Let’s delve into the realm of football for a moment.
Two key points stand out here – my limited knowledge of football and my early admiration for Travis Kelse even before he gained Taylor Swift’s attention. While I appreciate a good Swift tune, I wouldn’t classify myself as a die-hard fan. But I digress. Let’s refocus on the game.
Watching football with my son is a favorite pastime. Apart from playfully bantering with each other (inevitably supporting opposing teams, as is the norm for moms and sons), it presents an opportunity to impart valuable life lessons. Yes, I’m that mom, always on the lookout for subtle or not-so-subtle chances to expose my son to wisdom I wish I had acquired earlier in life.
The allure of rooting for an underdog or champion is universal. Witnessing individuals lay everything on the line – whether falling short or clinching the Super Bowl victory – mirrors life itself. The essence of wholeheartedly pursuing a goal, fully aware of the possibility of failure, resonates deeply. As marketing guru Simon Sinek aptly put it, “success demands more than just the will to triumph; it also requires acknowledging the prospect of failure.”
This sentiment holds true not only in life but particularly in football. The stakes are high, often culminating in the Super Bowl showdown. Success is quantified in yards gained, successful passes, and the ability to tackle opponents only to extend a helping hand afterward, fully aware that the competition never wanes. Individual performances and collective victories define your worth. Meanwhile, pundits scrutinize every move, drawing conclusions from the sidelines. Distractions like halftime shows, enthusiastic fans, and elaborate commercials fill every moment.
And then, it’s all over in the blink of an eye. Winners and losers emerge, or do they? The 22 players on the field may never experience such extreme highs and lows again, but these moments will linger as cherished memories. Long after the analysts cease dissecting every play, after the commercials fade into obscurity, and the trophy finds its place in a display case, the players will hold onto the magic of those fleeting moments.
While I abandoned sports in middle school, my competitive spirit endures. I vividly recall the jostling, celebratory high-fives, the exhilarating sound of a miraculous basket swishing through the net, and the bitter taste of defeat when your best falls short. Knowing when to step away and finding joy in playful banter and shooting hoops with my son now, though not on a Super Bowl scale, makes me feel like a champion – especially as a mother who faced challenges conceiving for years.
It’s a simple concept. As Sinek eloquently stated, “most healthy individuals strive to win in life; however, the measure of success varies. The desire to succeed remains constant.”
Unlike football, life offers the freedom to define your own success metrics. Will you gauge success by your financial assets or your cherished memories? By your societal standing or your moral compass? Will you pursue your own dreams or succumb to others’ expectations? Are you the player who pushes others down to rise, or the one who elevates others alongside you? Ultimately, the scorecard you choose to follow matters less than understanding what truly defines your victories. As my son matures, I hope he grasps this fundamental truth. It’s a lesson that took me too long to learn and one I’ve had to revisit many times, both on and off the field.