One of our Associate pastors presented the message this past Sunday. It has been resonating in my head since I heard it. It sounded so much like some things that I’ve heard Nick Saban say that I decided to dig a little deeper.
I guess most of you have heard about Saban’s process. He credits it, the Process, as being the KEY to his team’s success over the years. (I think getting some assistant coaches who will stay for a few years might help too!) Anyway….
What our pastor said that really stood out to me was: “Instead of setting goals for things that we want to accomplish, set goals to embody the character traits of WHO you want to be.” Let me “splain…”
Everybody makes New Year’s Resolutions. For example, “I want to read 12 books this coming year— 1 a month.” Or “I want to lose 20 pounds this coming year— 2 pounds a month.” Sounds good, right?
Well, how about changing those “things” goals to “character” goals? Instead, set a goal to become a “full-time reader.” Or… “I want to be a healthy, active adult.” I’ve heard it said that “Leaders are readers!” I’ve challenged those of you who follow this blog to become “Students of the Game.” How do you accomplish this “character” goal? One of the best ways is to read! And, secondly, what does it take for you to become a “healthy, active adult?” You know!!!
Let’s focus squarely on football for a minute. How many of us have set a “thing” goal of: “We want to win a state or conference or city championship?” That’s great until the chance to accomplish that goal goes out the window during the season! Now what do you do? How do you motivate the players after that??!! There’s nothing to work for; you’ve already missed your “thing” goal for the season!!!
Shift your focus. Get everyone’s mind on the process and not the outcome. Change that goal to: “We want to be a Champion in everything we do!” How do you accomplish THAT???
It does not involve just winning football games. It is a process of developing “winning attitudes and behaviors.” There’s not enough time nor space to write about those attributes here. Suffice it to say that… IF you sit down with your staff (and then with your Seniors/Leaders) and discuss: “What does a “champion” look like?” and… “What does it take to BE a “champion?” You will get some great discussion going!
Please write me and let me know what you discover. Or… if you want to explore it further. Happy New Year!!!
