Put Your Name On It

I keep going back to the picture you see of my daughter Maddie because my entire message is in there. It is a message that has resonated with all of my clients as they share similar struggles.

To say I love this picture would be a massive understatement.

The irony of it is that I had no clue that picture was taken nor did I know it was going to be emailed to me.

Instead of trying to systematically lay everything out for you, I thought maybe an open letter to my daughter could drive home the point and provide some insight into how to pull the most of your team members when they may be underachieving.

Here you go:

Maddie-

I absolutely love this picture of you and would love to know what was going through your head as you were standing there.

Something jumped out at me in the picture, and I want to share it with you because I think it will serve you for the rest of your life. 

That something is the significance of the name on the back of your jersey. Yes, I know that you know that Molitor is our last name but there is more to it than that and I want to explain. 

Sure, there are many stories about people generations before you that gave a special meaning to that name but I want you to own that name for yourself. Focus on all that you have to offer and what special meaning you will give to the name Molitor.

First though, never forget this….you play for the name on the front of your jersey because that is your team. The beautiful thing about being on a team is that you are a part of something far bigger than yourself.

The name on the back of the jersey is who you are and who you are is how you will serve your team and help them win. 

Your name is on everything you do!

For example:

• How great of a teammate you are
• How hard you work
• The level of positive energy and joy you bring to practice and game
• How much you can be trusted
• How you always give your best even when you are not at your best
• How you compete until the final out is made or the final whistle is blown
• How much you love to win and hate to lose
• How you operate with conviction and not convenience and the fact that your teammates and coaches know that you are committed to being the best you are capable of being and not just interested in it

I am surely missing a few but you get the point. 

See, when you take pride in your name then your reputation will precede itself (I will let your Grandfather explain that one to you)! 

You will refuse to go through the motions and just check boxes. You will take success personally and understand that each day is a gift. 

And here is what is important. When you take pride in who you are and what you stand for you will gain the confidence to relentlessly pursue greatness in everything you do. You will be the author of your own story.

Finally, have fun!

Do these things and the name on the back of your jersey will strike fear in the competition, earn the confidence of your teammates, and take you places you may not even be able to imagine right now. 

I love you!

Dad