Whether you are a hater or a true fan, there is no denying the New England Patriots’ comeback on Sunday night was history in the making. Of course, the 20+ records broken was epic. The most impressive feat to me, however, was that even a non-football fan took notice of the never-ever-give-up attitude of this team. Skill got them to the Super Bowl. Willpower won them the championship.
Even the most stellar of performers (hello, Tom Brady) can find themselves off their game. Maybe the team just isn’t gelling. Maybe you are distracted by something going on in your personal life. Maybe you’ve lost your mojo. How the heck do you get it back?
Feeling like the third quarter Patriots sometimes? Here are four steps to come from behind and secure your own win.
Build off of each small win
Sometimes we stumble. Sometimes we have epic fails. In those moments, it is easy to get down on ourselves. Find your resiliency and rebuild your confidence building on each small win. Rather than tackle what might seem like a daunting big picture goal, break it into bite-sized pieces you can achieve with excellence. Build off each small win, and watch yourself build off that success.
Focus on the love of the game
Remember the motivation that drove you to your job in the first place. Then switch your thinking from “it’s my job” to “it’s my passion.” Commit to not just getting the job done; master it. Understand the nuances, and learn from people who have found success. Get out on the field, and practice. A lot. Take the coaching, and keep working at it. Keep an open mind, and take advantage of every learning.
Play well with others
It doesn’t matter how great you are. It’s nearly impossible to carry off any victory without the benefit of a strong team. These teams take nurturing and time to develop. They require a strong coach to provide a vision, direction and encouragement. Only hiring people with strong resumes won’t get you there. Balancing skills, positive attitudes, intellectual curiosity and a strong culture fit play a huge role. Partner that with a goal that everyone is aligned to and rallies behind, and you just might achieve that victory.
Try a different view of the field
No one thrives when things become routine or mundane. Short term, it may feel better to live in your comfort zone, but it sure won’t aid you in helping you crush your goals. Sit in a different seat for a day, or each lunch with someone from a different team you can learn something new from. Educate yourself with an interesting podcast on the way to work, or just try a different approach to the way you do your daily work. Changing it up can ultimately be game-changing in your performance.
Exceptional wins often come with a combination of talent, and a whole lot of little victories that build on each other. There’s no getting around it though; never, ever give up. When you are out on the field, you need to keep the focus, motivation and perseverance.