Nothing is impossible to a willing heart.
John Heywood
C. 1497 – 1580
I normally try to keep sporting events in the proper context: in the greater scheme of things, games are usually not that important. But the Super Bowl victory by the New Orleans Saints was unusual in lots of ways, and the game itself provided a good lesson in life.
For a start, the season, the playoffs and the Super Bowl win were therapeutic for an area where so many people are still recovering from the physical and emotional devastation of Hurricane Katrina. The emotional state of area residents was literally transformed. The lingering depression seemed to vanish overnight and there was a new sense of pride throughout the region.
The attitude of the team during the year provided a model for living. There’s no doubt that on any given day, there are a number of teams that have equal or better talent than the Saints. What other teams seemed to be missing was the determination to win. Many of the victories that lead the Saints to the Super Bowl weren’t pretty or decisive, but the Saints were very adept at finding a way to win. There were a few games where the Saints appeared to be facing certain defeat. Whatever the situation, they never gave up; they never resigned themselves to taking a loss. The attitude throughout the season was that they controlled their fate: that if they didn’t give up, they could find a way to win.
In the Super Bowl, there was a defining moment that changed the momentum, and thus the outcome, of the game: it was the on-side kick to start the second half. During the first half, the Saints seemed tentative and made mistakes, while the Colts were sure of themselves and commanded the game.
After the Saints recovered the on-side kick and went on to score, they played with more confidence, more determination, and more enthusiasm; they were totally committed to winning. The Colts were now the team that seemed uncertain and off-balance.
The lesson to take away from the Super Bowl is that attitude plays a vital role in life. If you approach things with the right attitude, face challenges with determination, and persevere no matter how difficult the circumstances, miracles can and do happen.
There are too many instances in sports and in life of people giving up too soon. To achieve big victories, you have to be prepared, and sometimes you need a little luck; but most importantly, you need the right attitude.
Your attitude has a huge impact on your outcome — and your attitude is the one thing you completely control.
They can conquer who believe they can.
Virgil
70 – 19 B.C.
Copyright © 2010 John Chancellor