Same Game New Rules

Last month I was standing in the middle of St. Peter's Square ready to enter the Vatican in Rome and I received a phone call from Notre Dame University. The Director of Admissions called to inform me of my acceptance into the MBA program. What a fantastic memory as my wife and I finished a two week vacation in Europe.

I'm excited about the challenge that lays ahead and the opportunity to prove myself again in South Bend. Over ten years ago I left Notre Dame with a terrible sense of disappointment when we lost to the Irish in a last minute football game. For those of you who don't know, I had a pass thrown to me while I was running a crossing route, which tipped off my hands and landed in the lap of Vontez Duff, who took the interception back for a touchdown. Game over, senior year over, and dreams of playing pro football over. Sadly enough I couldn't seem to recover and ever regain my mental edge to play at a high level.

The day after the game my picture was on the front cover of the NY Times sports page, and the highlight was shown in slow motion on CNN Headline News. I had been through disappointment in my sports career, but nothing had an impact quite like this moment.

As I look back on this experience, I realized how valuable a lesson this set back had on my life. Although I feel like I've left something on the table back at Notre Dame, I rest assure that God had this plan already in place, waiting to build my character. When I played college football ten years ago, I was immature and full of a big ego. What a blessing in disguise despite the temporary pain that ruined my senior year of college football because I grew more in my faith for God and changed the way I lived as a man.

Uncomfortable vs. Exhaustion

I believe the single most significant decision you can make on a day-to-day basis is your choice of attitude. Attitude is that one thing that keeps you going or cripples your progress. It alone fuels your fire or assaults your hope. (Acts 16:25)

It's not talent, it's not innate ability, it simply comes down to how hungry you are to improve. What's the difference between you and them. The professionals are willing to knock on the doors of complete exhaustion every single day.

Ask yourself this, are you moving closer towards your goals, or are you moving further away them? Are you knocking of those doors of exhaustion, or are you just uncomfortable? Being uncomfortable is not exhaustion. Being uncomfortable is your mind quitting before your body.

It's easier to buy the ticket to see the game, than the one to prepare for it. It's easier watch athletes from the couch than it is to be the one hoisting the trophy.

It's a lot easier to look back on your life and know you gave it your all than it is to live with regrets. Not living up to your potential, well that weighs on your shoulders for a lifetime.