Armchair quarterbacks never throw interceptions

Have you ever noticed when you get in trouble for taking action it’s usually with those who take none?

I’ve had the opportunity to work with teens in various settings for over two decades. One sad observation I’ve made over that time is that teens abound in energy and ideas and they are constantly being pressed into a box of conformity by “concerned” (read fearful) adults around them. Now our children are being taught that things like competition and striving for victory are somehow bad qualities. This blog is dedicated to all those who rejected that pressure to conform and sought to be their own person. Here are some tips on getting on the field rather than sitting in the armchair.

1) Plan simple – “Confusion lies in the sophistication, success lies in the simplicity.” Kevin Eastman, assistant coach of the Boston Celtics. Armchair quarterbacks spend their lives preparing, planning, and consulting. Of course they’re far too busy to actually do something constructive.

2) Take immediate action on you plan – In the words of Tony Robbins, when you set a goal, take immediate massive action toward the accomplishment of that goal. Procrastination is the killer of dreams.

3) Beware the barking dogs – I once heard it said that a firefighter driving to a three alarm fire doesn’t stop their truck to address a barking dog. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying you should see people as dogs. Just be careful the weight you give their input. People of action make armchair quarterbacks very nervous. As long as no one is doing anything of significance they won’t look bad. As soon as a doer enters the picture the planners are shown to be unimportant.

4) Fail big – Small risk, small chance of success. Big risk, big chance of success. When the timid fail no one really notices. After all they weren’t really doing much of anything anyway. When the bold fail everyone notices. They may fail big but eventually the succeed big. A word of warning here. When you set yourself on fire with a vision the bucket brigade will quickly form.

5) Fail big again – Napoleon Hill, when interviewing some of the most successful people of his time noted that the one quality that ran through all great achievers is persistence. You can’t beat someone who won’t quit.

6) Build your team carefully – No one “makes it” alone. Even if you are a company of one your success depends on how well you are willing to serve others. Surround yourself with those who are likeminded and have a vision. The world is full of attitude vampires. If you find one on your team don’t be afraid to repalce them.

7) When everything falls apart, go back to step one. IMMEDIATELY!