Comeback Time? Yes, We Can!

Momentum is highly overrated. The Patriots came back after being down 28-3. The Cavs won after being 3 games to one. And my beloved Cubs came back after being 3 games to one. The definition of “comeback” in sports is: an event where an athlete or team that is significantly losing a contest, closes the gap. We love a great comeback story – characterized by overcoming all odds in the face of challenge. How do we do that? Here’s how:

1. Don’t forget to “protect the lead.” The Atlanta Falcons were up by 21 points in the 3rd quarter. Ignore the statistical improbabilities – they did. In over 26,000 NFL games, only 6 – that’s 0.02% of victories came back after big deficits. When you are rolling in your business, don’t let up. Keep driving, making those marketing calls, and don’t rest on the laurels of the last big client.

2. Have the determination to have a “short memory.” Here’s an important mantra for sports and for us: When the whistle blows, the play is over. Each moment is a new moment of now. It will serve you to have a short memory, at work as well as at home. Shake off the bad plays, and never engage in my two least favorite emotions: resentment and regret.

3. Execute outstanding play. Brady completed 82% of his passes in the 4th quarter! The Edelman catch was outstanding. It’s time to step up in your business. Do every job as if it is your only client. Remember: that’s how you started in the first place.

4. Find the fire in your belly. The saying in sports is, “Never underestimate someone with something to prove.” Some will say, “Live your passion and success will follow,” I say fulfill your potential for the highest good, and use your passion to fuel that. You may need to change it up. My new venture into group coaching is similar to one-to-one, but more like the classes I taught in Effective Presentation Skills at Northrop and Toyota. Find the fire in your belly that will motivate you to do the hard preparation, as the athletes do in their gym workouts and practice on the field. I call it discipline. Only then, can we make our comeback, and isn’t that what the New Year is all about?