effort – …my temporary assignment.

That of life.

I have long contended that football is the game of life. Being a player, like all of you, I am familiar with the challenges, discomfort and anxiety that can come with it.

The challenges of overcoming an opponent or task bigger than you think are. The discomfort that comes along with such a seemingly endless physical, mental and emotional effort whether it be practice or game. And the anxiety that accompanies not knowing the exact outcome of your work, being unsure you are doing it exactly right, fearing you are not enough and God forbid, you make a mistake.

Speaking from a common experience, if you play football, you are already living outside of your comfort zone. In football terms being a resident of the O-Line, some of you are at the first level. Others have moved towards the second. Still fewer, the third. And yet to be conquered, is the 4th level.

On extremely rare occasions can one go from one to four. That’s like a lottery ticket. Perhaps you can get to level three from one, if things are just right. But more often than not, you cannot skip steps, avoid work and wish your way into achievement. You need to work your way up and through each one to reach level four. The end zone.

You see, if you want to achieve the things you truly value and aspire to, you have to get used to being uncomfortable. Not just in the fall. But the year round. You have to commit and fully invest in embracing that sense of being challenged, some sense of discomfort and the anxiety that may accompany being unsure what is going to happen.

Again, speaking as a football player like you, living out of your comfort zone turns out to be the best place you can be. It promotes growth, confidence, perseverance, faith and a chance to become all you were meant to be. Whether it is school, your first job, college or pursuing your passion, you cannot go from level one to four. You must find work and make your way up that field, whatever it is.

Doing the things that ultimately take you to life’s end zone.

So that being said, let me offer a challenge.

For whatever reason, this one play causes a great deal of angst and worry. Most likely because it doesn’t give you a definitive assignment like the other plays. It just calls on you to all move towards the play as one, sealing off the LOS and moving to the second level. Vague I know. But you run it to perfection against cans in practice. But against bodies, you shrink, second guess and cringe about making a mistake.

How about getting out of your comfort zone on this one?

Better yet, get out of it for the whole game.

Embrace the challenges, discomfort and anxiety. I bet you will find that endzone more than a couple of times in those four quarters. And when all is said and done, you will know that you gave it your all no matter what. That in itself counts as a win.

Stands to reason you could go 2-0 on Friday then.

And keep the winning streak alive in the weeks, months and years to come if you learn the value of being uncomfortable.

Think about it.

As you work your way towards another end zone.

That of life.

And make you sing.

I don’t watch a whole lot of TV, but I do find “The Voice” to be pretty good. At times, the stories of the singers and their journey to follow their passion can be very compelling. The coaches are good, solid people, excellent mentors and well equipped to support all sorts of talent that comes from everywhere and all walks of life.

So the other night, we watched it for the first time this year and got to know a newer array of coaches this time around. Michael Buble remained as the veteran, and was joined by Reba McEntire and Niall Horan. The fourth coach, Snoop Dogg, was an incredible addition to the team and truly something to behold. Although it was the only episode I saw this season, and the first time I saw him ever, my sense was there was this captivating emotional connection between the four.

Now aside from his music and business ventures, Snoop Dogg created a youth football league about 18 years ago to provide inner city kids an opportunity to participate in football and cheer. The focus of the Snoop Youth Football League is developing the person, teaching them values of teamwork, good sportsmanship, discipline and self respect, while stressing the importance of academics. His program has enabled over 60,000 kids to participate since its inception.

That night, in my view, Coach Dogg genuinely modeled every aspect of the words “man”, “father” and of course, “coach”. He was such a compassionate soul, a hugger. And regardless of his part in the show’s selection process, he would make his way on stage to console and encourage a singer that fell short, or celebrate them and his fellow coaches for a job well done.

At one point in the show, a young lady’s performance did not fare well and when it became obvious, she became quite emotional. Snoop went up to her, offered a tissue or two, and in true coach fashion shared something I will never soon forget.

Holding her with one arm, and with the other hand, his thumb and forefinger in the shape of an “L”, he said something that truly resonated with me, and I am sure many others. To paraphrase, showing her the “L” made by his fingers, Snoop said “this doesn’t mean loser or lose, but rather, lesson. So take this moment for what it truly is, a lesson. Learn from it, build on it, come back stronger and win.”

Offering a perspective possessing this mass has an innate ability to change life in so many ways. Every demanding, challenging and disappointing situation has within it opportunity, the potential for growth and achievement. But only if you are open to seeing it in this fashion.

For the only way you can become defined as the “L” by that single moment is if you choose to let it be so. However, should you choose to look at it as a lesson, it then becomes an opportunity to learn and grow so you can become what you were intended to be.

Witnessing that interaction with her and hearing his words of wisdom that night clarified many things for me. I bet for many others out there as well.

While that show features truly genuine artists with a voice unlike any other, seeking to further pursue their passion for music, what Snoop shared with the world last night speaks more so about life.

Its lessons.

How you should not only see them, but hear them.

For they can truly become your song.

And make you sing.

Hath no cares.

The resolved mind hath no cares.

George Herbert (1593-1632) British poet.

This isn’t to say that one should proceed without due diligence and your head up once you are resolved to a course of action. Rather, being resolved brings with it a sense of independence from the limitations and clutter imposed by indecision, waffling and second guessing. There be “no cares” in that you know where you are going, and how you are getting there.

And nothing will sway you away from that course.

So make it your mission, to not only discover something special each day, but also to rediscover something special within yourself as well. Two things that are only made possible if you are fully present and seize the moment. With both hands.

When you let go, and then go “all in” your resolve releases this exquisite level of energy. You set the tone, creating this powerful brand of momentum. One just made for overcoming the inertia of the day. Loosening its grip. Making it relent. And surrendering to your will.

As your hold on these moments increases, new possibilities emerge. Opportunities once hidden now become visible. As you proceed fully present and seize each day, you will be actively molding the future. Your future. For what you resolve to make of the present will eventually determine what is yet to come.

Think about it.

There will be no ambiguity in what lies ahead. No gray areas. For the thoughts, words and deeds you are choosing at this very moment help to shape the very next. Always in motion is the future. Your future. Its direction is largely your call.

With resolve, be fully present.

Let go.

All in.

Seize the moment.

Create your future.

With resolve.

Hath no cares.