On 
September 3rd, I went to my first Virginia Tech Football game ever. I was so excited to experience this for the first time. Not to mention, we won! This was the icing on the cake for a wonderful experience. While I was at the university, I was always involved in some other activity and never took the time to go! Boy do, I regret that a little. However, I am glad that I had the opportunity to attend. I will not let years pass before attending another!
I sat at the South End zone in the first section near the field. I was positions smack dab in the middle of the goal post! To me it was the perfect view. I was fortunate to sit a few rows behind the Corps of Cadets with other alumni and their friends and family. The energy was high! After each touchdown, a number of the Corps members would perform push up on the shoulders of other cadets as the held them sturdy. There would also be a members performing push up on the field in celebration!
Being in the that section, I learned a thing or two from the Corp members, and I title this post “Cultivating A Winning Attitude” because of a comment one of the leaders in the Corps of Cadets made. At one point earlier in the game, The score was 13-10 with VT up. Others were getting worried since the score was so close, and the opposing team had possession of the ball. Just one slip up could mean a touchdown for them. But this Commander got up and roused the crowd with one simple phrase: “We are still Winning!” The crowd in our section roared–alas confidence restored.
However, to me this was a profound moment–such a powerful perspective. Being a Type A, ADD, my mind began to wonder and think about different areas of my life where I could say the same thing. Occasionally, I have my little pitty-parties and think nothing is well. I began identifying some areas that I think are lacking, then I concluded, ” I am still winning”. This lead me to asking the question: What comprises the winning mental attitude?
Thought the Winning attitude differs for most people, here are few ideas that I regularly utilize:
- I don’t focus on external factors. These easily become distractions.
- I maintain pure dedication to take incremental steps despite the current circumstances.
- I use reason and logic to re-frame polarized emotions.
- I re-framing your ideas in a positive way.
- I realize that I am one step ahead of where I was yesterday
Take a moment to jot down what a winning attitude means to you. Then brainstorm how you currently implement these into your life on a daily basis or what others you can adopt. What you will realize just as I did, You are still winning! Continue going for the goal!
P.S…..The Score was 36-13. Let’s Go…….Hokies!
