Pregame Speech (September 2003)

Thoughts, stories, examples and ideas on challenging your team to perform at their highest level possible.

ACHIEVEMENT OF A LIFE (TEAM) GOAL
By Karen Casey from the book, “Each Day a New Beginning”

We truly can do these things that are our "hearts' pure desires." However, most of us look at the whole task and feel overwhelmed.

We need, instead, to look at the task's many parts.

One part at a time, one day at a time, we can accomplish any goal we set for ourselves. I know a recovering woman who wrote a 300-page dissertation, the final achievement to obtain her PhD. When asked at a meeting how she ever did it, her reply was, "One word at a time." That's wonderful advice.

No matter how many goals were missed or plans dashed when we were still using, now that we are recovering, each of us can do whatever is in our hearts--if we do it little by little, not all at once, today.

Today, I will do one small task that will contribute toward the achievement of a life goal.

JOY IN THE JOURNEY
Author Unknown

If you have ever been discouraged because of failure, please read on.

Far often, achieving what you set out to do is not the important thing. Let me explain.

Two brothers decided to dig a deep hole behind their house. As they were working, a couple of older boys stopped by to watch.

"What are you doing?" asked one of the visitors.

"We plan to dig a hole all the way through the earth!" one of the brothers volunteered excitedly.

The older boys began to laugh, telling the younger ones that digging a hole all the way through the earth was impossible.

After a long silence, one of the diggers picked up a jar full of spiders, worms and a wide assortment of insects. He removed the lid and showed the wonderful contents to the scoffing visitors.

Then he said quietly and confidently, "Even if we don't dig all the way through the earth, look what we found along the way!"

Their goal was far too ambitious, but it did cause them to dig. And that is what a goal is for - to cause us to move in the direction we have chosen; in other words, to set us to digging!

But not every goal will be fully achieved. Not every job will end successfully. Not every relationship will endure. Not every hope will come to pass. Not every love will last. Not every endeavor will be completed. Not every dream will be realized.

But when you fall short of your aim, perhaps you can say, "Yes, but look at what I found along the way! Look at the wonderful things which have come into my life because I tried to do something!"

PASSION DEFINED
By Shawn Doyle

How is passion defined? Webster’s defines passion as: Pervading spirit, ruling passion, master passion, fullness of heart, flow of soul.

Why is it important to feel passion for what you are doing both professionally and personally? One reason is that if you are passionate, you are motivated and if you are motivated you are passionate! Have you ever met someone who is passionate about his or her work? It probably made a huge impression on you.

Let me tell you about Kevin Brown. The first time a walked into the meeting room at a hotel in Philadelphia, Kevin Brown was setting up tables for my meeting. He came over with a big smile and said “ I am Kevin Brown, and I would like to welcome you to our home- I want to make sure you feel at home when you are here, and if you need anything give me a call. I am employee of the year and I will exceed your expectations. Because when you care it shows.” Kevin Brown works at the
hotel setting up the tables for meetings and banquets and he is passionate about it. I have never had a meeting in Philadelphia at any other hotel. Kevin Brown is passionate about his work. My first question when I walk into the hotel is “Is Kevin on duty tonight?” Kevin Brown’s passion for his work is an incredible value for his employer and for him. Think about it- whenever you experience someone who is energetic and passionate in a store or a restaurant or a business, doesn’t it impress you? When you experience the opposite of that doesn’t it make a negative impression?

Having a passion for what you do has several advantages:
· It keeps you fired up and motivated!
· It makes what you are doing fun.
· You can be an inspiration to others (there is no question that enthusiasm is transferable and very contagious)
· You will be more productive
· You will be more successful.

So try to pursue the very things that you are passionate about- that is the difference between good and great!