Being Tom Brady
There are many reasons for New England's epic comeback in the Fifty First showing of the Big Game. The most evident is the performance of their star quarterback, Tom Brady. What drives Tom Brady’s success? What can be learned from looking at and analyzing his actions and achievements? Six characteristics that lead to Brady’s success are clear to me, and a good place to start if you desire to be a true professional.
1) Love your profession
The commitment needed to pursue your profession can only be accomplished if you truly love the “game” you choose to play.
2) Work Hard to stay in shape
It takes effort to stay in shape. “Nobody works harder than me” was one pre-game Brady quote I heard on Westwood One radio. It takes huge effort to stay on top of your game, in any sport and in any profession. You must put in the effort.
3) Incredible Awareness of the game around you
A quarterback must understand his playbook, “read the defense”, and know his players. Putting it all together amidst the action and executing superbly on a continuously changing field leads to incredibly positive (and in some cases unbelievable) outcomes.
4) Focus
Brady’s focus is legend. His waking hours are dedicated to improving his ability to play football. Distractions are nearly eliminated. His regimen of sleeping, eating, and training render him much more able to engage at the highest level of athleticism.
5) Play to Win
Professional football is pretty simple - win the game. Brady plans and plays to win. It is apparent to me that he enjoys both the process of seeking success as well as the outcome, a powerful combination.
6) Effective Leader
It has been said that football is the ultimate team sport, although rowers might disagree. Brady uses his teammates effectively, getting all of them involved in the game and expecting them to contribute at the highest level. His team player/team leader quotient may be his most outstanding characteristic. Who else could turn a 5’10 Kent State graduate into a game threatening wide receiver? The ability to effectively utilize others’ skills, talents, and experiences will ultimately lead to greater overall success, in any sport or profession.
I didn’t cheer for Tom Brady, but that doesn’t mean I can’t acknowledge he just may be “the best ever”. My ending comment: Learn from the best.
Ralph McDevitt
