What does it mean to be a champion?
For most people, being a winner, coming in first place, or experiencing some kind of victory are the immediate thoughts that come to mind. Recognition for a job well done is of course, rewarding and makes us feel like a champ. Being called a champion is a title anyone would enjoy...and aptly so. The need for appreciation with recognition is a legitimate human need. However, those who understand the term as a verb, an action, even as a responsibility, are the ones who embrace a higher purpose of the word champion.
Rather than seeking your own win, the better idea is to actively champion others, helping them to win.
If you’re like me, and I’m hoping that you are, you have met this kind of champion in the course of your own life’s journey.
In the first issue of my series on Mentors and Champions, I began with the lifelong impact of my relationship with my Grandmother. Next in this series is my dear friend and fellow thespian, Gavin MacLeod, who has been a true champion to me throughout my career in entertainment. His roles as a respected film actor and television star as Murray in The Mary Tyler Moore Show, followed by his notoriety as the Captain in the popular television series The Love Boat, garnered him worldwide celebrity status that few experience. He could have been satisfied with that, allowing his life and career to be his sole focus with all of the offers that continually came his way. Instead, he chose to exercise awareness, live selflessly, and use his position to champion others around him.
Using your own influence to open doors and give opportunity to others is the definition of a true champion.
Gavin believed in my talent as an actor. He opened the door for auditions where I landed a role in the film Time Changers, which starred Gavin, Jennifer O’Neil and Paul Rodriguez. He championed the way for my husband Amick and I to play the lead roles with him in a film for Princess Cruises, all filmed on the ship, providing a job and vacation all in one! He also invited us to make guest appearances for a television show he co-hosted with his talented wife Patti called “On Course”. These opportunities were offered with absolutely no prompting on my part, and always came as a lovely surprise.
As I transitioned into an executive position as a creative director developing music and animation for kids and families, Gavin and his lovely wife Patti became some of my strongest endorsers and loudest proponents.
All of this has been helpful in obvious ways, but the most important and lasting aspect of my friendship with Gavin has been his amazing example as an “attitude coach”. His positive response to the unique challenges we all face, while navigating a career in show business, is truly unmatched. His steady character, in the midst of life’s trials, is an example to all who know him.
I’ve not just been the recipient of Gavin’s generosity, but I’ve had the privilege to witness it as well. I am definitely not the only one whose life has been touched by his generous spirit.
Gavin MacLeod has an inner desire to give back with no agenda for payback. His generous contributions of talent, time, finances and open doors comes from an unfettered commitment to impact the future of this world for good by pouring into other people’s lives.
The need for role model champions has never been greater. They illustrate a life-changing template for those who are learning to lead, especially our children, who are always watching.
You can be a champion too!
There’s no need to be a celebrity in order to offer someone a “hand up”. Each of us has the ability to unlock opportunity in someone else’s life. You have skills you can teach, lessons you’ve learned, wisdom to impart, and doors you can open. It may just be by modeling a steady attitude of love, peace and perseverance in response to life’s hardships. Start with your own friends and family, stay aware of who God puts in front of you, and be willing to give without getting.
Be the champion you longed for when you were young or in need.
Who will you choose to champion?
“Whoever brings blessings will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.”
Proverbs 11:25
