Early in the game, the Saints are down 7-3 and facing a fourth and goal.  Most in that position, so early in the game, would have chosen to take the, all but certain, 3-point field goal and move on.  But New Orleans’ head coach, Sean Payton, chose to “GO FOR IT”!  The Colts defense proved impenetrable and the Saints had to give the ball up with no points on the board.  For some, that would have sent a message.  For some it would have said, “play it safe”; “take less risks”.  But the Saints were not deterred.  They boldly began the second half with an onsides kick and drove the ball for their first Super bowl touchdown in franchise history.  Later, with under six minutes left in the game, the Saints “GO FOR IT” with a two point conversion, giving them a seven point versus six point lead.  As we all know, they went on to win their first ever Super Bowl against a team that, at least on paper, should have beaten them handily!

Sean Payton’s calls reflected his confidence in his team.  As the players were interviewed after the game, player after player said that they believed in themselves, their team, their ability to win.  Sean Payton and the Saints took risks - calculated risks based on their past successes and on their personal and collective strengths.  They didn’t wait for the game to “play itself out”; they went for it! When they missed their one yard touchdown attempt in the first half, they saw it as a mere bump in the road; it did not impair their confidence or send them off course. While this was a bigger stage and a loftier goal than previous games, they knew they had the skills to pull off a successful onsides kick, a two point conversion and a 47 yard field goal.

Research has proven that people who focus on their strengths are happier, more productive and more successful.  Vicarious learning is real and success breeds further success.  Now it’s your turn to identify your strengths, leave your self-doubt at the back door and GO FOR IT!  And if “GOING FOR IT” doesn’t get you there the first time, then don’t give up on the concept….GO FOR IT again and again and again until you get where you want to be.   Be well.

Skimming through the current edition of my UT McCombs School of Business magazine, I came across an article that referenced a NIKE commercial that had starred Michael Jordan at the peak of his career:  "I've missed more than 9,000 shots in my career.  I've lost almost 300 games.  Twenty-six times I've been trusted to take the game-winning shot - and missed.  I've failed over and over and over again in my life.  And that is why I succeed."  

Fear of failure is what stifles so many into complacency. Fear of failure leaves us dreaming, not doing.  Fear of failure leaves us asking, "what if..." or saying, "I could have….”.  In coaching, we refer to that as being “stuck in the muck”. 

So many of us find ourselves “stuck in the muck” as we struggle with life transitions, have difficulty finding the time and energy to take care of ourselves, and let the hours and days pass without challenging the status quo. What is it that you have been wanting to do?  What passion lies deep beneath your surface?  What is holding you back?  

It is time to stop dreaming.  It is time to start doing!

Shari Fish Wellness will help you out of the muck!  Be well.