2016 is Your Time – Now Go Out There and Take It!

In 1980 the Men’s US Olympic Hockey Team did the unthinkable by winning the Gold Medal at Lake Placid New York. This was a remarkable achievement because in 1980 the US Team was comprised of all amateur hockey players who were sourced from college teams (this has since changed; the US now sends its professional players). The rest of the world sent their very best – players who could easily have been all-stars in the NHL. Despite this dissidence, the US Team managed to transcend every challenge and win the all elusive gold medal.

This was one of those moments in history that leaves an indelible mark. People who were alive at the time can remember where they were and what they were doing when it happened. I was ten years old and at home watching the game with my parents. Even though this event occurred thirty-five years ago, it still inspires me today. In 2004 the movie “Miracle” (true story documentary) was released. The film detailed the US Team’s journey from obscurity to greatness. If you want to fully understand the impact of the event, or be totally inspired, I encourage you to watch this movie – it makes me cry every time I see it.

Probably the most remarkable aspect of the US Team’s win was its 4 to 3 victory in the semifinal round against the Soviet Hockey Team. At the time, the Soviet Team was the best in the world. Prior to 1980, the Soviet Hockey Team won gold medals at the 1964, 1968, 1972, and 1976 Olympic Games. To make matters even more interesting, the Soviet Hockey Team beat the US Hockey Team 10 – 3 several days before the 1980 Olympics started (exhibition game at Madison Square Garden). The Soviet’s seemed unstoppable and they just about were. But somehow, the US Team managed to prevail.

Imagine if you were the coach of the US Team and needed to get your players ready to face the Soviets. The task seemed to be impossible. What would you tell them? Fortunately for us, via the movie “Miracle”, we can relive what Coach Herb Brooks said to his squad just before they hit the ice. It went as follows…..

Coach Herb Brooks: “Great moments... are born from great opportunity. And that's what you have here, tonight, boys. That's what you've earned here tonight. One game. If we played 'em ten times, they might win nine. But not this game. Not tonight. Tonight, we skate with them. Tonight, we stay with them. And we shut them down because we can! Tonight, WE are the greatest hockey team in the world. You were born to be hockey players. Every one of you. And you were meant to be here tonight. This is your time. Their time is done. It's over. I'm sick and tired of hearing about what a great hockey team the Soviets have. Screw 'em. This is your time. Now go out there and take it.”

Coach Brooks’ words inspired his team. He called his team up. He called his team to be better. He called his team to rise above the situation. He called his team to be the team that he knew they could be. And the 1980 US Olympic Men’s Hockey Team did just that. They rose to the occasion and became legends.

Coach Brooks’ words aren’t just for his 1980 Olympic squad however. They are as applicable to us today as they were in 1980. Coach Brooks is also calling us to be better. He is also calling us to rise above every/any situation. He is also calling us to be the people that we know we are capable of being. He is also calling us to be legends in our own unique and special way.

Imagine yourself being in a room with Coach Brooks. Imagine him speaking directly to you. Imagine it goes something like this……..

Coach Herb Brooks: “Great moments... are born from great opportunity. And that's what you have here, in 2016 Tim (add YOUR name). That's what you've earned here in 2016 Tim (add YOUR name). If you looked at the odds, they would be against you. But not in 2016. In 2016, you will thrive. In 2016, you will excel. In 2016, you will shut down all the negative voices because you can! In 2016, you will be the greatest in the world at what you do. You were born to be at your very best. And you were meant to be here in 2016, and you were meant to make a contribution in 2016. 2016 is your time Tim (add YOUR name). I'm sick and tired of hearing about all the opposition. Screw 'em. 2016 is your time. Now go out there and take it.”

OH MY!!! These words light me on fire and they should for you as well! YOU can have great moments in 2016 because YOU have great opportunities in 2016. Each day is another opportunity; another day to make it happen. 2016 is your opportunity to thrive, excel, and shut down the opposition. YOU were meant to be here in 2016. YOU were meant to make a contribution in 2016. 2016 is YOUR TIME. Now go out there and TAKE IT!

2016 is YOUR TIME. Now go out there and TAKE IT!

All the best for 2016 – it’s your year – take it!

• Tim

*Action Item: Print the slogan below and hang it in a place where you will see it every day. Hang it in as many places as possible. Watch how it changes your year!  

 ** In future posts, we will look at some tangible strategies that will help you make Coach Brooks’ words a reality in your life.