Lessons From the Game

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     The sky is blue. The weather is warm, but not too hot. The stands are divided by colors. The band plays. The crowd leans forward in anticipation, and I lean with them.
     I get way too excited for the start of college football season, especially for someone who didn’t play football, doesn’t really know that much about the game and didn’t attend any games during my entire college career.
     That’s probably because, although I always root for Georgia, I see every detail of the game as a metaphor. This is not an original idea, but it is true. So, at the risk of all things cliché, here are just a few reasons why I love watching this game:
  •  If you’re in the game, it’s good to have a team to help you.
  • Every role is important. Know your responsibilities and carry them out.
  • Not even the best player can win the game by himself.
  • Have a game plan that is flexible and adaptable.
  •  Know and learn to recognize your opponent.
  • Everyone needs to agree on who will call the plays, then follow them.
  • Going out of bounds, outside the lines, is not necessarily a bad thing, and, in fact, is a strategy.
  • You can win without scoring a touchdown, but it’s more fun if you make a few.
  • Take a break to reevaluate and make adjustments before getting back in the game.
  • Give the ball to the most committed player, then protect him.
  • We are stronger and more effective when we stand in line, shoulder-to-shoulder.
  • Don’t get caught up in titles. The quarterback is not less important than the halfback or the fullback.
  • Most teams win on a series of small gains rather than one big one.
  • Every point counts.
  • Listen to your coach. He sees things you can’t see and knows things you don’t know.
  • Having cheerleaders in your corner is good for morale.
  • A life set to music is richer and more fulfilling,
  • Celebrate, but be humble in your wins.
  • Be grateful in your losses and learn from them.
      As college football kicks off, wouldn’t it be great if we all called a time out to evaluate how good a team player we are, to thank our teammates, celebrate wins, revisit our losses and listen to our Coach?


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