Most people would agree that professional football is a rough and even sometimes violent sport. Years ago, during a Monday-night football game between the Chicago Bears and the New York Giants, one of the announcers Frank Gifford observed that Walter Payton, the Bears' hall-of-fame running back, had accumulated over nine miles in yardage by running with the football. While that was a fact it was also true that he on average got knocked down every 4.6 yards!
To put that in perspective consider the following. In a mile there is roughly 5200 feet. Take that number 5200 and times it by 9 that equals 46,800 feet. There is roughly three feet in a yard, his average was 4 and a half yards or approximately 13 1/2 feet. 46,800 divided by 13.5 equals 3,467. During his NFL career Walter Payton was knocked down 3,467 times. He didn't fall down. He was knocked down, usually by 250 pound men. Many times there were more than one!
Walter Payton was one of the most successful running backs to ever play professional football. He knew that everyone-even the best-gets knocked down. The key to his success was getting back up and running again just as hard the next time he took the football.
We might not all be professional football players but I believe there is a significant lesson in his story. To be great at what you do, understand two things, be it your career, marriage, spirit life or even being a parent. First you are going to get knocked down at some point, the second, to be good at it you're going to have to get back up and try just as hard again.
In the race that is called life, keep your eyes on the finish line and run hard! No matter who tries to cause you to stumble or whatever circumstances knock you off balance, when you fall down along the way, get back up, dust yourself off and get back in the game! Don't become discouraged and quit! In life, being knocked down is inevitable. But, if you keep your eyes on the prize and keep running hard, you will be assured of finishing well in the end!
206 909-7536 AdrianWillanger-broker.com - Seattle, WA
Profit from my two decades of experience
Herb-what a great perspective about the number of times Walter Payton was knocked down, hard, and got back up so don't be discouraged if you get a few bumps along the way. I guess that's why they called him "Sweetness." Good stuff.
Oct 27, 2011 11:17 PM
Access Capital - Florence, KY
Adrian:
Thank you for the kind words and I do believe Walters actions gave us all a lesson worth remembering.
All the best,
Herb
Oct 27, 2011 11:21 PM
Guaranteed Offer for your Home - eXp realty - Atlanta, GA
Loved your story and couldn't agree more. Most of us tend to want to give up when things don't go well right away. Helps to remember that Payton got knocked down just like the rest of us, but he excelled because he kept getting back up. Thanks for sharing.
Nov 04, 2011 02:24 PM
Access Capital - Florence, KY
Cheryl:
Glad you enjoyed the blog. Unfortunately many people tend to give up after being knocked down only a time or two, yet as the story suggests, those who succeed keep getting back up.
All the best,
Herb
Nov 05, 2011 01:05 AM
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