Winning is not only draped in terms like “don’t quit” or “never give up.”
Whether it’s the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2018 CFP National Championship Game or the Highland Park Scots in 2017, winners have three quirks that stand out from the others!
Most of us are slogging through the mud, weeds and rocks of everyday life.
We are not under bright lights with the media panting for post-game interviews.
So, we are thrilled when we see 3 winning habits percolating in championship teams.
Never stop starting
This is different from “don’t quit” or “never give up.”
“Never stop starting” takes more mojo because you have to overcome inertia!
A winner sees the next moment, next hour or next day as a start.
Never stop starting!
Eject grudges
Alabama’s placekicker, Andy Pappanastos, missed a 36 yard field goal as time ran out in the 2018 CFP National Championship game.
Shortly after, freshman relief quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was hammered behind the line for a big loss to start the Alabama drive in overtime.
Next play he throws the game winning touchdown pass!
Best looking game winner since Doug Flutie in 1984.
Doesn’t happen if the team is blowing each other up over earlier setbacks!
Encourage one another
Highland Park Scots’ quarterback, John Stephen Jones, was sacked eight times, hurried and brutalized by the college scholarship laden Manvel defense.
But, he summarized his late game heroics neatly.
“Heads were still up, in all honesty my head was getting a little down, but my team kept me up, everybody kept saying, ‘Hey, we have a chance, we still have a chance. The clock hasn’t zero yet. And they showed it out there on the field.’” John Stephen Jones
Long Distance Winning: A special formula
My daughter’s 2002 Highland Park Lady Scots cross country team used a special formula to win a state championship in mud, weeds and rocks.
Isn’t that where most of life’s championships are won?
Interesting that both quarterbacks were 19 year old freshman who both proclaim Christ as their savior. Wish our media would expand on the truth behind their success
Joe, Depends on the network, right? I don’t think ESPN will line up in the faith camp any time soon. Thanks for your comment!
Nicely done Stevie! Winners also evidence a dash of humility.
Jimmy! I agree with you! But, Golda Meir wouldn’t! She once said, “Don’t be humble. You’re not that great.” Ouch!
I thoroughly enjoyed the freshman quarterback from Alabama giving all the glory to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. How refreshing to know that God is still working in this country and is using a national platform that literally millions of people saw on Monday night.
Larry, His humility really showed in the post game interview. You can tell his faith shapes his leadership. Great to hear from you!