Never Give Up

My youngest son plays Flag Football (American style that is), yes, usually football is a fall sport but here in Texas is a year around sport . . . so we changed his league from one location to a closer one where he had new teammates and coaches . . . the coaches really did not know my son's strengths and weaknesses, but this league is great in that everyone gets to play the same time (however, whether you get to throw, catch or run with the ball is mostly reserved for those players with that ability). After the first few weeks, my son was a little discouraged . . . you see, he was a "star" in the other league but this one he was not getting lots of chances to showcase his abilities. However, he still loves it and has fun!

My counsel to him was keep plugging away, try your best, and whatever you are suppose to do in your specific position, do it to the best of your ability. He did as I recommended, he did his best. His last game, he got a chance to run with the ball, he made the best of his opportunity and ran 90 yards (that is about 90 meters) with the ball, running around, over, and through the opposing players (if you have played flag football that is not too easy), and ended up with a TouchDown. The smile on his face almost made me cry . . . isnt it funny how we get so proud of our sons and daughters and it hits you right in the heart . . . but it was better because he was so pleased (and isnt that what life is about . . . seeing others that you are close to, actually succeed).

Relating back to leadership and work,
For Leaders
1. Continue to give encouragement
2. Give people opportunities to assess their abilities, as you might have a hidden talent
For those working hard,
1. Keeping trying your best, even though you might not be in your ideal job, because if you have strong leadership, someone will give you an opportunity to test your skills
2. Celebrate when you take that opportunity and "run for the touchdown", or "hit a homerun" or "score a goal"

. . . remember never give up . . . you will never fail, if you keep trying!