winning team

More often than not, winning teams don’t earn the right to claim victory because of a shut out. There are points earned, points given away, opportunities missed. But in the end it is their refusal to give up that leads them to overcome defeat — even if it is by one point…. in overtime. 

Where did we get the idea that to feel like we’ve had a productive or successful day, we have to check every single box on our to do list? If we have more checked boxes than not, can’t we claim victory? Afterall, isn’t that how the game of football works? For as long as I can remember, I’ve believed the lie that in order to call it a productive day, I have to accomplish everything I set out to do. But that’s not how life works. Because every day, we face an opponent. Whether it is unexpected traffic on our way to an appointment, a task that takes much longer than expected or a spicy kid throwing a tantrum, our path to victory is plagued by the plays we never saw coming and the ones we prepared for but thought we could overcome. 

Do you believe that lie, too? 

Ask yourself a question… When has it ever been actually entertaining to watch an entire football game that was a total and complete shut out? When have you been interested, invested and engaged in a game that was a guaranteed victory? Any game worth watching is one that has peaks and valleys, a score that stays too close to call, and better yet, one that brings the underdog to victory. 

In today’s world, we are the underdog. We can map out the best plays, but we can never be sure what we will be up against. We can feel beat down again and again and again… Until all of a sudden our determination to not give up is what brings us to victory. 

So, note to self (and anyone else who can relate): calling your day a win doesn’t mean you checked all the boxes. It just means you refused to give up.