I Spent Yesterday Watching Football With a Girlfriend
I confess. I’m not a crazed sports fan. I do like drinking gluten-free beer, eating wings, and absorbing the fan energy. I grew up going to Jets games with my father and brothers. I hung out with a rabid Pats fan for three years. I acted as coach and cheerleader throughout my business life.
Now that I approach the fourth quarter of my life (with only a few time-outs left), I find myself more engrossed in sports analogies and sports psychology than ever before.
Yesterday’s games served as great fodder for life lessons because they both went into overtime. The outcome could have gone either way, but the winning teams possess the same kind of faith and drive that we aging men and women need to have if we are going to go the distance and ultimately come home with that Super Bowl ring (however we define it).
- We need to be able to do our best in all kinds of weather and on all kinds of turf.
- We can’t let the noise of the crowd distract us.
- We all need to listen to our coaches and quarterbacks when they give us feedback — even when it’s harsh.
- We can’t do it alone and we need to respect the positions of those around us. Every football game needs a placekicker. You may not see him on the field all the time, but his talent can make or break the outcome.
- We’re going to fumble or lose sometimes. Suck it up and move on.
- When the clock has run down to the final seconds or you go into overtime, you still have time to make a great play.
Even if you despise watching sports, keep in mind that football (like life) has four distinct quarters and a halftime show and commentary. Whether you’re in it to win it or are simply a Monday morning quarterback who enjoys chips and dip, think about the “game” you’re playing and what you’re going to do this season.
Sitting on the bench is not an option.
