Last night as I was watching the Packers / Bears game I was reminded of a very valuable lesson. I would like to take some time to share that lesson with you and how it came to be that I was reminded of it.
Every Thursday evening the members of Lucky 13 Consulting, inc. go out to do something fun. We call this weekly ritual Team Night as it is designed to help all of us to come together as a team. As a company we live by the motto "Work Hard--Play Hard". This Thursday was no different from any other. After work we hurried over to a local establishment to grab something to eat and drink and of course to watch the Packers/Bears game. After a few rounds of trivia to pass the time the game was finally about to begin.
Before I go into the details of last nights game I feel it's important to back track and mention that the Packers had lost their opening game to the 49'rs. Packer fans everywhere seemed to be disgusted by the loss and I had heard several "Die Hard Packer Fans" start the doomsday talk of how bad the team was going to be and what was wrong with the defense.... etc etc etc. You could feel the nervous tension at the restaurant before the game started as many of the Packer faithful were questioning whether or not the Pack could win (especially when 30 minutes before kickoff it was announced that one of the Packers top wide receiver would have to sit out due to injury).
The game started off as a defensive struggle for both sides. Neither team seemed like it was going to take control of the game until the Packers faked a field goal and scored a touchdown just before halftime. The second half of the game saw the Packers open up the lead and hold on for a very convincing win. Packer fans rejoiced and cheered and it seemed as if all was right with the world.
The lesson that I was reminded of last night watching the game was quite simply this. All you need is an OPPORTUNITY. Whether it's sports, business, or just life in general all you need is that one shot to do something great. Last night I saw a 0-1 team beat a 1-0 team convincingly. I'd love to say that the packers are just that much better but in reality that's not the case. Both teams are full of all pro players that will have great years and careers. But what I saw last night was the Packers take control of that game and play like it was their one and only game of the year.
(what I'm about to say is in no way directed at the bears or their players, it is just an example)
That's the difference between Winners and Losers. When given an opportunity WINNERS take hold of it and don't let go until they have achieved what ever level of greatness they desire. They Cherish their opportunity to shine and place that moment above all else until that moment is gone. LOSERS see an opportunity as just another moment. They are content to watch it roll on by, or hope that someone else will step in to determine the outcome.
In business (and life) we all have opportunities to shine. Some will, some won't, & some don't care either way. So when that next opportunity comes your way don't let it pass you by. Grab a hold of it for everything you're worth and make sure you give it your all. Because in the end you never know what will be the moment you look back on as the moment that defined you as an athlete, an entrepreneur, or a person !
