When Was the Last Time You Felt Like a Champion?

There I was, drenched in sweat, my muscles pleading for a break, trying my best to keep pace with my Muay Thai trainer at Club Med Phuket. It was my first time stepping into a boxing ring, and I'll admit, I was worried. My knees? They are not exactly in their prime anymore. Can I keep up with my younger, fitter classmates? But then there was San, my trainer—full of energy, positivity, and endless encouragement (and teasing too), and the kind of support that almost makes you forget you're in pain (almost!); he somehow made the whole experience challenging and incredibly fun.

Even though I was throwing punches that didn't move my trainer an inch, he kept egging me on, shouting things like, "You've got this!" despite the fact I clearly did not have it. San counted, "1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9..." and then instead of stopping at 10, he kept repeating, "9, 9, 9..." pushing me to go further because he knew I had just one more punch in me.

At the end of the class, San raised my hands high above my head as if I had won a championship match. One by one, he did this for each of my classmates, recognising our effort—not for knocking him out, but for showing up, giving it our all, and pushing through the aching bodies. And it got me thinking: when was the last time you felt like a champion? And perhaps more importantly, how often do we make others feel like champions too?

The Role of Leadership in Creating Champions

In the workplace, leaders play an integral role in creating an environment where people feel like champions. Many leaders focus on goals, KPIs, and results—and while these are important, they should also prioritise their team members' well-being and personal growth. It's about cultivating a culture of recognition, support, and empowerment. So, how can leaders do this effectively?

1. Celebrate Progress, Not Just Achievements

All too often, celebrations and accolades are reserved for the 'big wins'—closing a huge deal, hitting a quarterly target, or completing a major project. But what about the smaller, everyday victories? The employee who's just mastered a new skill, the team that worked late to meet a deadline, or the quiet colleague who stepped out of their comfort zone in a meeting?

Carol Dweck's work on growth mindset demonstrates that when people are praised for their effort and persistence rather than their innate talent, they are more likely to embrace challenges and persist in the face of difficulties. Leaders who focus on progress and effort rather than results cultivate a growth mindset in their teams. This mindset fosters resilience and helps individuals see challenges as opportunities to grow, making them more likely to feel like champions even when faced with setbacks.

2. Provide Opportunities for Ownership and Autonomy

People want to feel like their work matters. When employees are trusted with responsibility and given the autonomy to make decisions, it signals that their contribution is valued. It empowers them to take ownership of their roles and the projects they're working on.

When leaders trust their teams and give them space to lead initiatives or tackle challenges in their own way, they send a powerful message: "I believe in you." That belief, in turn, can inspire individuals to rise to the occasion and exceed expectations. Are they feeling trusted and empowered? That's the foundation of feeling like a champion.

3. Be Their Cheerleader

Great leaders don't just manage—they coach, mentor, and champion their people. Be the person who offers encouragement when the going gets tough, celebrates the wins, and sees the potential in others before they see it in themselves. Social psychology research supports the idea that individuals perform better when they feel supported. Leaders have the unique ability to inspire greatness by simply believing in those they lead.

Cheer your team on from the sidelines, but also know when to step in as a mentor and provide the guidance they need. Sometimes, all it takes is one person to say, "I know you can do this", for someone to go beyond what they thought was possible.

Empowering Others to Feel Like Champions

You don't have to be a leader to help people feel like champions. Every one of us has the power to uplift those around us, whether it's in the office, at home, or socially.

1. Offer Genuine Compliments (and Ditch the "Not Bad")

I notice we're often stingy with our compliments. We throw around "not bad" when what we really mean is "well done." A genuine compliment can work wonders. It might seem small, but a heartfelt "Good work!" can turn someone's whole day around.

So, go on—offer a compliment. Whether for a colleague who handled a demanding project or a friend who completed a difficult task, your words have power. Use them.

2. Lend a Helping Hand (Or Listening Ear)

We all face challenges; sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do is offer a helping hand. It could be something as small as assisting with a work task or offering to listen (not advice) when someone's had a tough day. Your actions show people they're not alone, have support and are stronger than they think.

When people feel supported, they feel like champions capable of tackling whatever comes their way.

3. Create Moments of Recognition (No Trophy Required)

You don't need a gold medal to make someone feel recognised. A simple word of acknowledgment can have a huge impact. At work, it could highlight a colleague's contribution during a meeting. At home, it could be celebrating a family member's small win. The key is to create these moments regularly so people know their efforts aren't going unnoticed.

So, When Was the Last Time You Felt Like a Champion?

The truth is, we don't need grand achievements to feel like champions. Sometimes, it's the small victories, the words of encouragement, and the support of those around us that remind us of our worth. Whether you're a leader, a friend, or a family member, you have the power to help others feel like champions—every single day.

So, here's my final question: When did you last make someone else feel like a champion? And when was the last time you felt like one yourself?