As we journey along life’s long, winding road filled with detours, bumps, obstacles, twists and turns, a proper mindset will energize our spirit. All of us have dreams and aspirations we would like to realize. Dreams and aspirations when combined with action become a goal.
To attain our goal, we must not only act but plan the action steps necessary to reach our destination. These action steps comprise the process we will use along the path to that determined goal. Dreams without a process are nothing but wishful thinking.
The process and action steps are always the hard road leading to true achievement. If the road is not difficult the resulting destination is common and well-traveled. The road less tracked is the one leading to meaningful accomplishments.
I had the pleasure of working with one of the NFL’s best cornerbacks ever – Cris Dishman.
He and I came to know one another this year at Your Call Football in Vero Beach as fellow coaches and workout partners. Cris spoke to the players one evening at our nightly team meeting and relayed the story of his journey.
He ended his enlightening presentation with a simple message that kept him moving toward his goals: “Work, Pray, Work, Pray, Work, Pray!”
I was also blessed by getting to know another former NFL player and ESPN icon, Merril Hoge.
Merril also delivered a powerful message based on his book entitled, Find a Way.
He outlined his difficult path to the NFL and the even more difficult journey overcoming cancer. Merril’s simple, profound mantra for when things looked bleak and the road closed: “Don’t Stop! Find a Way!”
Coaches often talk about giving a 100% effort. That means using every fiber of body, mind, and soul to complete your mission. I have also heard head coaches or leaders talk of 110% effort.
It had once puzzled me how that was possible. I then came across a training manual describing 110% as an effort level that cannot be proven but exists as an extraordinarily powerful idea.
In order to get there, you need imagination, creativity, faith, and a belief there is a way. Work, Pray – Find a Way!
