It’s been a week since the Super Bowl and everyone has weighed in on their theories. For me it had been a while since I watched football. This year my interest was piqued due to the controversy about Cam Newton. I hit “Goggle” and Wikipedia for my research. After reading some articles and watching videos, I didn’t understand.
What could be so bad about a player that:
- Was predicted to be MVP of the year
- Gives touchdown game balls to kid
- Created a victory dance
- Has inspired and fostered his team to victory
- Led Carolina to 15 wins and 1 loss (Is that correct?)
This was inspiring to me. I was going to watch the Super Bowl and root for the Panthers. A few plays into the game, it looked like this was going to be a rough game for both teams. Interceptions, fumbled balls, and quarterback sacks. After the last fumble by Carolina; it was clear with a little over 4 minutes left in the game that the Broncos had won. I couldn’t watch anymore.
Though one team had to lose the game, is it truly a loss? Are they losers? Carolina had such a wonderful season does this one game negate all the accomplishments for the year? If you don’t win according to plan does this mean you aren’t being the best? Do you still have value?
It’s a hard question to roll around in your head because of the indicators that are equivalent to success in our society are tangible. Trophies, awards, certificates, and medals are all “valida-tors “that signify our value. These honors are objects to show for our hard work.
Of course, we’ve heard the clichés for hard work:
- “You were born to win, but to be a winner; you must plan to win, prepare to win and expect to win.”
- Life rewards those who work hard at it.”
- “Nothing will work unless you do.”
In actuality these clichés do have truth at the core. So, what do we do when we get to that place in life where our work isn’t equivalent to the reward we predicted? It’s easy, keep pushing and don’t give up. Know your worth regardless if you receive the trinkets or not. Validate your own accomplishments. Carolina might not have won the Super Bowl however they are still winners. Losing that game doesn’t negate the amazing season they had on and off the field.