As the clock wound down on Super Bowl XLVI Sunday evening, the commentators were praising Giants’ quarterback Eli Manning’s for his exceptional play in the game. They also mentioned that despite not being an easy ride throughout the season, he had lived up to his assertion that he was in the same class as superstar quarterbacks Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers and his big brother, Peyton.
Months ago, during training camp, Eli was put in a no-win situation. He was asked by Michael Kay on “The Michael Kay Show” if he was an elite quarterback. What was he supposed to say? If “no” is his reply, how can he garner the respect of his coaches and teammates? If he says “yes” as he did on the show, he puts himself in the unenviable position of having to prove himself to his coaches, teammates, opponents and millions of football fans. As someone who spent her whole life striving to live up to other people’s expectations, I can’t imagine the pressure Eli felt throughout the season.
The television conversation also reminded me of a Barbara Walters’ interview many years ago. Michael Flatley, one of the extraordinary minds and artists behind Riverdance, had recently left that artistic entity and started his own phenomenally successful sensation, Lord of the Dance. Ms. Walters asked him, “Who is the best male Irish dancer alive today?” Flatley replied, “I am”. Since I was deeply entrenched in the dance world, I had my own opinion as to what was the best. I remember thinking, “who does he think he is?”
Soon after the Walters conversation, I saw Flatley interviewed again and he was questioned about being so “egotistical” to call him self the “best” dancer. He said that he had to believe he was the best if he was going to charge people to see him perform, otherwise he wouldn’t be authentically connecting with the audience. He asked, “How can I expect people to pay to see me dance if I don’t go on stage thinking I’m the best?” That made sense to me.
It’s logical that Eli felt the same way when he responded to Michael Kay. As the quarterback, he’s the pillar of the team. Day in and day out he’s got to believe in himself in order to go on the field and perform at his best. And he certainly did that!
“Believe In Yourself” is the beginning of my four-step Secrets to Living Your B.E.S.T. Life presentation. When you believe in yourself you value your body, mind and spirit and you respect your well-being. You know that eating well and living a healthy lifestyle are paramount to your success. You do what you need to do to be your best self. You’re a true champion!
Next Steps:
- Write down all the things you love about being you.
- Nourish your body with healthy food so you are in a good mood.
- Think back to a moment when you reached an important goal and jot down the great steps you took toward the milestone.
- Apply the steps in #3 toward a new goal with the belief that you are the best.
- Celebrate your achievements!
These steps will help you believe in yourself in order to be your best self and reach your goals. If you are concerned about creating an energized and fulfilled life, and nourishing your body, mind and spirit, contact me at or call 413-282-7286. At Bravo! Wellness, I work with my clients to create manageable lifestyle changes so they are able to achieve their greatest potential in life, health and business.
