A winner in the family

It's wonderful to have a winner in the family. My nephew, Ali, really understands what it takes. He addresses his schoolwork with determination to do well and ends up being a leader not only in helping to tutor younger students and scoring beyond grade level in standardized tests, but he is also a leader in student government after waging a competitive, proactive campaign.  

In karate, despite his small stature, he routinely places first in regional tournaments.  And now, at age 9 he is playing his first season of baseball.  Instead of putting together a string of easy victories, his team weathered three consecutive losses and just kept working to get better. Their most recent game was a solid victory.  And Ali, the neophyte outfielder, contributed so effectively to that victory that he was awarded the game ball and proclaimed the game's MVP.  

What enables some people to rise so effectively to each new challenge while others of us flounder?  I will happily share the answer if I can find the source of his magic.  Meanwhile, the vicarious joy of victory is a good tonic..(especially for a Knicks fan.)