Pittsburgh vs ?
It was announced on September 29th, 2020 that multiple players and team personnel for the Tennessee Titans football team tested positive for COVID-19, leaving their upcoming game in jeopardy. The team was ordered to shut down its operation while their opponent (the Pittsburgh Steelers) was still allowed to practice for a game that may or may not take place.
Should the Steelers still practice? After all, there is a chance the game may be postponed. Well of course they should! If the game is still played on Sunday, it would have been foolish not to take advantage of a full week’s preparation; and even if the game isn’t played, the players would still be improving their skills for their next opponent.
COVID-19 has left some of us in a very similar situation. A scheduled event in our lives now may be uncertain of taking place. Should we still practice and prepare ourselves knowing that there is a chance that all of our efforts could be for nothing? Of course we should because it won’t be for nothing! If the event does happen, we will have no regrets; and even if it doesn’t occur, we can rest in the self-satisfaction of knowing we ultimately improved ourselves.
E + R=0 (E=Event, R=Response, O=Outcome). The event in your life may be “up in the air;” that is out of your hands. However, the “R” factor is how you choose to respond (either positively or negatively) which determines the outcome you will experience.
The Steelers should practice knowing very well there might not be a game because if there isn’t one this week, there’s probably going to be one next week. The same is true in your life. Your process should also not waiver. Each day you should be sharpening your sword and improving yourself. When game time comes, you’ll be ready.
Coach Nelson holds a doctorate in sport and performance psychology and currently serves as a high school football coach. He has worked for multiple professional sport franchises, a Fortune 100 Company, a division 1 athletic departments and has won numerous awards for his LEADership abilities.
His mission is to positively influence the world through Love, Effort, Attitude and Discipline (#LEAD). To learn more about the LEAD philosophy follow him on Twitter Levi Nelson or reach out via email at rln10@zips.uakron.edu He’d love to learn about or help you in your journey!
