Why not you?

You like football?  Yeah.  Me too.  I realized a few years ago that what keeps me interested besides just loving the sheer physicality of the game, is getting to learn more about the players.  It's been especially gratifying and inspiring to learn more about Seattle Seahawks #3, Quarterback Russell Wilson.  Part of my very existence lies in reading people quickly and adjusting my game plan (shameless wasn't it??) based on that reading.  My read on Russell from the get-go was that he is calm under pressure, self-assured, and will not stop until the job is done.  I've learned to settle my nerves when my team is in a crunch situation, because that is usually when #3 is at his very best.  I LOVE THAT.  I strive for that in my own life and on the job.  It's a huge character asset as far as I'm concerned.

So I've made it a bit of a study to find out his secret.  How is he always so up, so humble, so driven, so INSPIRED.  Besides being an unapologetic Christian, which in my mind is difficult enough, he just won't stop til he's achieved what he set out to do.  He draws a lot in his interviews about conversations with his Dad, Harrison. Harrison passed away in 2010 but not before instilling amazing traits into his son.  Word has it that before every game, when you see Russell say a few words and point to heaven, he is dedicating that game to his Dad.  Gotta love a man with strong family ties and appreciation.

Today I was reading an article comparing Russell and Peyton Manning, his opposing QB for the upcoming SuperBowl.  Should be a great matchup of two really different people.  Of course Russell directed the interviewer back to his take on comparing the two. "It's not me versus him.  It's the Denver Bronco's against the Seattle Seahawks."  That statement didn't so much catch my attention as the next thought he had.  He related a story in which his Dad took him aside as he was beginning his football career.  Harrison was telling his son that anything is possible.  "Russ, why not you?" He is quoted as saying.  And Russell in true Russell fashion immediately opened that up to include his whole team. "Why not us?"

Why not??  I mean seriously!  WHY NOT?  Sure, it's far easier in life to remain status quo and stay in our cozy comfort zone.  But why not you?  Somebody is going to fill that position that you have your eye on, take up that space in the class you are thinking about, be assigned to that plush job.  Why not you?  What would happen if you pushed a little harder, positioned yourself a little better, believed a little bit more that you could do it?  What might happen??

I read that today and was stoked!!  I chewed on it for half a day and came up with about six "Why not me?" things that I want to shoot for.  Forget the bucket list...I'm going for a certain list.  These things WILL happen for me because I'm going to put in the sweat equity and make it so.

Why not??

Make it a great day!