College’s March Madness is often referred to as “The Big Dance” and the majority of teams have a goal to get an invitation to attend. Ultimately two teams will play for the honor of being the “King.” Usually the final two are fairly predictable. They thought they were supposed to be there. Is there a possibility that the dance is over for many when the invitation is received?

I have worked with hundreds of teams and in their preparation for the upcoming season they voice a commitment to getting to the dance. They play well enough for that to happen and then they lose the first game and the dance is over. Don’t get me wrong, getting there is an accomplishment, but is that what you really wanted?

If life is how you say it is (and I firmly believe it is) wouldn’t it make sense to play for what you really want? And, take what you get. We are always trying to minimize the disappointment and the hurt that can go with it. Trust me, there is more lifetime hurt in not going for it all (giving your 100%) then there is in giving ALL you have and falling short. Sometimes the other guy is just better.

What I just said is not just for coaches and athletes. It is how I strongly suggest you play life. In anything you take on you want to be able to say you gave all you had. Actually, it is the only way you can learn and grow. This aids your preparation for taking on the next challenge.

By the way, in working with college teams I propose they are always playing for just one thing—an NCAA Championship. There are, of course, some milestones, i.e. conference championships, individual honors, play-off wins, etc. If you don’t win your “National Championship” identify what you learned, what action you are taking as a result and start climbing the next hill. Oh, and don’t forget to celebrate what you did accomplish first.

Get more information on formulating your efforts for the future by going to lulu.com and checking out Coach Todd’s book, “The Art of Losing”, Coaching and Thriving in a Made-for-TV World.