Whether you are a sports fan or not, this year’s Super Bowl offered us practical advice and hope. Here are three lessons you take away from the big game to help give your hope!
Patience pays off
It took Coach Andy Reid of the Kansas City Chiefs 21 years to finally win the big game. Over two decades! He previously coached the Philadelphia Eagles where he has sustained excellence in the mid-2000s. His teams advanced to the NFC Championship (the game preceding the Super Bowl) in 2001, 2002, 2003, and 2004. Only on the fourth try did he actually make an appeared in the Super Bowl before losing to the New England Patriots.
I always have been a Reid fan. His steady and consistent work ethic always could be seem in his players.
Heart over Talent
According to best-selling author and optimist Simon Sinek, “The ability of a group of people to do remarkable things hinges on how well those people pull together as a team.” All the best talent in the world means nothing if egos cannot be set aside for a greater mission. Look at the hype of the uber-talented Cleveland Browns coming into the 2019 season.
Yes, this time Reid had the best quarterback in the NFL in Patrick Mahomes. But the word I heard most in the post-game interviews was heart. Heart. Passion. Drive. Perseverance. Call it what you want. It is a quality that puts yourself second and others first.
In his March 12, 2016 Jubilee audience, Pope Francis spoke of the meaning of true leadership. He declared,
“Love and charity, are service, helping others, serving others. There are many people who spend their lives in this way, in the service of others. … When you forget yourself and think of others, this is love! And with the washing of the feet the Lord teaches us to be servants, and above all, servants as He was a servant to us, for every one of us.”
Love the people you work with
Andy Reid exemplified love to the entire Kansas City organization. Not just in the Super Bowl win, but throughout his tenure. Sometimes people get cynical when it comes connections are made to sport figures and faith. Kobe Bryant’s death is a prime example. People aren’t perfect. Even larger than life stars. They suffer similar faults you and I do. Pride. Envy. Sloth. Lust. Anger. Greed. Gluttony.
The care and diligence he had for his players was evident. Tangible with his interactions. Hugs and handshakes galore. Credit deflected back onto his coaches and players.
In this case of Andy Reid he put himself last. He served his assistant coaches, players, and fans. When the media asked players what the first thought ran through their minds when the clock reached 00:00, they all exclaimed, “Andy Reid!”
Questions for Reflection
What lessons did you take from the Super Bowl?
How does patience play a role in your success?
Let me know in the comments below.
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