Championships and Big Plays

Let me first preface this with the statement I am not a Patriots fan. In fact, saying that I am not a fan of the Patriots is kind of like saying the Grand Canyon is a big ditch – it’s a huge understatement. But regardless of my feelings towards the team, what they have accomplished over the last couple decades has been nothing short of remarkable, and Sunday’s Super Bowl was no different.

While Super Bowl LIII didn’t have the fireworks many were expecting and hoped for, I don’t understand the disappointment with the flow of the game. No, there weren’t game-breaking plays, highlight reel-catches or long TD runs. It was a hard-fought battle between two defenses who relentlessly stood their ground the entire night. In the end, the Patriots prevailed - not because they made the biggest plays, but because they executed their gameplan flawlessly and minimized mistakes. They didn't need big plays because they didn't make any stupid ones.

It wasn’t flashy and showy, but the victory was secured because the Patriots simply eliminated almost all unforced errors and they continued to grind it out for every second of the 60 minute game clock. No breaks, no letting up. I don’t think life is much different. We all have a different version of what “winning” looks like, but as a rule, winning won’t likely come to those who make the “biggest plays,” but rather to those who learn to eliminate mistakes.

Sometimes the first move towards victory is getting out of your own way.

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