NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS; TIM TEBOW STYLE

Looking back at this past year, did you ever feel as though your work was unappreciated?  Maybe it was the pressure you put on yourself or maybe it was others saying your efforts weren’t enough.  It’s easy to be motivated when things are going our way and we are seeing results, but what happens when things start to go south?

Though we may have experienced adversity or setbacks at work, at school, or with a relationship, watching sports truly magnifies life’s situations.  

Take, for example, NY jets quarterback Tim Tebow.  In the past few weeks has been accused of giving up on his team;  he’s been described as “terrible” by an anonymous teammate and he’s been openly criticized by sports broadcasters who imply there may not be one team who will want him next season. 

How does this happen?  Tebow has won a Heisman Trophy and he has led his college team to win a national championship.  Last year he was selected in the first round of the NFL draft and led the Denver Broncos to win the AFC West title.  The guy will literally do anything to help his team.  How does this effort go unrecognized?

Some might argue that dealing with politics and public opinion is simply a part of being a professional athlete.  While this may be true, one still has to stay motivated.  The individual must truly believe in himself and have a great deal of confidence in order to compete on a professional level.  How does one stay focused and driven when others have lost faith in his abilities? 

When Tebow faces a problem or a negative situation, it appears that he deals with the adversity in two parts:

First, he focuses on improving himself.

He knows the skills necessary to be considered elite.  Regardless of the outcome of any game, the next day is the same for Tebow.  He’s in the gym training; he’s preparing himself, he’s studying, and he’s making gains physically and emotionally.  He’s dedicated to giving 110% in good times and bad.  He has faith in his abilities and faith in God. 

Second, he focuses on helping others.

One only has to view the Tim Tebow Foundation website for a few minutes to realize Tebow’s dedication to community service and commitment to serving others.

The foundation’s mission is to bring faith, hope and love to those needing a brighter day in their darkest hour of need. Tebow continues to spread a message of faith.  He has spoken with prison inmates and tells them it’s never too late to have a relationship with God; there is a plan for each one of us with our time on this earth. 

On the surface, it may appear that last few weeks have been disastrous for Tebow.  Yet after reading Tebow’s goals on his website, we realize the more public Tebow’s challenges, the better.

It’s an opportunity for him to show others that challenges are temporary.  Tough times provide an opportunity to learn, to grow, and to strengthen our faith.

It’s plain to see that rather than dwelling on negativity and feeling offended, Tebow continues to remain positive. He looks at the bigger picture; his life’s purpose and how he can help others by his example. 

As the New Year approaches, many of us think of our resolutions and our goals for the upcoming year.  The recent chapter in Tebow’s life has many lessons which we can all apply.  We are lucky to  observe living proof that with faith and hard work nothing can hold you back. 

Happy New Year!