Rise Up

The Atlanta Falcons are going to the Super Bowl. This is only the second time in franchise history, and the town is going nuts. Maybe I wasn’t paying as close attention the first time, but this time just feels different. There’s much more excitement, enthusiasm and Falcons’ merchandise is flying off the shelves. The Falcons are the talk of the town – TV, radio, social media, water cooler and Keurig machine. I think there are a couple of reasons for the change. 

First of all, I’m not sure that anyone really thought the Falcons had a chance back in 1998, but this time people actually believe they can win; there’s a sense of destiny and belief that the Falcons actually belong there. Second, I think everyone is searching for something positive to rally around. We all need some good news and something to collectively root for, not protest against. The present day Falcons are easy to root for – popular owner, impressive new head coach, franchise quarterback with an MVP season and an all-star receiver. The Falcons collectively refer to themselves as the brotherhood. 

If only we could have this same sense of engagement, enthusiasm and optimism for our career. If only we thought of our team as the “brotherhood” or “sisterhood” and that we truly were destined for success. Yes, it’s hard to keep up that kind of enthusiasm on a day to day basis, but the results, if only in the short term, can be impactful. It doesn’t happen overnight. The Falcons didn’t just get lucky; they have been strategically building this team for years. Win or lose on Sunday, there’s the sense that, like the Atlanta Braves of the 90’s, this team is on the rise. 

So, what kind of changes do you need to make on your team to be successful? New head coach? Is it time to trade some players and recruit a superstar? Do you have a franchise quarterback? Perhaps you have a great team that just needs a little more motivation and inspiration. They need to believe. Maybe it starts with you. Maybe it’s time to Rise Up.