This title sounds a bit melodramatic, but I think it encompasses what you need to know. There are constantly two forces at work within your school or on your team. One side is the dark side and the other side I call the force. Sounds a bit like Star Wars. Right? This is my easiest way to illustrate the dynamics of the people in your school or your teammates.

There is constantly a push of good versus evil. Eventually, everyone has to pick a side. It is up to you to pick the right side, namely the force. Each person faces that precise challenge in his or her career. What side will you choose? And I caution you, if you choose the dark side, it is hard to go over to the force.

What does the dark side look like?

The dark side is full of:

• Complainers and whiners.
• People with terrible body language.
• Unhappy people.
• Overall malcontents.
• Disruptors that work very well under cover.
• People who rarely like the organization’s leaders, namely coaches and principals.
• Overall, “dogs” who rarely give a winning effort.

Stay true to yourself. Surround yourself with “winners.” Misery loves company, so stay away from miserable people. The dark side is seductive. Know this and grow some thick skin. If you are a winner, act like one. The dark side can destroy you. Be the champion you can be.