Are you feeling like life’s got your pair in a vice? Are you stuck in a massive rut and not sure how to get out of it? Dr. Phil’s Texas drawly Yosemite Sam-isms won’t snap you out of it. Instead let the storied men of sports legend get you off the couch, out of your rut, and back in the game.
“Leaders aren't born, they are made. And they are made just like anything else, through hard work. And that's the price we'll have to pay to achieve that goal, or any goal.”
— Vince Lombardi, NFL coach, five-time NFL champion, namesake for the Lombardi trophy.
If you think you could a better job than your asshat boss, then you’re gonna have to put in the effort to show it. The only way you’re going to seriously be able to make that next step is to dig in and work for it. Extra hours, unrewarding tasks, and being at the forefront for when crap hits the fan, are par for the course in order to be "The Man" at work, but come promotion season when you’re at the top of the list, it’ll all be worth it.
“There are only two options regarding commitment. You're either IN or you're OUT. There is no such thing as life in-between.”
— Pat Riley, NBA Coach, seven-time NBA champion, three-time NBA Coach of the Year.
Simply put, nothing of value was done half-assed (which is just one of the many reasons why there will never be a Criterion Collection Larry the Cable Guy release). From physical fitness to volunteer work, any and all endeavors worth doing are going to take time and commitment. Taking the easy or unchallenging route may be the reason you’re feeling unfulfilled. The realization that you should be doing something to better yourself means understanding the challenges that come with accomplishing those goals.
“In a crisis, don't hide behind anything or anybody. They are going to find you anyway.”
— Bear Bryant, College football coach, six-time NCAA champion.
Taking more risks at work also makes you
party to things blowing up your face. Own up to your mistakes and take progressive steps to improve upon them. Cowering underneath your desk is not a good look for any man.
“Leadership is a matter of having people look at you and gain confidence, seeing how you react. If you're in control, they're in control.”
—Tom Landry, Dallas Cowboys coach, two-time Super Bowl champion, most career playoff victories.
Being confident and looking sure in your decisions goes beyond having a Brooks Brothers credit card. You have to use sound judgment (as well as the input of your team) when planning your next move. If you have others that look to you when you make the call, leave no doubt that that’s the right direction to steer both yourself and others towards.
“Setting a goal is not the main thing. It is deciding how you will go about achieving it and staying with that plan.”
— Knute Rockne, Notre Dame football coach, five-time NCAA champion, credited with being the “innovator” of the forward pass.
Analyzing your strengths, and more importantly your weaknesses, then formulating a plan than works with those factors is far more effective than picking a dream and stumbling your way towards achieving it. If you’re working with a team, allow your strengths to play a vital role in getting the job done, and use your weaknesses to identify when to ask for help.
“I found out that if you are going to win games, you had better be ready to adapt.”
— Scotty Bowman, Hockey Coach, winner of 9 Stanley Cups, holds the NHL record for most coaching wins.
Take a cue from any industry that’s had its teeth kicked in during this economy, and adapt to the times you’re living in. It may seem more bad-ass to stick to your guns in times of trouble, but as long as it doesn’t conflict with your base ideals, then perhaps its best to be a bit more fluid when it comes to change. Now don’t go and mirror the next guy, instead evolve your own game to best the competition.
"Procrastination is one of the most common and deadliest of diseases, and its toll on success and happiness is heavy."
—Wayne Gretzky, holder of 61 NHL records
Global leaders, innovators, and captains of industry rarely list “brainstormin’ on the couch” as a means to coming up with the next big thing. Don’t stagnant keep your feet moving towards the next personal advancement doing so keeps you sharp, and if your efforts prove to be successful, quite fulfilling.
Ability is a poor man's wealth.”
— John Wooden, UCLA Men’s Basketball Coach, 11-time NCAA Basketball Champion.
There’s a reason why many consider the American dream being paid to do what you love. Using the talents you were born with and parlaying those into success in your vocation is incredibly rewarding. However, you can’t reach that step until you honestly assess what it is you excel in. Natural ability isn’t everything; honing your skills will yield their own rewards.