The Time Is Now, we are in fall camp, and less than 3 weeks until the first game. The time when you develop an immunity to constant heat, the aroma of cut grass heightens awareness, constant sweat is the norm, 3 pair of shoes are under the desk, grass in the hallway is always present, practice schedules stack the desks , coffee refills are a must, practice gear wash is never ending, bug eyes from film study, cold water could never be better, etc….   It is also the time of nervousness, worry, and anticipation of the existing unknown. Leading into this journey, I already now the levels of emotion that are coming…. This is not only a message for you but a much needed reminder for myself. I know that the time is now and the coming personal challenges that come with every season.

Starting this football season, school year, new stage of life, or maybe a business venture. I want you to understand the importance of staying true to purpose and that you are not in a “Loner Profession.” Most of us feel at times that we are the only ones dealing with issues and challenges. Society and social media can create an appearance that others have no problems when we all have issues to overcome.  Please know that you are not alone in your pursuit in the profession. Facing each season are the presence of challenges, pressures, doubts, and obstacles. Through my experience, I want to to encourage you to Attack Aloneness, to “Fight the Good Fight“, to Plan For Pressure, and to Stay The Course. We need a battle plan ready for action as the storms brew in the distance. The whole purpose of the blog “Lessons From The Goalpost” is to strengthen and encourage others for impact. Obviously, another post maybe in the distant future but know that serving you has been a true joy. The Time For Impact Is Now and I hope these next few passages help your pursuit.

“Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” -Ecclesiastes 4:12

The Time Is Now, Focus On Togetherness Over Aloneness.  How many times have we felt to get things done we have to do it ourselves? The more I mature in this game, I realize that pouring into others strengthens us collectively. You cannot fill every void and must learn to trust those in the organization. You need to accept that there is only one you and that everyone presents different strengths for success. A sermon recently heard emphasized, “To Do It Right, Do It Yourself” equals bad advice. “To Do It Better, Do It With Others” equals a greater way of operation. Operating alone leads to being prideful, numb to others, abandonment, confused people, and survival mode. Operating together leads to strength, humility, valued people, togetherness, and thriving purpose.

“Iron sharpens iron, as one man sharpens another.” -Proverbs 27:17

The Time Is Now, Seek The “Inner Circle” Over Aloneness. Aloneness has to do with honesty in relationships, not the number of relationships. Surround yourself with people you can be genuine and authentic with in all moments. Choosing aloneness creates self doubt and builds negative opinions or thought processes of your situation. You have a team to protect and fight for you in your Faith, Family, Coaches, & Friends. Don’t be afraid to show weakness and vent the steam building on the inside. We often feel the need to be viewed as a “Statue of Strength”.  We feel that if we show any chink in the armor, we will be perceived as weak. In actuality, people react better if we show that we are human and are battling together. When you withhold issues, those emotions affect your performance and treatment of others. Be honest with those in your “Circle”, releasing emotions or venting allows you to be focused on the real task. “Sometimes you have to do what you have to do, so you can do what you have to do.” Sharpen the sword, be prepared for the battles with your team.

“Pride goes before destruction.” Proverbs 16:18

The Time Is Now, Fight The Good Fight. Pick battles not skirmishes…. We will face many issues and challenges in our daily operation. Prioritize where you are going to put mental energy and valued time. Fight battles that ultimately affect your purpose in the business.  Our people and ability to impact positively are always at the forefront. We are highly competitive people and we have great pride in our performance. In this business, many issues occur that are personally upsetting and attacks our pride. However, if these issues do not affect your purpose then they are just “Skirmishes.” Remember, “Battles Win Wars“, while “Skirmishes Create Riots.” Sometimes as a leader, our pride gets too mixed with our title. We can get too caught up defending our position instead of our purpose. We need to be be organized in the chaos, not the chaos in the organization. When you fight the wrong battles, more problems are created and those you serve are neglected. Your mental energy and valued time is key, make sure you stay directed toward the things that matter. Purpose and People……

“The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.” -Proverbs 4:7

The Time Is Now, Plan Before The Pressure. Pressure to win, please others, keep up, family depending on you, stress, no sleep, etc.. You know the feeling…. The time when some succumb to Pressure over their Purpose. Pressure can equal compromised standards (Crushed Coal) or Pressure can equal refined standards (Diamonds). Plan and prepare for these moments ahead of time. Stay in your faith, read daily, and have an accountability partner. Make seeking wisdom a daily priority and connecting with your person(s) at least once a week. Have that person that keeps you intentional about living your standards. In our business, we pour into others so much that our gas tank can hit empty before the finish line. Fuel your purpose, feed your soul, and renew your spirit consistently. Be intentional and prioritize time for this much needed training session. Complacency occurs when the storms are not in sight. Be well fed, prepared, and have someone holding you accountable before the pressure. “Failing to plan is planning to fail.”

“Blessed staying on course, walking steadily on the road revealed by God”-Psalm 119:1

The Time Is Now, Stay the Course. “Get Up, Get Up”, we yell to our players when on the ground. Teaching them the lesson of getting knocked down but getting back up quickly. We face this feeling often in life when facing adversity or failure. The ones that do not give up and keep battling will succeed in the end. God doesn’t call us to something we do not enjoy, but there are times when it may not be enjoyable. These times don’t mean your purpose and mission have disappeared. Anytime something impactful is coming, something comes along to make you doubt yourself. Your obstacles are refining you for something bigger than you imagine. Do not compromise your purpose before God reveals his “Master Plan.” When the storms come, “Get Up!”, stay on the path, and be faithful. When doubt creeps in, there is a voice that will say “Keep Taking Steps.” Find It!

“Pray in the Spirit in every situation. Use every kind of prayer and request there is.” -Ephesians 6:18

The Time Is Now, Pray…… I do not know where you are in your faith, but in my experience, I struggle when doing this on my own. I personally cannot do this without a relationship and guidance from the Lord. When in a frustrating situation, thankfulness gives me peace and focus.  When making tough decisions or experiencing times of doubt, pausing for prayer gives me guidance and confidence. I encourage you to pray for leadership, wisdom, peace, patience, and that you are a tool for greater impact regardless of scoreboard outcomes. Just remember that he is present and will draw near when you draw near. The more I realize this on a daily basis, the more effective I am for my purpose. Take time everyday to speak to the ultimate comfort, friend, and source of wisdom. This paragraph is written last so hopefully it will be remembered first.

The Time Is Now, Your Purpose Is Greater Than Obstacles
You & Your Location Is Not An Accident
Nor Are The People Placed In Your Life.
Good Luck, Dig In, & Get On Mission!

The Time Is Now… Do The Work!!!!

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith….and this is not from yourselves, it is a gift from God…not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” -Ephesians 2:8-10