Blog — Clear Career

Football. Food. Laughs. Disbelief. Utter Disbelief.

Maybe you partook in one of the above items a few weeks ago during the Super Bowl, and maybe you enjoyed it; or maybe you didn’t. Either way, it was a fantastic game, and a beautiful display of emotional resiliency. For those who didn’t watch the game, this is scorecard:

Super Bowl

Ultimately, the New England Patriots - headed by Tom Brady (Quarterback) - led a comeback in the 2nd half to force overtime, eventually winning in that overtime. This blog post however isn’t meant to talk about football, it’s designed to highlight the specific nature of emotionally resilient people, and what we can learn from this specific game.

5 Traits of Emotionally Resilient People

#1 Have perspective:

During the game, Tom Brady and the Patriots needed to keep a positive perspective, likely battling internal thoughts about losing (feeling ashamed, embarrassed, etc.). However, they hadn’t lost, at least not yet, and they chose to see that. By keeping this perspective, the Patriots were able to overcome the doubt of a negative start.

The lesson: Positive perspective allows us to learn from our mistakes instead and move forward accordingly; positively.

#2 Depend on a team:

Many people have been quoted saying that football is the ultimate team sport, and in many ways it’s true. Guess what? Tom Brady didn’t win the Super Bowl by himself. He was surrounded by coaches, players, and family members that all - have and will - play a part in his success.

The lesson: Resilient individuals realize they don’t have to wonder alone, and they become intentional about surrounding themselves with the ‘right’ people.

#3 Be honest:

At halftime of the Super Bowl they was no celebrating in the Patriots locker room. They were down, mad, and embarrassed. They also were aware and willing to see the truth. Honesty and self awareness allows us to assess, critique, and progress.

The lesson: You can’t fool yourself, so don’t try. Accept the truth, assess it within appropriate perspective, and create a plan to move forward.

#4 Look for options:

Tom Brady passed, ran, handed it off, called timeout, and spiked the ball. Each of these moves was intentional, planned-ahead, and strategic. Like a surgeon working a scalpel, the Patriots functioned with precision in the 2nd half of the Super Bowl. Much of this was due to having options; options they had prepared for ahead of time.

The lesson: Preparation is important, and when done correctly, options will show themselves as available. This relates to your life, your sports, and your career.

#5 Fight with everything:

Is Tom Brady the best quarterback in NFL history? Maybe. Maybe not. One thing is certain however, he is one of the best fighters in all of sports, and probably careers. The passion, resiliency, and emotion that he produces every single day is unrivaled, and you can see it. Tom Brady want’s to be the best, and there isn’t much standing in the way of him chasing that.

The lesson: You have to be willing to fight with everything when you have lofty goals.

Resiliency isn’t just something you’re born with; it’s something that’s practiced, and learned. The Super Bowl win by Tom Brady and the New England Patriots is a great example of emotional resiliency in action.

My hope is that you use the above traits to influence your lives, families, and careers. Remember, you too can be resilient. You just have to work at it.

MY FORK IN THE ROAD

A few years ago I was asked to resign from a job I was pretty darn good at. At first I was tempted to believe that my career was over. Yes, I know that sounds a bit dramatic, and it is, and it's how I felt. Yes, even guys have feelings.

Now I see the whole thing as a delightful detour designed to rework me into an even better version of me. To learn lessons I couldn't have learned without a bit of hardship. To sand off some hard edges in much need of some smoothing.

THE FUEL FOR YOUR VEHICLE

So this message is for you my friend, if you're facing a personal or professional twist in the New Year that seems unbelievable or inconceivable, take a deep breath, focus on gratitude, look at the possibilities this opportunity opens up, and move in the direction of your passion.

Some days it may be hard to get up, smile, and keep doing what you believe you're called to do. The job search or entrepreneurial process can sometimes feel a bit unkind. Keep your focus on what you want, believe it can be achieved, and then be amazed and grateful as it comes to you. It may come in a moment or gradually over time.

And what comes may be different than you expect. For me what continues to come is a greater appreciation for the twist and greater amount of joy knowing that destiny is calling my name and what I at one time thought was the pinnacle of meaning for me begins to lovingly shift into a fond story of professional development.

HAVE FAITH IN THE PROCESS

My advice? Don't kick, scream, or fight it too hard. Go with the tide and let it guide you. Even when getting pulled out to sea seems scary. There are other harbors you are called to. Nothing is missing. Nothing is broken.

Trust the process. The best is yet to come for you!