Fourth and Long

A series of decisions. At its most banal, that is what we do. Sure, we have established worthwhile, wholesome and rewarding goals for ourselves, but the attainment of them is found along the path, the journey, the road. If I want to run a sub three hour marathon, learn to play Chopin’s third piano concerto in e-minor, or lose ten pounds, the PROCESS is the same for each. 

We establish a commitment rating. On the scale of one-to-ten, one being flimsy and primarily dependent on luck, and ten being quintessentially the most important thing we can envision, literally and figuratively, life and death. 

Next we commit to the obtainment of said goal, and here is one of the keys, we take the first step. Be it a baby step or a giant step for mankind, that all-important numero uno is crucial simply because nothing happens without it. We are stuck. Stagnant. Sometimes frozen in place, paralyzed from the analysis. We over think it. Worse, we often settle for the pain and suffering of the current situation rather than move (one step at a time) into the scary vacuum understood as the unknown, aka, change. 

Are there over-the-counter drugs available to get us over this monumental hill? Can I have them drop shipped by drone if I use Amazon Prime? Will there be any negative side effects? Will my insurance cover the cost? How long will it take before I have everything I want? 

Sad as it sounds, these reasons, excuses, spins, denials, fears and self imposed limitations are all real life, real time and real big realities for hundreds of thousands of people. It is a programmed, conditioned, modern response to the relentless propaganda foisted upon us by those with shiny, sexy, distracting gadgets to help ‘improve’ our lives, the very gadgets and devices we cannot live another day without.  

So we watch football on 70” TVs while shoveling home pepperoni pizza paired with the latest IPA at $13 per sixer. One thing is certain, which ever team wins the game, we lose the battle. 

Back to the  basics. Say, you have decided that lugging around the additional thirty pounds your bad habits have produced is in need of attention and you would like to TAKE CHARGE. (I know you are thinking that you will consider this after the final game of the season), but maybe it is time to create a script, your game-plan for success NOW. Name me a successful offensive coordinator who doesn’t think three plays ahead. 

I will now suggest, that like any head-coach worth his or her weight, you start with the basics and progress through the details. Here are both:

Develop a goal. Commit to the goal. No matter what. Start. Take the first step. Be aware of the importance of each decision you make. This is developing good habits. Make positive choices. One after another. Add enthusiasm. Build momentum. Establish your run game, play solid defense, stay relaxed and focused. Take the first step and keep stepping. 

Our game plan is based upon the most simple and eloquent philosophy of success ever created. There are no smoke and mirrors, no misdirection, no counter-treys and no need for trick plays. 

DEVELOP GOOD HABITS and MAKE GOOD DECISIONS. 

After that everything after will take care of itself as we march harmoniously down the field. 

Sometimes going for it on fourth and long.