Persistence…It’s Not for Everyone.
On the north side of the track was a large chunk of grass where we always
finished football summer workouts. The players would form a big circle and
the captains would place themselves in the center. The command, “get em
chopping” was used to start the ritual, and the whistle would quickly follow.
“Down ups” was the technical term for this barbaric training method. Run in
place, drop to the ground and then immediately pop right back up, is the best
way to describe it. Each night of workouts at Warren Fitzgerald High School
we finished with “down ups.” Starting with 25 on the first night, adding five
more each night, finally finishing the summer grind with 100 down ups.
40 plus years have passed since my final summer workout. The memory is
vivid for me because of a young man that joined us on that final night, and
the chaos he created in my fragile mind.
Paul Szulborski was one of the varsity football coaches and on this night his
young son,Alex, was eager to join the workout. Alex was in elementary
school and was full of energy but lacking in experience.
The workout was a grueling test of physical capabilities but more
importantly a true testament to one’s mental toughness. Very few of the
Spartan warriors completed every single down up, but most gave it a valiant
effort. I felt motivated and obligated to perform the task as one of the senior
leaders.
Young Alex Szulborski started the grind full of energy and laughter with his
arms and legs flailing in all directions. At down up number 25,
Alex hit his breaking point and fatigue won its tug of war with his body. He
laid on his back like he was making snow angels but he did not move.
I continued with each repetition but the visual of Alex directly in front of me
seemed to add to my fatigue. My mind seemed to be screaming in opposing
voices, “just take a couple reps off just like those fat asses over there,
nobody will notice,” was one voice. “Fight through this, you’re a leader, you
are expected to lead not quit, keep going you candy ass,” was the other
voice. I completed every single down up that night and became introduced to a
concept that has led me into every notable accomplishment of my life. The concept of persistence-(the quality that allows someone to continue doing
something or trying to do something even though it is difficult or
opposed by other people).
In the book, A Run to the River, I discuss the roadblock that the Marysville
Vikings created for us and how our persistence won that battle-Only then to
be challenged at the regional final doorstep by the likes of Orchard Lake St.
Mary’s and others. Persistence again knocked down that door.
Without a plan, without an analyzed approach, persistence alone is child’s
play and leads to frustration. I have said for years that the greatest thing
competitive sports can teach someone is how to self-evaluate and make
plans for improvement.
Changes needed to be made in the Marine City football program to defeat
Marysville, and even more changes were needed for us to advance beyond
the regional final game. Luckily, we had a leader in Bob Staskiewicz that
encouraged change and gave his coaches ownership in those adaptations.
They can be found everywhere. In every school, in every workplace, in
every community. Individuals that are not built for persistence. They may
start out strong and their advancements may look promising, but then the
wall of resistance rears its ugly head. Countless times, people abandon the
push for success right when the wall is about to crumple.
It's human nature to conserve one’s efforts when you are not guaranteed an
outcome. It’s human nature to be average and to fit in the masses on the bell
curve of success. It goes against all logical thinking to keep pumping energy
into a system that many times does not respond. Here we go again, my mind is screaming.
“You launched your book in September and orders have been steady, but have not hit the anticipated sales I dreamt of,” is the noise I am currently battling.
Last week I received a little pep talk from my publisher, Susan Sember: “I
tell you this with all sincerity-you are a winner and are laying foundation in
an impressive way. Your book has remained in the top 100 rankings of various categories since it launched. You had record-breaking numbers at your local book signing-more than 30 times more showing up and buying than the vast majority of debut authors at their first signing. THOSE Ron are the results MOST authors dream of and yet, I have absolutely no doubt you will get where you want to be. You will because you are not satisfied, nor ever were, with being anything but the best-as an athlete, coach, and man. And YOU will be the best in your author endeavors, as well. I know it. I believe it. Keep building your skills, exercising your marketing, writing, and business muscles. You can do it!”
I want to succeed for her. I want to succeed for my wife and family. I want
to create yet another story that links persistence to great success and proves
that this characteristic may be the most valuable trait.
Get ‘em chopping Ron and get off your ass. Evaluate the current approaches,
adapt some new strategies, and then apply those changes while you continue
to grind daily. The fireworks are just one spark away.
Go Spartans-and stay the course!
