See the winning

 

See the winning

By Joel Boggess

With just a few ticks left on the game clock, the home team trails by just one point. This, being the biggest game of the year, carries with it a lot more weight than games played earlier in the season.

The players, having fought hard through the regular season, have waited the better part of their professional careers for this moment.

As the last few seconds of game time evaporate into thin air, a victor will soon be crowned, hailed, and celebrated.

Of the two best teams in the league, which one will pull out the victory?
Is it the team that plods out onto the field, runs the designated plays, and tries their best? Or is it the team that visualizes and senses the sights and sounds of the win first, before they hit the field?

Let’s take a brief look at history.

Hockey great Wayne Gretsky chose to skate to where the puck was going to be, instead of spending a lifetime chasing after it; Muhammad Ali made no apologies in letting people know that he was indeed “the greatest” in the professional boxing world; Michael Jordan saw his name reappearing on the high school roster after he had been cut; and Rudy Ruettiger knew he was born to play Notre Dame football.

What did these people know that still escapes so many others?

Whether you’re raising your children, bringing up the next generation of students, or coaching high-achievers in sports or in business, there is one simple truth: you have to see the winning in your mind’s eye, before you can do the winning in the public eye. You will see people do amazing things, once you help them learn how to tap into and feelthe electricity and heat of a victorious possibility.

Borrowing from the ideas of John Maxwell, here’s why:

When people sense victory
They sacrifice to succeed.
They look for ways to win.
They become energized.
They follow the game plan.
They help other team members.

When people sense defeat
They give as little as possible.
They look for excuses.
They become tired.
They forsake the game plan.
They hurt others.

Where are you today?  Are you sensing your victory and looking for ways to make it reality?  It is not enough to just “see” it – you have to create a game plan and then work that plan with commitment and tenacity.  You can do it!

With the heart of a teacher and the patience of a friend, Joel blends his educational experience (a master’s in counseling and an MBA) together with a passion for helping others to realize their God-given potential.  Help yourself to some of Joel’s favorite coaching tools.  Find out more about his latest book, One Woman’s Journey to the Work She Loves.