I am not a sports fan. There is much to be learned from the world of sports. I was blessed to be among some of the best talent in sports and business last week during Super bowl week in Miami. Some of you may be thinking that this experience was wasted on me – a self confessed non-sports fan but it was an amazing experience for me because I approached it as I approach any new, different, out -of –my- comfort -zone experience. I embraced it like a child.
At each networking event (I lost count of how many I attended); I walked up to these incredibly large human beings. “Hi, I’m Kate and forgive my ignorance but I’m not a sports fan so please tell me your name.” After the incredulous unspoken “Huh?” that momentarily crossed their faces, the athletes usually laughed and seemed actually relieved that their notoriety was lost on me because we could then have an intelligent conversation without the “What’s in it for me” cloud hanging over our heads. One athlete said, “First, let me just say, you are ignorant!” We both had a good laugh over it and had a conversation about health care and the medical profession and I discovered that he had never intended to pursue a career in sports and planned on becoming a doctor prior to being drafted for the NFL.
It was my metaphorical Super bowl. All who make it to the Super bowl have reached a level of success that allows them to compete at the highest and most challenging strata of their professions. I would equate it to the old “How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Practice, practice, practice…” While the lights, camera, action, feeding frenzy was in full force, I thought of the relative obscurity in which each of these professionals labored before the lights were shining on them. The short shelf life their careers often have illuminate the need to capitalize on opportunities when presented and to prepare for unforeseen hardships while aggressively pursuing the goal. I thought of the many variables that influence personal and professional lives and how they must risk it all to pursue their goals.
As entrepreneurs, those who commit to the sacrifices required to become successful will eventually have the opportunity to play their best game. We all have the opportunity to become champions on our own playing fields. The year 2010 can be a year of level playing fields and as long as we prepare we can win. Just as the Saints came marching in from the underdog position to win, entrepreneurs can serve it up in the business world.
Who dat? A champion – game on!
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