Fall is here, and it’s time once again for football! After a long off-season, it’s exciting to get back to live games! It’s also an opportunity to examine what the NFL can teach us about the importance of tenacity, hard work, and staying focused on goals! It’s estimated that fewer than 2% of college players will ever play in the NFL – that’s 254 players drafted out of over 16,000 hopefuls! So, just what can the NFL teach us?
Do your job. Coach Bill Belichick, head coach of the New England Patriots and six-time Super Bowl winner, made this simple mantra the bedrock of his entire coaching philosophy. Football is a highly specialized sport with intricate game plans. Those plans must be executed flawlessly by players and coaches alike to be successful. Whether you’re just starting your career or are a few years from retirement, it’s important to approach your job duties with a desire to perform them flawlessly. Why? Great job performance can mean higher income or a better title.
Work the problem and adjust. Football throws a lot of adversity at you. You may think you have the perfect play called, and then an edge rusher sacks you from behind! As the quarterback of the Seattle Seahawks, Russell Wilson knows all about adjusting to the circumstances, not what you want them to be. He uses a form of mental conditioning called neutral thinking to quickly evaluate game conditions and make decisions. If you encounter adversity (in either life or work), just stay focused and take the incremental steps you need to achieve your desired outcome!
Put in the work. “The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra.” Hall of Fame Coach Jimmy Johnson encouraged his players and staff to put in that additional effort and consistently demonstrate a willingness to go the extra mile. The work paid off: Johnson guided the Dallas Cowboys to back-to-back Super Bowl championships in 1993 and 1994. Find opportunities for that extra effort – it can move you that much closer to your goal!
Defense wins championships, according to legendary Alabama Coach Bear Bryant. While the modern game is often offense-led, this advice still rings true! Remember the 2019 Rams-Patriots Super Bowl? That was a defensive slugfest! In life, we’re surrounded by offers and temptations; it can be hard to remain disciplined and focused on the long-term goal. When temptation strikes – to buy that new car, or take that vacation, or borrow some money – stick to your game plan and remember: defense wins championships!
Ready to put together your game plan? Please schedule some time with our office if you’d like to update your portfolio or your financial goals.
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