WHEN SOMEONE BELIEVES IN YOU A POWERFUL DYNAMIC IS CREATED.
Just ask a sports celebrity like Walter Payton who sees it all clearly now from the ‘other side’.
The power of believing in yourself is one thing but the power of someone else believing in you—is quite another. That belief is like a fuel that energizes us. I’m not sure how it works but that energy, although invisible, is undeniable—whether you’re a youngster, a student or starting out in business. Someone who recognizes your ability or potential can change your life.
Some of the best examples can be found in the world of sports. In the case of star athletes or favorite teams, that belief from their coaches, fans and even teammates can help them soar to new heights.
So, on that very topic, one of the greatest football players of all time, Walter Payton (1954-1999) decided to come and talk to me about the subject. Payton, as you might remember, was a running back for the Chicago Bears of the NLF, was selected nine times to the Pro Bowl, and held records for rushing yards, touchdowns, carries, and yards from scrimmage among others. He was also elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame and College Football Hall of Fame. Everybody seemed to love him, including my son who is now on the “other side”, too.
“Your son is smiling, Sandy. I guess Jon admired my work!”
I can remember when my two grandsons were just growing up, maybe in their pre-teens, and along with their father, Jon, would talk about football! I can remember trying to pick out surprising and relevant Christmas gifts for each of them during the holidays and of course a stocking stuffer or two had to includesomething about football. I also remember, Walter Payton was somebody’s favorite. Not sure if it was Jon, Charlie or Jack who loved him, but I think young Charlie knew many of Payton’s stats, which impressed me. I think all the boys thought Walter Payton was great.
“I’d like to speak to the power of celebrity in sports. It’s initially earned by performance, which is always fun when we can surprise the fans in the crowds (who are) either watching or attending games. Then, it’s expected! A bit more pressure but by that time we have a team surrounding us who believes in us, fans who believe in us and you know well—the power of having someone outside of ourselves truly knowing we will always pull it out!
“Celebrity sets up some of that belief, I believe. It’s a physical demonstration of that belief and it’s very powerful. I always used it to power me on the field and give me strength to face all of life’s routine challenges (off the field, as well).
“Those of us so blessed have an advantage—unless we don’t believe we deserve it. [That’s illustrated when] we don’t use that fuel to propel us forward and instead eventually strike a match that blows us and our career to smithereens. Self-destructive, self-sabotaging efforts destroy everything good in a person’s life whether the person is a major celebrity or simply a normal person who receives a tiny bit of recognition.”
Walter is basically saying that we have two choices, use the belief others have in us as a fuel to propel us forward or ignore that belief and let that fuel lie idly by while we fall back to our own self-doubts, which become the matches that can eventually ignite that fuel and blow up one’s career and often one’s life.
“So beware, my friends, of those matches in life that can cause an explosion of our careers and our lives: ego, greed and negative self-talk; a trio that causes disaster.
“Well, I guess I was more philosophical than you’d think I’d be. Guess your Jon and I are surprising a few of you! Walter Payton (football emoji)
Yes, Jon surprised quite a few—with his early passing and the wisdom he shared with me for the book, “Hi Momma, It’s Me”, the willingness to reach out with his undying love to family and friends who pay attention, and of course through the ongoing relationship with his Momma. Yes, every time he visits, my heart grows more full.
So, Walter was right. Two special guys who still have something surprising to say.