Many years ago, Vince Lombardi became one of my heroes…………I am not big on coaches but Coach Lombardi was a great man. When a team wins the Superbowl today, they get the Lombardi Trophy.
Jerry Cramer, who played guard for the Packers 'in the day', wrote a wonderful book about life with the Packers and Coach Lombardi. The book, Instant Replay, drew it's name from the famous phrase that the great leader used with Paul Hornung, the Heisman Trophy winner and Packer running back, in his rookie year.
Hornung came to preseason camp fat, smoking and out of shape. Coach L was unimpressed. He told Hornung he needed to be able to run up 10,000 steps…….then and only then, if he ever had the chance, he might be able to 'run to day light'. Until he could run the 10,000 steps, he would set on the bench. Hornung took him seriously. The Golden Boy became a great team player and the rest is history.
I am thinking about my 2015 season and 'running to daylight' but first there is a step left out this little story about Coach L. If I want to 'run to daylight', I must first put myself in a position opportunity. This is where the real work comes in and it is not as glamorous as scoring touchdowns.
For me, it means years of training and experience……hundreds of races, hundreds of mistakes, hundreds of failures, many injuries, many comebacks. All this groundwork is already in place.
Right now, from October thru February, it means:
* Seizing the opportunity to ride in 2015 on the best team EVER……with the best team mates.
* Setting up and tuning the best equipment.
* Chiseling clear specific goals.
* Committing to and becoming passionate about the goals.
* Getting coaching and advice.
* Being bold in trying new things.
* Recovering from a 2.5 month illness.
* Training, resting and eating right.
* Hanging out with my tribe.
All these things an more are going to put me in a position of opportunity. If I prepare now, I can give myself some chances to 'run to daylight'. I am pretty sure, given the opportunities, I will be successful at times. Of course, nobody gives me the opportunities. I must earn them by doing the work.
When I look back at my life, I can see a couple of key times when I 'gave myself' the opportunity and jumped on it………..maybe I coulda, shoulda, woulda executed more successes? Who knows? Those few key successes though, have made for a great life, for which I am thankful.
Now I am planning one more success…..the 2015 Racing Season. Maybe you have a big challenge or opportunity? Maybe you will join me and put yourself in a position of opportunity. Maybe you also, will 'run to daylight' this year?
See ya out there.
