For those of you who don’t know, I grew up playing football and that has a lot to do with the person I’ve become. In recent weeks I’ve been reflecting on one lesson in particular that the game football has ingrained in me – it’s a simple message that more people could use and that’s why I’m writing this blog. No matter what happened the previous play, the ball still gets snapped (because it’s not about you).
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The word success holds different meanings to different people. However, I think we can all agree that regardless of what success means to us, persistence is imperative to get us there. For those not familiar with the term, persistence is similar to endurance – it means putting forth continued effort in the same direction over a long period of time despite resistance, obstacles and setbacks. In order to be persistent we must choose perspective that allows us to detach from the past to perform in the present. That’s what I love about football – even if you missed an important tackle, ran to the wrong spot, made a big mistake, etc… the ball still gets snapped and you have to be prepared to perform on the next play, for your team (it’s not about you).
When things don’t go our way, the world doesn’t stop spinning.
“Because there’s nothing more beautiful than the way the ocean refuses to stop kissing the shoreline, no matter how many times it’s sent away.” – Sara Kay
The truth is that life’s not fair and as human beings, we’re far from perfect. In order to be the best that we can be, we need to accept that regardless of how we’re feeling, life moves on and we need to move with it. Often times, action precedes inspiration and focusing on the comeback can help us move past a setback. Our ego has a way of getting in the way because it places us at the center of the universe. When we realize that life is bigger than us, we can more easily move past the things in the rearview mirror that didn’t work in our favor and continue chipping away at the things we can control.
Be present, be persistent, be patient and be purposeful.
Feet on the ground, eyes on the stars and remember – it’s bigger than you.
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If you haven’t figured it out, this blog isn’t about football – it’s about doing the next right thing and embracing the truth that past performance doesn’t have to dictate future results. The most meaningful pursuits demand persistence and the most powerful outcomes require patience. To drive that point home, here’s one of the best quotes that I’ve ever come across.
“A river cuts through rock not because of its power, but because of its persistence.”
James Watkins
Be prepared for the next play.
Joe Rinaldi
IG: @joearinaldi
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