I'd Rather Watch a Winner. Lead With Actions That Speak Louder Than Words!

With 2025 just a few weeks away, this poem found me at the perfect time. It’s holding up a mirror and reminding me what leadership indeed looks like—and how I can do even better.

"I'd Rather Watch a Winner"

Author Unknown

I’d rather watch a winner than hear one any day,

I’d rather have one walk with me than merely show the way.

The eye’s a better pupil, more willing than the ear,

Fine counsel is confusing, but example’s always clear.

The best of all the coaches are the ones who live the creed,

For to see the truth in action is what everybody needs.

I can soon learn how to do it if you’ll let me see it done;

I can watch your hands in action, but your tongue too fast may run.

And the counsel you are giving may be very fine and true,

But I’d rather get my lesson by observing what you do.

For I may misunderstand you and the high advice you give,

But there’s no misunderstanding how you act and how you live.

CFF Coaches

This poem hit me hard because I see myself in it—not in the perfect sense, but in the working sense. Perfection isn’t real, and I don’t want it. I don’t need to be flawless to lead; I need to show up every day ready to do the work.

The truth is, I enjoy the work. I enjoy pushing myself to grow as a leaderand live with honesty, integrity, and consistency. That’s what 2025 will be about: holding myself to the standard I preach because I love this role and the people watching me.

CrossFit WOD CFF

Parents: Who’s Watching You?

Let’s talk about showing up. Are you:

• Taking care of your health? Showing your kids that fitness matters and hard work pays off?

• Being present when you’re home? Turning off distractions and giving them you?

• Owning your actions? Taking responsibility for your choices without pointing fingers?

Your kids see everything. If you’re telling them to work hard, be healthy, and do the right thing—but you’re skipping workouts, blaming circumstances, or always cutting corners—they’ll notice. They learn more from what we do than what we say.

So, ask yourself: Am I setting the example I want them to follow?

Leaders: It Starts with Us

Leadership is about doing what’s right, even when it’s hard:

• Are you willing to take the blame when something goes wrong?

• Are you willing to give all the credit when something goes right?

• Are you leading with humility, integrity, and the work ethic you want from others?

Being a leader isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about being willing to go first—to show up, take responsibility, and do what’s right so others can trust you and follow your example.

Coaches: Empathy and Consistency Matter

If you’re a coach, you already know this: you can’t fake leadership. Your athletes don’t need you to be perfect—they need you to be present. Be sincere. Meet them where they are. Show them that you care and that you’re walking the same path they’re on.

They’ll forgive your flaws if they see you trying, and they’ll follow your lead if they see you showing up. Whether that’s nailing your own workouts, caring for your health, or staying committed to your growth, it all matters.

We Understand, and We’re Here to Help

I get it. It’s easy to say, “Do the work.” But life happens. Sometimes we stumble, get busy, or lose sight of the standard we set for ourselves. I’ve been there too.

I want you to know that you don’t have to do this alone. At CrossFit Fiend, we’re a community of people working toward physical, mental, and emotional growth. We hold each other accountable, pick each other up when we fall, and push each other to keep showing up.

There’s no shame in starting fresh or asking for help. Growth doesn’t happen in isolation.

The Bible as My Guide

When I feel lost, or like I’m not measuring up, I look to the Bible for direction:

“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” – Proverbs 16:3

It’s a quick reminder that I don’t have to carry this weight alone. If I commit to doing the right thing—showing up with integrity and giving my best effort—everything else will fall into place.

Bible

Confidence in Every Challenge

Choosing to do what’s right—even when no one’s watching—builds confidence. Confidence in yourself. Confidence in others. Confidence to face every challenge that comes your way.

I’ll repeat it: perfection isn’t the goal. The goal is to hold yourself to the standard you preach—not because you must, but because you love yourself enough to live that way.

So, as we head into 2025, I’m asking you to join me:

• Show up.

• Do the work.

• Lead by example.

Because the people watching you? They’ll follow your lead. And in leading them, you’ll also grow into the best version of yourself.

Let’s set the standard together.