Inadequacy

How many times in life have you felt inadequate? How often have you sensed deep down that you didn't really have what it took to make it? How frequently have you found yourself short of confidence?

We can probably all answer these questions with many instances springing from our memory. We can all quickly recall incidents and moments when we were embarrassed, fell short, and just didn't make the cut.

Additionally, how many times in your life have you had others dragging you down, telling you that you weren't good enough, and betting against you? 

Again, I'll bet we can all think of instances when this was the case.

Let's take it further.

How often have experts and official commentators given testimony to your shortcomings and thereby added credible fuel to the engine of your self doubts?

Case Study

Imagine being a college football quarterback of average size and dimension. Imagine determining that you wanted to play in the NFL no matter what, even if it meant having to change positions. Even if it meant having to break onto a team as not much more than a practice squad player with the possible chance to play some special teams? Even if it meant they would even stick you in as a defensive back to fill the gap where there had been many injuries? 

Currently one of my favorite football players is Julian Edelman of the New England Patriots, and the prospects I've outlined above were his. A quarterback at Kent State in college, he made the pros with an undefined future, most teams not even sure what to do with him. The New England Patriots, well known as creative re-assigners of players to new positions, took a chance on him. Even so, his prospects of actually making it on the team, much less becoming a starter, much less becoming the practical runner-up for MVP of the Super Bowl, were extremely slim.

One of Edelman's best friends told a reporter, "Julian's line for people who doubt him is always this: 'Bet against me!'"

Once again the old adage of "It's not the size of the man in the fight, but the size of the fight in the man!" comes true.

May this video be a source of motivation to anyone who's ever been told they were too small, too unusual, or even in the words of the official draft report on Edelman, too much of a "gimmick." 

When in such a position, there are only two things you can do . . .

 

Sincerely,

Chris Brady

AAAA

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11 responses to ““Gimmick Prospect””

  1. Venkat Varada Avatar

    I love this! Let’s not forget Russell Wilson! on the other side.

    Like

  2. Turhan Berne Avatar
    Turhan Berne

    That’s an awesome post Chris. Thanks for sharing. Just forwarded your blog to a lot of my tennis director associates in Atlanta. This post is great for all athletes!!

    Like

  3. Jeremy Post Avatar
    Jeremy Post

    This is a great story of overcoming & not giving up. His story is real inspirational. Thanks Chris for sharing & for yours & Orrins Leadership.

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  4. Jeremy Post Avatar
    Jeremy Post

    This is a great story of overcoming and never giving up on your dreams & really inspirational. Thanks for sharing Chris and thanks for for yours and horns leadership and inspiration. God bless

    Like

  5. John Hatchell Avatar
    John Hatchell

    Awesomeness Chris (it’s why you da Man)…Posture for us, Life Leadership in our goal of a Million…bet against us……( Magic of thinking big – system book ) is the spark to light it up baby!!!!!!!!

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  6. Leslie Avatar
    Leslie

    Let’s prove em wrong! ๐Ÿ™‚

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  7. BraveheartMicah Avatar
    BraveheartMicah

    Fired up Chris! Thanks for this!!! Great timing.

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  8. Don Schultz, Team VIP Phalanx Avatar
    Don Schultz, Team VIP Phalanx

    Great thoughts and illustration. Sports is a great venue to see examples of perseverance, persistance, discipline, drive and vision.
    How much more should I/we be driven because for the purpose we have in LIFE? This is something that truly matters.

    Like

  9. John Mossner Avatar
    John Mossner

    Awesome! I love working with so many people that get fired up if someone bets against them. What I have seen with the leaders in Life Leadership is that it’s a losing bet every time!

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  10. Greg Johnson Avatar

    Chris,
    As I read through your blog I felt like you were talking about my life. I thought I would share my responses to your questions because I suspect or rather I should say that my experience in dealing with many people over the years have proven that I am not alone in my responses. Many of us have the same issues when it comes to these feelings you describe.
    How many times in life have you felt inadequate? MORE THAN I CARE TO REMEMBER
    How often have you sensed deep down that you didn’t really have what it took to make it? TOO OFTEN
    How frequently have you found yourself short of confidence? MORE LIKE HOW MANY YEARS
    I will however add that our sense of worth can change, when we realize whose we are, and with whom we associate. Confidence can be built like it was destroyed. It takes time but it can be built and it is worth the effort and patience to bring about the positive change to the level of the confidence of a champion (to use the title of a best selling book).

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  11. David Phillips Avatar
    David Phillips

    Thanks to LIFE Leadership, and our awesome leadership in Rascals of Kaizen …
    I will prove them wrong, starting with the self-talk I used to feed myself.
    To a million!

    Like

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