The transformative journey from mere involvement to passionate leadership begins with a solid bedrock of personal belief, according to Gary Schofield, Jr., MAT, CSCS*D, RSCC*E, the venerated Athletic Director at Strong Rock (Ga.) Christian School. In the video below, Schofield delineates a seven-step path that transforms foundational beliefs into a passionate pursuit of professional excellence.
1. Setting a Steadfast Belief
Belief is the compass that guides every decision, every action, and every moment of leadership.
Schofield emphasizes the importance of setting this compass with precision, choosing the voices and values that resonate with your mission, and rejecting the dissonance of doubt and distraction.
“You have to decide what really matters, what you’re going to believe and which voices are you going to listen to,” he says.
2. Pursuing Excellence
Schofield’s approach to excellence is unwavering; mediocrity finds no refuge in his ethos. Every morning’s awakening is an opportunity to excel, and every evening’s reflection, a checkpoint of accountability and a planning session for the morrow’s pursuit.
“When you wake up in the morning, every decision you make should be in the idea of excellence,” he says.
3. Learning Right From Wrong
The crucible of decision-making, for Schofield, is where wisdom is forged. Distinguishing right from wrong is not just an intellectual exercise but a practical guide that, over time, shapes the wisdom required for effective leadership in the highly charged arena of scholastic sports.
“Wisdom to me is the ability to know right from wrong and know and recognize when I make those decisions,” says Schofield.
4. Understanding Discipline
Discipline, in Schofield’s philosophy, is far from a punitive measure; it is the very essence of freedom. It’s the commitment to doing what is right, regardless of who is watching, that creates a foundation for authenticity and reliability in leadership.
“Discipline is knowing right from wrong and doing right,” he says. “It’s freedom.”
5. Developing Perseverance And A Positive Attitude
Perseverance, coupled with a positive attitude, is the cornerstone of enduring success. Schofield embodies this principle, advocating for a stance that looks beyond immediate rewards and remains steadfast in the face of life’s uncertainties.
“Sometimes you could do all the things right and not get rewarded,” says Schofield. “That’s life. But it allows you to develop perseverance.”
6. Becoming A Servant Leader
Servant leadership is about transcendence – transcending the self and embracing the growth of others. Schofield’s journey reflects this evolution, from personal achievement to the empowerment and success of the collective.
“It’s about what I can give back to others,” he says. “It’s kind of the area of my life I’m in right now.”
7. Living with Passion
Passion is the final destination on this transformative journey. It’s the vibrant culmination of belief, excellence, wisdom, discipline, perseverance, and servant leadership.
Schofield’s narrative underscores that living with passion is not merely about feeling enthusiastic but about embedding this fervor into every facet of one’s life and work, making it a powerful force that drives every endeavor.
“When you do all of those things and you start developing those things, you get to the final piece, just passion,” says Schofield. “You can live with passion.”
