Football: Flatness at its Finest

The first weeks of college and professional football are in the books. I love this time of year and was thinking of writing about how there are business practices to be learned from football—breaking down goals into smaller objectives, etc. But then I got focused on the more significant impact of football on the American culture.

After all, the National Football League is the highest-grossing sport in the world. Its players have been mainstream pop culture icons for decades. Its vocabulary has made its way into everyday business settings—"Monday-morning quarterback," "run interference," "sideline," etc.? ? ??

As a planning consideration, I like to include the football season as an environmental change. People seem to use the time differently. They are either enjoying thoughts of watching weekend games or planning positive things to keep them distant from the games.

My wife refers to this time of the year as brunch season. She is excited as she schedules brunches to catch up with her friends. I am content knowing there is a certain structure in the world for the next 20 weeks or so. All other worldly distractions—politics, work issues, etc.—seem flattened for me. Maybe they are just adjusting to the level they should have already occupied.

This fairly effortless acceptance of a shift in routines begs the question, "What can we do to make other changes more welcoming?"

Recognize Routine

Do you have routines or do you have ruts? It's important to distinguish the difference. Routines are patterned systems that we create to help us with effectiveness or efficiency. Ruts are the inertia of items when we haven't been able to sort them in a way that makes sense as being sustainable.

Routines provide excellent points of reference when choosing to change a pattern. You know where you are deviating from, and there is comfort in knowing how to pick up where you left off.

Conversely, shifting from a rut may present possible navigation challenges:

1) Moves may be made out of desperation, moving just to change course into anything—not pointing to a goal. OR

2) Moves seem impossible because the rut has depleted energy levels—a defeated mindset.?

In both cases, I offer encouragement from 30 Worthy Guides for Mapping Your Best Life, "At the most basic level, anything beyond what we have previously experienced or prepared for is a risk...So, why wouldn't you welcome calculated risks? Especially if they enhance your well-being through experience, finances, or relationships."??

Integrate Intervals

Are you in shape to catch an opportunity, or would it pass you by? Your mind might say yes. However, the true answer may be the latter if you never incorporate varying levels of exercise into your day-to-day routines. Planning periodic mental sprints permits you to stretch beyond your current capabilities and comfort zone.

"The idea is that you stay consistent and committed to personal growth. Luck is an opportunity meeting preparation. The more you prepare, the more you'll be ready to grab an opportunity when it appears" (30 Worthy).

"The only place that "success" comes before "work"?is in the dictionary."?—Vince Lombardi.?

So, love it or hate it, I encourage you to embrace football season in America. It's an annual reminder to shift from our routines and enjoy change. Whether you are tailgating with a team jersey or focusing on other non-football hobbies, I wish you well!??

? ??