I hold myself to a high standard. You have to.
You have to aim for perfection.”
~ James Laurinaitis
Except for cheering on the Ohio State Buckeyes Football Team, I must admit that I’m not much of a sports fan. So, I’m not sure what prompted me to flip through the sports section of USA Today recently. Perhaps it was the headline that included the name “James Laurinaitis.” For those who may not know, Laurinaitis served as a team captain at OSU in 2007-2008, the seventh member of the Buckeyes to be elected captain twice in a career.
After OSU, the linebacker was drafted by the St. Louis Rams where he started all 16 games and set a franchise record for a first year player by making 146 tackles (98 unassisted), two sacks, two interceptions, a forced fumble, and breaking up seven passes. Obviously, this guy is a playmaker.
What is his secret? It’s simple — be in the right position to make the play. You thought it would be more than that? Nope. That’s it.
“Laurinaitis understands the link between preparation and performance. He might not always make the play, but he is intent on being in position to make it [Pedulla].”
Laurinaitis says, ” You are going to make mistakes. That is part of the game. I was crazy out of position sometimes. It happens.”
And I started thinking how many times in my life I missed an opportunity simply because I was out of position. Maybe not in the literal sense of being on a “playing field,” but mentally I was somewhere else. I wasn’t in the moment as they like to say.
Thinking about the future, or the past, or someone or something else, but failing to recognize the great thing that was staring at me — begging me to open the door.
Or, I discounted the opportunity because it wasn’t flashy or exciting or fun or didn’t look profitable.
Or, I suffered through a difficult situation, grumbling and complaining — calling it a waste of time or a set-back, when in actuality it was a time of preparation, something to help me conquer a not-yet-revealed possibility.
I think the idea of “being in position” is about doing the work so you know what position to be in, when to be there, and how to proactively take control of events.
It’s about being prepared to turn the tables on unfortunate or unexpected situations.
Taking advantage of every encounter — whether standing in line at the grocery or standing on stage in front of a large crowd.
Putting your best foot forward and doing the right thing because it’s the right thing to do.
Not letting the actions or apathy or accusations of others force you out of where you’re supposed to be.
Want to be a playmaker? Ask yourself where you are in relation to where you need to be and then get moving. What are you waiting for?
Whatever you are, make sure you’re in the right position to make the play!
Deanna
Whatever You Are, Be a Good One 