Even if you don’t follow NFL football, you are probably well aware that we are in the middle of the playoffs. After all, in just a few weeks, the Super Bowl will be upon us. It is undeniable that the teams that made it all the way to the playoffs have each had a great season, with many more wins than losses. While watching one of the playoff games this past weekend, I heard the sportscaster discussing the “mantra” of one of the teams. It is A.S.A.P., which in this particular case, does NOT stand for “as soon as possible.” The team uses the abbreviation to mean ANY SQUAD, ANY PLACE! The team philosophy is that they come ready to play their best, no matter which stadium (and state) they are playing in and which team they are opposing. One of the defensemen for the team was recently quoted as saying "We come into your place ready to play. Our motto around here is 'Any squad, any place,' that's what we say.”
My husband often tells me that you can garner many a life lesson from paying attention to organized sports. I agree and feel that this is one of those times. I can embrace the idea of “any squad, any place”. I wouldn’t be practicing what I preach if I didn’t show up ready to be my best, no matter where I am and what the circumstance.
If you are one of my loyal followers, then I have no doubt that you are working hard to live a healthy lifestyle. It isn’t always easy, right? You have to get past piles of doughnuts before you can reach your desk in the morning. You stock your house with fresh fruits and vegetables and your significant other (or roommate) brings home the Oreo cookies that we were on sale at the store. You meet friends out for dinner and they order every appetizer and dessert on the menu so you “can share.” Even if your New Year’s Resolutions are tattooed on your forearm, the devil of temptation can wipe out even the strongest angel’s will-power.
The team with the “Any Squad, Any Place” motto did not end up winning the playoff game. One of the next day’s headlines actually said “Any Squad, Any Place finally met this squad in this place.” The article goes on to say “...their season ended - appropriately and bitterly enough — ASAP.” It is so much easier to be a ‘Monday morning quarterback’ than a player on Sunday, isn’t it?!
Do you think the losing team regrets getting the word out there that they play to win? I certainly hope not. Having a winning attitude is more than half the battle. If you show up for any challenge expecting to lose, you have already lost. The playoffs will continue this weekend. I am anxious to find out what the mottos are of the teams that are left in the fight. While my family is watching the games, I am going to try to come up with a mantra that will keep me in the game until the playoffs and beyond. What will yours be?