Lessons from the Superbowl

It’s hard to believe that it’s February already and even more amazing that the official football season has come to a close.   If you watched the game you know how the last few minutes of the game had everyone on the edge of their seats.  If you didn’t watch the game you’re hearing it on the news, around the water-cooler and probably on the front page of many newspapers.  Fortunately, the story from yesterday goes deeper than four quarters and is something that anyone facing a challenge, especially those facing a health challenge should study like a playbook.

I’m referring to both quarterbacks that played in yesterday’s game.  Ben Roethlisberger, the quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers was in a horrific motorcycle accident a few years ago.  With the help of outstanding medical care and a team of providers helping him rehabilitate his body he has bounced back to win Superbowl XLIII.  Kurt Warner, at the age of 37 (fairly old for a football player) has played in the NFL then left and played arena football and returned to the Cardinals in 2005 bringing his team to the Superbowl for the first time in franchise history.

What do both men have in common and the lesson they want to share with us?  Both men had a vision of what they wanted their life to be.  Both men have overcome obstacles and kept their eye on the prize both literally and figuratively.  Both exceptional quarterbacks developed their internal resources into amazing comebacks and those efforts not only helped them fulfill their dreams, but spilled over to every person they meet.

How will you create your own playbook for overcoming your health challenge?  Yesterday during one of the huddles the mentioned that the quarterback had over 200 plays on a band around their wrist…that’s a lot of resources.  How many plays can you develop to improve your health or your quality of life?  Do you need anyone to help you create those plays?  Who do you have on the sidelines helping you determine which play would be best given the current circumstances.

Determination and resourcefulness are key ingredients to a successful playbook.  Finding actions that punctuate both qualities will reduce your stress level and allow you to utilize your precious resources on executing the plays leading to your own touchdown!