In the mid 90’s many thought that the Detroit Red Wings Hockey team would never live up to the hype and expectations set before them. They were arguably the most talented team, the highest salary in the league, and had some of the most devoted fans anywhere. After a series of disappointing playoff runs in which the highly favored Red Wings saw early exits. Their quest of winning the Stanley Cup seemed more and more like a long shot.
In 1997 they found themselves in familiar territory. It was late in the season and the Wings were gearing up for the playoffs and faced their rival once again. They game was highly anticipated and built up by the media. The Red Wings had been consistently manhandled by this team and the contest was expected to be competitive but it was doubtful that the Wings would be able to match the intensity of physical play dealt by the Avalanche (the rival). The Wings were known for their skill, scoring, and puck possession. Many critics said that they were soft, old, and didn’t have the stamina to endure the grind of the playoffs.
So, the game went as many thought it would. Halfway through the game, the Avalanche were leading and they had all the momentum. The commentators were calling the game as if it were already over, as if they expected the Wings to lay down and play dead. Then something happened! The game got physical and the Red Wings stood up to the rival. It was like they had finally had enough and drew a line in the sand. I watched them come together as a team, empty themselves, and fight back like they never had before. So, they matched the physical play, but they were still losing badly and time was running out. They took control of the game from that point on and tied the game and sent it into overtime. Then they won in overtime. That game changed everything. You saw a new poise, and new attitude and a new level of courage and confidence that they didn’t display previously. They went on to win the Stanley Cup two years in a row and dominate their rival for a few years. The adversity helped them rise above mediocrity.
They did a few things that we can use to take it up a notch in our business and profession as well. It is know as F.A.T. They Fought hard Acted bold and Thought big. FAT!
Fight hard: Like my hockey team, you must be at a point where you don’t hold anything back and see yourself on the winning side of your challenge. Give everything you have to be the best you can be and do it for the right reasons.
Act bold: Every person has inhibitions. We must face up to whatever the challenge is and have the determination and willpower to see it ALL the way through. Many sales professionals don’t do the little things that separate them from the competition. Many are afraid to call on an account, or to visit them or think that a task is too hard for them. Stand up and be bold. Do the things that are hard and call that account that always shuts you down and do it with boldness.
Think big: Don’t ever settle. Have big dreams and aspirations. Those who achieve things in this world have dreams and aspirations maybe beyond what they think that they can accomplish. Have a vision for your success that is unreasonable and expect it. Someone once told me: “if you aim for the moon, you might hit the telephone pole. But if you aim for the telephone pole, you might hit your foot.”
Live life, expecting great things to happen and get out there and MAKE it happen by Fighting hard, Acting bold and Thinking big.
To your success.
Ignite your passion!
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