It was the last week of the NFL regular season. A few playoff births remain, with a number of teams either having to win to get in, another team to lose, or both to keep their playoff dreams alive. As I read about the games last week, two teams in particular stood out. The Denver Broncos (I'm not a fan), who didn't have a single player on the team to ever go to the playoffs in a Broncos uniform and play the number one team in the league behind a rookie quarterback; and the Miami Dolphins (not a fan either) who has a "star" player who has been in the league a long time and has never missed the playoffs.
The Broncos played inspired football, creamed the Chiefs and that rookie QB took a lap around the field high-fiving and thanking fans, celebrating something that hasn't happened in Denver in a decade. It was electric.
The Dolphins, on the other hand, lost to the Jets, one of the worst teams in the NFL (definitely not a fan), and that "star" player refused to play in the 4th quarter. Instead, he sat and pouted on the sideline, then after the game discussed leaving the team, despite being under contract, because he missed the playoffs for the first time and needed to take care of "him". Gross!
As the old country song says, some days you're the windshield, some days the bug. Whatever day it is, fly like hell because people are watching, and like it or not, your team and others will notice and be impacted by your actions and attitude.
"Give your complete attention to these matters. Throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone will see your progress. Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you." (1 Timothy 4:15-16)
Paul's advice to his young protege Timothy as he was taking on the responsibility to lead the church in Ephesus was to be an example. Let the music of your life match your words. Execute with vigor every day and do it in such a way that it drives other people to do so as well.
You can't win a championship if you or any part of the team would rather sit out in the second half pouting about their personal burdens or disappointments.
Be the hardest working person in the room and never quit.
Execute in a way that inspires others. Surround yourself with people who have that same mentality no matter the circumstance. Do this consistently, and over time, you'll take a lap high-fiving your teammates, customers, and partners...and even people who aren't fans will take notice and be positively impacted.