I thought it appropriate that after yesterday’s Men’s, and today’s Women’s NCAA Championship Basketball games, today’s blog should be on winning within.
The Road Ahead or The Road Behind by George Joseph Moriarty
“Sometimes I think the Fates must grin as we denounce and insist
the only reason we can’t win is the Fates themselves that miss.
Yet there lives on an ancient claim, we win or lose within ourselves.
The shining trophies on our shelves can never win tomorrow’s game.
You and I know deeper down there’s always a chance to win the crown.
But when we fail to give our best, we simply haven’t met the test
of giving all and saving none until the game is really won.
Of showing what is meant by grit of fighting on when others quit.
Of playing through, not letting up, it’s bearing down that wins the Cup.
Of taking it and taking more until we gain the winning score.
Of dreaming there’s a goal ahead, of hoping when our dreams are dead,
of praying when our hopes have fled yet losing, not afraid to fall, if bravely we have given all.
For who can ask more of a man than giving all within his span.
Giving all, it seems to me, is not so far from victory.
And so the Fates are seldom wrong no matter how they twist and wind.
It is you and I who make our fates, we open up or close the gates.
On the road ahead or the road behind.”
As I’ve watched the NCAA Men’s and Women’s series, one common theme emerged, which I’m sure you’re already aware of, if you’ve been reading this series. ALL coaches talked about mental discipline and toughness as the #1 criteria for achieving success. Over and over you could read coaches lips as they yelled, “THINK!” to their players on the floor. One coach commented during a timeout, “If you don’t want to give me your best, if you don’t want to DO your best, then we might as well wrap it up and go home now, because I promise you, with the way you’re playing, we’re heading towards a send-home.” What I drew from that is this…the coach, although concerned with the win, is more focused on his players executing perfectly. I am the same way with my team. Sure, I want them all to experience the thrill of accepting that coveted 1st Place trophy, but I’m actually MORE proud when they’ve done everything correct. The victories will come. Continue to execute perfectly. Every day. They’ll be there.
Doc
