is a Poy in entertainment.
Jacky Chan is a Poy in making action movies.
Haven’t you noticed? If you want to be successful, you’ve got to be a little bit crazy. Insane. Illogical. Unreasonable. Fanatical.
Can you imagine doing 3000 sit-ups every day?
Or shooting 3-point shots while closing your eyes?
Or doing 2900 retakes for one scene?
They’re nuts.
But that’s Poy.
Poy knows the magic of giving his all.
Note: You also realize that there are two types of successful people in the world. First are those who are successful in one field only—but are dismal failures in other areas. The second are those who are successful in the most important areas of their lives. And you find these people living among us. And that’s what God wants for you!
Let me go back to Poy.
Poy gives his entire heart to his family. He doesn’t want an okay marriage. He’s committed to a great marriage. He doesn’t want to have an average relationship with his kids. Each day, he works to build deep bonds with them that will last forever.
In his job or business, Poy also works with passion. He loves what he does. And he loves his customers. For him, work is play. Because of this, he’s pro-active, takes initiative, gets training, hones his craft, and has a lifelong commitment to grow .
And in his relationship with God, Poy completely surrenders himself to Him. He trusts God. He follows God all the way. He gives his time, his talent, and his treasure to God.
I repeat my question: Who are you?
The Law Of The Universe
My story isn’t over.
As Poy stepped back with his empty bayong, lo and behold, the old beggar transformed and became a Wizard!
Instead of tattered rags, he now wore a golden robe.
He had a long beard and his face seemed shining.
The three brothers were so shocked, they could hardly speak or move.
The Wizard said, “The Law of the Universe says that whatever you give, you shall receive. It’s the Law of Reciprocity. So be ready to receive. How much will you receive? The measure that you used in giving will be the same measure used for rewarding you.”
And in a flash, POOF, the Wizard was gone.
The three brothers rubbed their eyes, wondering if it was all a dream. They walked home in a daze.
Because they were still in shock, none of them noticed that their bayongs were getting heavier with every step they took.
It was only when they reached home did they realize that something miraculous happened.
All their bayongs were filled to the brim!
Jack opened his bayong and shouted, “Ken, Poy, look! The 3 potatoesthat I gave the old man were now replaced by 3 bars of gold.”
Ken opened his bayong and said, “Half of my bayong filled with gold bars!”
And Poy opened his bayong, and saw all of it filled with gold bars!
Once again, tell me, who are you: Jack, Ken, or Poy?
Create A Bigger Vacuum
Once upon a time, I asked this question: Why is God so demanding?
Just look at the greatest commandment. Why does God want you to love Him with all your heart, with all your mind, and with all your strength. (Matthew 22:37)
Shouldn’t He be satisfied if you loved Him with half your heart, ¾ of your mind, and 58% of your strength?
Why does God want you to give your all?
Helloooooow.
God doesn’t need your time.
He’s the owner of eternity. He invented time.
God doesn’t need your talents, definitely.
He can just snap his finger and ten thousand battalions of angels kneel before him to serve.
And obviously, God doesn’t need your money.
He’s owns the universe.
So why does He want you to give your all?
Here’s why:
When you give, you create a vacuum.
An empty space.
When I was a kid, my Grade 6 science teacher said, “Nature abhors a vacuum.” Nature wants to automatically fill vacuums.
That’s why vacuums are powerful magnets.
That vacuum—that empty space—attracts blessings. What blessings? The stuff that you gave away will be returned to you, only of far better quality and greater quantity.
Listen carefully. The more you give, the bigger the vacuum you create. The bigger the vacuum, the stronger the magnet—and the more blessings you’ll attract into your life.
That’s why giving your all is the secret of big returns.
There’s magic when you give your All.
Because you also attract All that God wants to give to you.
This reminds me of a poor widow in the Bible.
The Secret of Big Returns
In Luke 21:1, it says…
Jesus saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. ”I tell you the truth,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”
How much are two small copper coins?
Scholars argue a lot here. These coins are called Lenta in Greek. Many scholars believe that those two small copper coins are equal to around P25 in our money today.
Here’s something that you need to know: To be a poor old widow in biblical times was Hell on earth.
I’m serious. By law, she couldn’t inherit the property of her husband. For this particular widow, her kids probably were very poor or didn’t care for her—that’s why she was poor.
Let me be honest with you.
If I were Jesus, and saw what she was about to do, I would have stopped her. I would have ran to the widow and said, “Lady, please. Be practical. You don’t have to give those two copper coins. How will you go home? Do you have something to eat tonight? Tomorrow? Hey, if you really want to give something, just give one. Because that’s all you’ve got.”
But Jesus didn’t do that.
He did something very disturbing: He praised her.
He honored her to the high heavens. He put her on a pedestal for the entire world to imitate. He really thought she did a great thing.
To Jesus, there’s magic in “Giving your all”.
And that’s what I want to share with you today.
Giving Your All has incredible magic.
It’s really the secret of big returns.
My Life
I’ve given my all to God.
Very imperfectly.
One of the things I gave to God was my youth. I started serving God when I was 12 years old.
People ask me all the time, “Bo, don’t you regret giving your life to God so early in life? You never tasted the world.”
I laugh.
And I tell them, “I’ve preached in 16 countries, visited 14 more nations, and preached in 38 cities in North America alone. I’ve written 18 bestselling books, performed in concerts, lived in slum areas, built non-profit organizations, started 12 businesses, and talked to presidents, judges, and cardinals. The world has become my playground.”
When I gave my all to God, He has given it back to me a hundredfold.
Friend, I urge you: Give your all to God.
Nothing Is Too Small For God
And don’t look down on how small your all is.
Nothing is too small for God.
Take a look at the Bible and see for yourself:
Moses used a simple walking stick to part the Red Sea and save an entire nation.
Gideon used a little trumpet to defeat the Midianite army.
Samson used a donkey’s jawbone to slay a thousand Philistines.
David used a stone picked up from a river to knock down the giant Goliath—and win back the honor of Israel.
Elisha used a piece of cloth to divide the Jordan River.
Peter used his shadow to heal the sick in Jerusalem.
And Jesus used five pieces of bread to feed the multitudes.
All Is Never Small
Perhaps you feel that you’re insignificant.
That you don’t amount to anything.
You feel like you’re that walking stick.
Or that little trumpet.
Or that jawbone.
Or that small stone.
Or that piece of cloth.
But I’ve got news for you: No matter how small you think you are, God has big plans for your life.
Really big!
I want you to believe that God has a big plan for your life.
Today, I urge you to give your all to God, so that you can receive all the blessings He wants for your life.
May your dreams come true,
Bo Sanchez
MY THOUGHTS
talk of going the extra mile. these champions seemed to have done more than that. "All is never small". I like that. lik that very much. sometimes we do our all. and nothing happens. worse, your "all" just brought you 5 paces back. my faith tells me, that;s how God planned it. it's like those pull back cars. you have to really pull back. hard. for the car to go speeding forward.
