As a former athlete and follower of all things competitive, I often look to sporting events to find examples of resilience, overcoming adversity, and inspiration. As a lifelong Packer fan, I was elated when my team (and I can say that as I own one whole share of the team!) won the Super Bowl last night. Regardless of which team you support, the Packer's journey of late has become fertile ground for observations about the resilience it takes to achieve one's dreams and goals. Here are just a few....
1. No one said it would be easy. When it was announced the Brett Favre was retiring (the first time), Aaron Rodgers was yelled at, booed, had his car keyed, had obscenities written on the sidewalk outside his house, and more. Showing uncommon poise and grace under fire, he said nothing and went about his business. Fast forward a few years, and Green Bay entered the 2010 season favored by many to appear in the Super Bowl; however, only a few short weeks into the season, the team had lost six of its starters to season ending or near-season ending injuries and placed more than a dozen players on the injured reserve list. Time and time again, the Packers modified their game plans and brought in new players to help. When adversity strikes you have a choice - adjust your plan or get lost in the shuffle. Resilient people know how to adjust and adapt.
2. You aren't always going to get what you want when you want it. For many years, Aaron Rodgers was the only person convinced he could be a star in the NFL. When no Division I team wanted him after he finished high school, he spent a year at a small community college before being noticed by a larger school. After college, he was passed over by many teams in the 2005 NFL draft, and when he was finally selected by the Packers, most fans were skeptical at best wondering why they should view him as anything but a guy to warm the bench behind Brett Favre. When you set out to achieve your dreams, sometimes the answer is "yes," sometimes it's "no," and often times, it's "not yet." Resilient people find the confidence and perseverance to push through the "not yet."
3. It's OK to show emotion. One of the biggest resilience myths is that resilient people don't show emotion. Charles Woodson, the heart and soul of the team, had never won a Super Bowl. Knowing he didn't have many more chances because of his age, he developed a laser-like focus in his preparation for this game; however, near the end of the first half, he broke his collarbone and was unable to return. In the locker room at half time, he attempted to address the team, but he broke down in tears. Sometimes pure emotion is as inspiring as a speech. Resilient people know how and when to show emotion.
4. Be the right kind of leader. When Aaron Rodgers assumed the role of starting quarterback, he did something very different from his predecessor. Instead of dressing in a different part of the locker room and promoting himself first, he became "one of the guys." His style resulted in trust, loyalty, and a special kind of cohesive bond where the team is promoted over the efforts of any individual member. Resilient people know how to foster connections with others.
5. Don't forget to celebrate. When you spend hours working on a large project or a long-term goal, it's a big sigh of relief when the outcome is reached. Yet, it's important to remember the celebration and savor the hard work and long hours that went into achieving your goal. Resilient people know how to savor hard-earned victories.
It's hard to argue these days that a bunch of millionaires on teams owned by a bunch of billionaires really deserve anything; but, you have to appreciate it when people (even professional athletes) overcome obstacles on the way to achieving their dreams. At minimum, the Packers deserve a pat on the back and the chance to reflect on their road less traveled to the Super Bowl.
