Premium Essay

Confidence In The Contender

Submitted By
Words 819
Pages 4
Alfred is an African American, 17 year old, high school dropout who begins training at a boxing club as an alternative to drugs and gang membership. At first he was resistant to boxing, but as soon as he started he couldn’t stop and loved training for it. Alfred is the protagonist in the novel, The Contender by Robert Lipsyte, where he avoids wrong peer pressure and dreams to become a professional boxer. Alfred shows faith, confidence, and condition through the novel by proving he can overcome difficulties inside and outside the boxing ring.
Alfred shows a main tier in John Wooden’s Pyramid of Success, condition, through the whole novel, when he started to train for boxing. He enjoys practicing for boxing, showing his conditioning towards the sport. John Wooden, the author of Wooden on Leadership, suggests that in order to achieve …show more content…
Confidence is the reassurance that a person can do something well and get a good outcome out of it. While confidence is not the only thing a person needs to succeed, it is a primary factor. Confidence is “well-founded self-belief: the knowledge that your preparation is complete, that you have done all things possible to get yourself and your organization for the competition, whatever form if comes in” (Wooden 51). If a person had the condition as stated above, they need to be confident in their condition and their ability to compete, or else there's no real way they can succeed. When Alfred was told by Donatelli that he couldn’t fight Hubbard because Hubbard was too strong, Alfred didn’t care, as he just said, “I want the fight” (Lipsyte 212). He had the confidence in his boxing, so much that he wanted to enter the ring and fight someone much better than him. Alfred is a prime example of confidence in his skills, though Wooden does mention that confidence should not “turn into arrogance” (Wooden

Similar Documents

Free Essay

Do You Agree That Trotsky Was the Strongest Candidate to Run the Communist Party After the Death of Lenin?

...Do you agree that Trotsky was the strongest candidate to run the communist party after the death of Lenin? When Lenin died, there was 5 main contenders to take over the reins. These five contenders were Trotsky, Stalin, Bukharin, Kamenev and Zinoviev. In this essay, I will be seeing if Trotsky was the strongest candidate to run the party, and If any of the other four candidates were better for the party. Trotsky was the strongest candidate for a number of reasons. One reason why he was the strongest candidate was that he rivalled Lenin in intellect and charisma. This means that he was similar or even smarter than Lenin, meaning he could easily take over the power as he had the same capabilities as Lenin. Another benefit about Trotsky was that he was a great orator, also he was very popular with youth and committed communists meaning he was already allies with the party, and he could easily take it over it. Also with Trotsky he controlled and restructured the red army to lead them to victory. Comparing Trotsky with Zinoviev, there are a quite a few differences between the two to see which one was the strongest candidate to run the communist party. Zinoviev compared to Trotsky was seen to be a coward. Zinoviev remained in his hotel far away from the fighting when the revolution was happening. This shows that Zinoviev did not have the mental capability to go out and fight and lead the men which are fighting for you. Whereas Trotsky was a warrior who wasn't afraid to go out...

Words: 822 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Poopie

...Throughout the years, sports have become a major part of society. It has been known to bring out the best and worst of people. People usually go after a team from their home town or teams with the same ethnic background. It has often been learned that, from this, language barriers begin to cross each other, and prejudices develop. Maya Angelou’s “Champion of the World” is much more than a chapter in a book. It represents much more than a boxing victory. During the 1930’s, people of ethnic groups, especially Blacks, were not worth much. When Angelou stated, “Champion of the world. A Black boy. Some Black mother’s son.” (Paragraph 27), this defined struggle. This battle against the White Contender was not your ordinary victory. The victory would exemplify the Blacks, not only defeating a White man and it being okay, but also would portray an aspect of Blacks defeating the system. For once in their lives, it gave African Americans a sense of empowerment. This was their first step of defense, where no repercussions would be taken in exchange for victory. This essay is an example of a student's work Disclaimer This essay has been submitted to us by a student in order to help you with your studies. This is not an example of the work written by our professional essay writers. Essay Writing Service Essay Marking Service Example Essays Who wrote this essay Become a Freelance Writer Place an Order “If Joe lost we were back in slavery and beyond help. “ “My race groaned...

Words: 1619 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Leadership and Values

...most issues if you also knew that person was alcoholic, sexually promiscuous, and twice divorced? Candidate can campaigns before the voting day and in these campaigns, they leaks most of his appearances to the community. Several political candidate try to assurances to the public such as health and education facilities. The partisan candidate starts their projects for the assurances that he or she has made, this attests that can be that candid person. In addition, these political candidate also disclosures their critical thinking by evolving and creating different projects that help to the community that these candidates are competent. Concluded in these campaigns, the political contender would be harmonizing some issues with the public. In line for to the honesty and competence of the contender, he will be able to fulfill the assurances made (Wilcox & Ebbs, 1992). Conversely, voting for someone who is an alcoholic can become a bad rule to the society. The effect on the society will crumble, as the peers would be misled later will lack of future for the children in the society. If a leader is alcoholic, then the individuals governed would be uninhabited. Also, the comment goes, two birds of the feather flocks together, the friends to such a political candidate runner tells more about that person. If all of these groups are alcoholic, undeniably, the answer is that the nominee is also an alcoholic (Wilcox & Ebbs, 1992). On the other hand, conferring to the marriage...

Words: 1191 - Pages: 5

Free Essay

Karting

...“Glory”, race to each other to see who can be the fastest. Before the race starts you must participate in a 10 minutes instructive course. Which shows you the safety regulations, type of gear and equipment that must be worn during the race. It was my first time at Boston F1, I really had low expectations about this track, because is an indoor track. According to my personal experience indoor karting tracks aren’t as fun as outdoor track, but I was impressed by the track layout. Usually indoor tracks are narrower and have less space to develop high speed, while outdoors tracks also have runoff areas. Which can help to avoid a collision or simply to pull off for a breakdown. But the main reason to all drivers is that gives you more confidence to take turns at higher speeds. Well, the time has arrived to get into the karts. Wearing a red race suit and a white helmet, with the visor ¾ down and the remaining gap to let the air circulate inside our helmets. Our first session or stint is a couple of warm up laps, followed by the qualy. This is the short name for qualification, that’s when every driver in the grid does his or her best time individually. The results of the qualy, will set the order of the drivers line up in the grid....

Words: 475 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Psychology

...NEW YORK (AP) — Eliot Spitzer has met the deadline to file thousands of petition signatures for his bid to revive his political career by running for New York City comptroller. Spitzer said that "over 27,000 signatures" were submitted to the city Board of Elections just after 10:30 p.m. Thursday, ahead of a midnight deadline. It came just four days after the tarnished ex-governor launched his campaign. Spitzer needs 3,750 valid petition signatures to get on the Democratic primary ballot for September. "I just want to first and foremost thank the citizens of New York that signed these petitions," Spitzer said outside the Board of Elections office in lower Manhattan. "I want to say it's an important statement for those who said it was not possible in the course of three and a half days to gather these signatures to get a candidate on the ballot for citywide office." Meanwhile, NBC said Spitzer would appear on "The Tonight Show" with Jay Leno Friday night. "Saturday Night Live" cast member Bill Hader, who did an impression of Spitzer in a 2010 skit, also was scheduled. The filing may not be the last word. Spitzer's opponents or others could challenge signatures for reasons such as incomplete addresses or missing dates. If that happens, elections officials will have to review the objections, hold a hearing late this month and decide whether the signatures qualify. The matter could ultimately go to court. Spitzer, who resigned amid a prostitution scandal in 2008...

Words: 749 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Tata Motors

...Tata Motors: Can it become a global contender in the automotive industry? Executive Summary The objective of this report is to provide an analysis of Tata Motors’ current strategies and a detailed inspection of the financial situation, the company’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats and the competitive nature of the car market in order to make a recommendation as to whether or not it is in Tata Motors best interests, to propel itself into the global automotive industry at this point in time.  On close inspection there were three key issues identified.  Firstly the financial condition of the company is analysed to determine the viability of an expansion into the global automotive industry. Secondly the safety issues & standards of the vehicles produced, particularly related to the Tata Nano need to be addressed, and thirdly the detailed market research to be undertaken by Tata Motors in relation to the competitive needs and expectations of the motoring public in countries Tata Motors is trying to move into eg. United States and Europe when it comes to passenger cars as well as ability to continue to  effectively capture the Jaguar and Land Rover markets globally, along with their bus and truck range which are strong in India but not as strong in other countries. Economic conditions not only in India but globally are a consideration for Tata Motors.  As of 2012 India was the 7th largest nation in area, the second most populous country on earth with...

Words: 1848 - Pages: 8

Free Essay

Arc's Ethical Dilemmas

...issues of ethics are among the few professionals not suffering from the current economic downturn. The last decade has brought an escalating supply of moral meltdowns in both the for-profit and the nonprofit sectors. Corporate misconduct has received the greatest attention, in part because the abuses are so egregious and the costs so enormous. Chief contenders for most ethically challenged include former Merrill Lynch & Co. CEO John Thain, who spent $1.22 million in 2008 to redecorate his office, including the purchase of a $1,400 trash can and a $35,000 antique commode, while the company was hemorrhaging losses of some $27 billion.1 Still, the corporate sector has no monopoly on greed. Consider EduCap Inc., a multibillion-dollar student loan charity. According to Internal Revenue Service records, the organization abused its tax-exempt status by charging excessive interest on loans and by providing millions in compensation and lavish perks to its CEO and her husband, including use of the organization’s $31 million private jet for family and friends.2 Unsurprisingly, these and a host of other scandals have eroded public confidence in our nation’s leadership. According to a CBS News poll, only a quarter of Americans think that top executives are honest. Even executives themselves acknowledge cause for concern. The American Management Association Corporate Values Survey found that about one third of executives believed that their company’s public statements on ethics sometimes conflicted...

Words: 885 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

Junk

...October 1, 2012 as of 7:13 PM Fort Lauderdale, FL86°/ 80°°F°C5-day Latest: Carry-on Fee, Postal Service & Teen Airline set to charge $100 per bagUSPS misses another $5B paymentJoke victim shines at homecoming Queens of Cash: Hollywood's Five Highest-Paid WomenIt pays big bucks to be a popular singer or TV host. Check out Forbes' new list & see who's at the top. Celebs who know how to work social media No question about it: These women have power Celebs: '16 & Pregnant,' 'Bachelorette' & Drew 3 teen mothers expecting again Season 7 star to marryNew mom announces birth & name Sports: Auriemma Lawsuit, Road Rage & More Coach wants case dismissedEx-OSU star jailed in shootingInjuries end season for White, Hart Get Your Home Ready for Winter in a Snap With colder weather on the way for many in the US, it's time to winterize at home. These quick fixes can keep your home warmer & even lower your bills. Home efficiency: What's good, what's best Winter-prep essentials you shouldn't skip Wood Boards a Real Pain for Karate MasterVideo: Usually wood boards are no match for karate pros -- but not so for this poor guy. Despite his perseverance, he just doesn't cut it. Hockey player's goal celebration goes awry How not to launch a yacht Police: Scary Intruder Tweet Was HoaxA NJ teen was still missing Monday after tweeting about someone in her house, but police no longer suspect foul play. The post caused a Twitter uproar. On Facebook: Tell us what you think...

Words: 396 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

The 90 Minute Fever

...The 90-minute Fever!!! With the football fever increasing the temperatures all around the world and with only Messi, Ronaldo and Neymar on everybody’s mind, it shows how widely the sport has been accepted and celebrated. It can be called a “Global Religion”! The 32 best teams in the world fought it out for the best spot, 32 countries pinned their hopes on the national squad, it was a proud moment for every single member in that squad to be in his national colours. Every player came with a dream of being the man who can help his team win the World Cup. It all starts with the referee’s whistle, the next 90 minutes keeps the whole world gripping to their television sets irrespective of whether their homeland is playing or they are just supporting a nation, of which their favourite player, is a part. The football enthusiasts and pundits begin their analysis and opinions with the whistle. While the players are physically stressed out after every single practice session, the coaches are mentally exhausted with their minds, busy, every minute, thinking about how he can handle every single opponent. The amount of thinking that a coach puts in into a game is mesmerising. Whether he has to be defensive and capitalise only on counter attacks leaving his opponent short of people at the back or if he should start pressing from the first minute. If he should work his way through central midfield with the best of his experience in 4-1-2-12 formation or if his team should move...

Words: 505 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Leadership: What Makes a Great Leader?

...an individual to be a great leader, they should understand the needs and the mission of the organization. Every leader leads his/her followers in a specific direction. Through motivation and negotiation a leader is able to resolve conflicts and achieve standards. One example of a great leader is Steve Jobs. A recent article in Forbes magazine referred to Steve Jobs as an excellent CEO. Steve Jobs has taken Apple to new heights. Apple, although an aging company, has recently reemerged as a leading computer giant. The introduction of the iPhone to the cell phone market has proven to be a key reason why Apple has once again become a major contender. In addition, Apple introduced the Macbook and this provided extra security for the computer giant. The recent introduction of the iPad may have enabled the company to surpass its contenders. Steve Jobs has helped the company to acquire its status because he has a vision and he possesses a passion to see that vision through. Too many people, this may be the average success story for any wealthy CEO, but for Mr. Jobs, this is a feat within itself....

Words: 1625 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Cathy Whitman Research Paper

...In this year she was part of the world’s elite runners and competed in the Commonwealth games in Victoria, Canada. Cathy competed in the 200m and 400m events and won gold medals for both. This made her well known to the entire world as a top contender for the next Olympic games in 1996. Cathy set a lot of personal best times and Australian records and seemed to be at the pinnacle of her running career but that didn’t mean she couldn’t be beat. This was shown at the Olympics when she won a silver medal in the 400m event, which was the only event in which she competed for in the Atlanta, Olympics. Cathy came 1st later in the same year in the IAAF world championships in Milan. Cathy also won a gold medal at the world championships and regained some confidence, until a foot injury sat her out for the 1997-98 seasons. During the same time of her injury the spacecraft pathfinder had finally landed on mars. Cathy came back in 1999 for the world Championships in which she won gold for the 400m and won silver at the indoor championships in Japan. In 2000 Cathy was competing...

Words: 633 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

The Dot.Com Financial Scandal

...growth in the new Internet sector and related fields. The period was marked by the founding and, in many cases, spectacular failure of a group of new Internet-based companies commonly referred to as dot-coms. A combination of rapidly increasing stock prices, individual speculation in stocks, and widely available venture capital created an exuberant environment in which many of these businesses dismissed standard business models, focusing on increasing market share at the expense of the bottom line. 3- The growth of the dot.com bubble The venture capitalists saw record-setting rises in stock valuations of dot-com companies, and therefore moved faster and with less caution than usual, choosing to mitigate the risk by starting many contenders and letting the market decide which would succeed. The low interest rates in 1998–99 helped increase the start-up capital amounts. A canonical "dot-com" company's business model relied on harnessing network effects by operating at a sustained net loss to build market share. These companies expected that they could build enough brand awareness to charge profitable rates for their services later. The motto "get big fast" reflected this strategy. During the loss period the companies relied on venture capital and especially initial public offerings of stock to pay their...

Words: 754 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

To What Extent Have Uk Prime Ministers Become More Presidential

...The first thing that must be assessed when being faced with the presidentialism of our prime ministers is the fact that they are not our head of state whereas presidents are heads of state. However our prime minister is or head of government. The head of state is responsible for attending political functions, exercising political powers and legitimising the state. They also have the power to call for early elections and are responsible for signing off all laws passed in parliamentary government. Whereas the head of government is the leader of the ruling party and is the chief of the executive branch. Their responsibilities are implementing laws and making all important decisions with the approval of the cabinet. In the presidential form of government the head of government and the head of state are the same individual whereas in our government the head of state is the Queen and the head of government is the prime minister. One way that the prime minister can be seen as becoming presidential is the greater concentration on the presentation of policy. The prime minister likes to be associated with the positive policies being enforced and passed through their government, guidance and leadership. So as to add to their public appeal. Famously Blair announced on Breakfast TV that the government was to make significant investments in the health service. Brown accused the prime minister of stealing his budget when in fact Brown was due to make the announcement the following day as...

Words: 809 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Market Mix

...The Product Lidl Tower Gate Bourbon Cream biscuits are a household dry goods product; a desired type of biscuit amongst many individuals. Marketing Mix People Within the Lidl’s marketing mix ‘people’ are directly linked to the business and target markets, extensive research can uncover if there are enough individuals whom hold a demand for particular services and products. Hence why Lidl ensure their employees are effectively trained to their deliver products and services, it is a critical part within marketing by means of customer services, support desk, programmers and so forth. By ensuring their employees hold a passion and confidence in the brand Lidl are able to run more efficiently as they will perform to the best of their abilities with more chance of providing candid feedback being their own input concerning business growth. Process Processes and systems within Lidl can affect services and or products administration so ensuring there is a bespoken process in place minimises costs. Various procedures such as distribution, sales and pay system steps ensure Lidl are running effectively, although there will be possible enhancements required down the line to maximise costs and profits. By ensuring that all processes are straight forward and easy to use is a vital element of Lidl’s marketing mix. Physical evidence Physical evidence within Lidl provides a viewpoint on products/services perception whilst indicating whether the deliverance has been effective. For...

Words: 2386 - Pages: 10

Premium Essay

Week 3 Mgt 230

...those organizations. The four fundamental options when utilizing corporate technique as a part of the arranging capacity of administration are fixation, vertical joining, concentric enhancement, and, aggregate expansion. After reviewing the Destination CEO videos, in regards to Xerox, Coco-Cola, VF Corporation, and Southwest Airlines, the group talked about the different techniques utilized by each organization. Coco-Cola After 35 years as CEO of Coca-Cola, Neville Isdell retired from the company in 2001. In the process of leaving Coca-Cola, deals started to drop, high-turn-over rate turned into the standard, and low confidence weakened the organizations future. “The high profile and notoriously meddlesome Coca-Cola board, which drove out two lackluster management teams, pulled Isdell back” (n.d.). Isdell’s goal was to compete with a different contender like Pepsi. The company moved into the fast food and snacks industry. Moreover, Pepsi ventured into new businesses with Frito-Lay and Gatorade. The company purchased the brand Vitamin Water, which helped the company jump into the non-carbonated drink division. The company created “Coffee-flavored Coke Blak, and Enviga, a carbonated green tea, are the latest new Products” (n.d.) which helped generates profit and change in the worldwide business sector. Coca Cola is attempting to control the worldwide market through forceful practice and campaigns, with its carbonated and non-carbonated drinks division. Southwest Airlines ...

Words: 806 - Pages: 4