Are You Playing to Win?

I watched in dismay as the Alabama Crimson Tide "rolled" back from a first half shutout to win the University's 12th National Championship. The Georgia Bulldogs were my pick to win, but they had quite a challenge to overcome. 

Despite having the better team, Alabama was equipped with a more experienced coaching staff. Simply put, Alabama knew how to win. Heading into the game, The Crimson Tide were aware of the limitations their starting quarterback imposed on the teams chances to win. Still, they went into the game looking for their 12th Championship. 

It wasn't their starting quarterback who was the hero, it was his backup. At haltime, Coach Nick Saban made a decision to put in the freshman and see what their chances would be. Almost immediately, the "tide" began to turn. On the Alabama bench, Jalen Hurts cheered on the backup who was now standing in his spotlight as the team roared back with each big play, ultimately tying the game. A missed field goal sent the game into overtime and Georgia could only muster up a field goal. On Alabama's possession, their drive began with a first down sack. 

It wasn't the play Coach Saban wanted, but on the very next play freshman quarterback Tua Tagovailoa  hit a streaking Devonta Smith for a 41 yard touchdown that ended one of the wildest championship games I've seen. 

Because I wasn't rooting for Alabama, I was mad. The sports anger subsided and was replaced with an epiphany! Alabama was playing to win! How else would you describe a second down & 26 "Hail Mary"? The safe call would have been to try and get back to field goal range and help out the kicker who shanked what should have ended regulation with an Alabama win! 

Instead, they went with four verticals and the freshman tandem thrust themselves into college football history! 

This made me think...at what point in the game was Georgia not playing to win? I watched the game and once they went away from Sony Michel, I could tell that something was amiss. Why not continue what is working? It escapes me...I always wonder why decisions like those are made in next level sports. It seems easy, do what works! 

We don't always do that, though. Maybe it's human nature and our desire for something new all the time. I don't quite know, but after Monday's game I am committed more than ever to never again not play to win! 

Here are a few notes I want to share with you about playing to win.

• Prepare for the battle you're facing
• Understand that adjustments will need to be made
• Don't be afraid of making adjustmenst
• Be the team player that can support adjustments being made
• As a team player, a win for the team is also a win for you
• Do what works! If it's not broken, why are you messing with it?
• When you have an advantage, keep your foot on the gas! 
• Get rid of all thinking and procedures that call for "pacing" with an advantage! 
• It's ok to outpace your competition. 
• Even if you're not playing to win, understand that your competition is! 
• STRATEGY! This is the year of strategy! In life, in business, in your family dealings...STRATEGY! 
• WIN!!!!! You were made to WIN! 
• Your assignment in life is designed for you to win! 

Whew, I felt kind of preachy, right there! LOL Seriously though, make this the year that you are playing to win! We have been losers long enough. Don't make the mistake of only doing enough to get to the big stage or the big game, WIN! 

Complacency is a destiny robber, make 2018 the year you are playing to WIN!!!

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