Winning 2014
Motivation comes in many forms. Some people thrive in a structured, rules-driven setting, while others are well-suited for a less restrictive environment. Rewards and the proverbial “dangling-carrot” fuel some, whereas others are inspired by different factors. It may be success, contentment, adequacy or notoriety that serve as the end goal, but in any scenario, there is an underlying motivation.
Motivation can also be described in many ways. I’ve read CUInsight posts from friends and colleagues throughout the movement using music, movies and sports to provide relatable context to motivational scenarios. And, to that end, motivational speakers come from all of these and many more walks of life.
At any given time, I am open to any of these and others. Predominantly, however, I am a sports guy. The competitive element of sports translates well for me. Combine that with my Wisconsin roots and you’ll find that Vince Lombardi falls nicely in place in this regard.
At the recent New Jersey Credit Union League holiday party, the staff presented me with a personalized, framed portrait of Coach Lombardi, with his “What it takes to be Number One” quotation. I’ve read it before, but did so with more care this time around. Perhaps what I like most about it, is that it supplements and I think clarifies his “winning isn’t everything, it’s the only thing” statement.
It begins: “Winning is not a sometime thing; it’s an all the time thing. You don’t win once in a while; you don’t do things right once in a while; you do them right all the time. Winning is a habit. Unfortunately, so is losing.” It is one of the quotes I like most. I have paraphrased this line to my children, in a softer tone. You work hard in school and at practice, so that doing things the right way comes naturally.
Through this and other quotes, you will find consistency in Lombardi’s message. It is plain speak, yet eloquent and powerful.
It is about teamwork, and often specifically about your accountability as a part of that team: “Individual commitment to a group effort – that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work.”
There is a belief in selflessness: “In order to succeed, this group will need a singleness of purpose, they will need a dedication, and they will have to convince all of their prospects of the willingness to sacrifice.”
There is also realism and perspective on the notion of success: “Perfection is not attainable. But if we chase perfection, we can catch excellence.”
The list of relevant quotes is extensive. If you are a football fan, you could probably add to this list with quotes from Tom Landry, Paul Brown, Chuck Noll, George Halas or Bill Walsh, just to name a few.
In the end, these quotes are relevant to credit unions and our cooperative structure. Our team will be successful through the commitment of individual credit unions to the group effort. There is singleness of purpose to grow the industry for the sake of those we serve. We acknowledge that not all of our endeavors will result in resounding success, but by setting our goals high, we will continue to advance forward. As a credit union league, it is our charge to facilitate this group effort within our state or region.
As we turn the calendar to a new year, let’s stride confidently, together, towards success. In New Jersey, we will continue to tell consumers why credit unions provide “Banking You Can Trust.” Nationally, we will “Unite for Good” at the CUNA Governmental Affairs Conference. Whatever your motivation or message may be, it will be fortified by robust commitment to the group effort. And through our strong sense of purpose, we will continue to pursue what it takes to be number one.
