Self Improvement Information

Going back to basics was the hallmark of the great Vince Lombardi.  Those of us who enjoy hearing success stories on our quest for self improvement are very familiar with this legendary American football coach.  He was the head coach of the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League from 1959-67, winning five league championships during his nine years. Following a one-year retirement from coaching in 1968, he returned as head coach of the Washington Redskins for the 1969 season.

One of the things which separated Mr. Lombardi from the pack of other head NFL football coaches was his passion for going back to basics.  Every year, at the beginning of the football season, he would stand in front of his players and say, “Gentlemen, this is the football.” It is impossible to get much more basic than that.  He did this, not because he didn’t think his team of NFL superstars  knew what a football was, but because he knew it was a vital for their success.  He realized the only way to explode his team’s success was to go back to the basics every year.

Why is it important to take, not only ourselves back to basics every year, but, also, our team?  Mr. Lombardi said, “Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence”

Here are 5 reasons why this is an important endeavor for anyone, or any team, to do when striving for excellence.  When we go back to basics,

1.  We learn something new or forgotten.  This past week, I’ve had the privilege to take Dan Nickerson’s 22 Day Boot Camp.  Even though, I’ve been online with my blog for 2 years, I discovered some things in his boot camp I didn’t know.  I, also, found some important tactics I had forgotten about with the passage of time.  Important things which will have a positive impact on my business.

2.   We reconnect with or connect with our coach or mentor.  In my case, I’m enjoying the connection to a new mentor.  I have respect for Dan Nickerson.  He is the “ideas man” for Joel Comm.  I was introduced to Dan by of my association with him when I chose the Socrates Theme for my blog.  He has always been helpful and attentive. Over the past few months he has earned my respect and trust.  I have been enjoying his teaching style and his knowledge he is willing to share.

3.  Going back to basics is a refresher course which can re-ignite our passion.  When I started the 22 Day Boot Camp, I was lethargic in my business.  I kept all my goals, mission statement, and afformations in front of me, but I’d become complacent and without an urgency or passion for my chosen endeavor.  The refresher course has re-ignited me.  I feel the rumblings of passion deep in my guts again!  It helped me remember why I’d chosen this path.

4.  Catch up on advancements in our subject matter.  Many times, in our chosen professions, we are so busy doing the mechanics of our position that we don’t have an opportunity to stay abreast of advancements.  I found this to be true for me this week.  There were things he discussed which I hadn’t heard of before.  Learning these will have a positive impact on my business.

5.  Keeps everyone on the team on the same page.  When we are a leader of team, we must be on the same page with our team mates.  Going back to basics reinforces our leadership, our leadership style, and our expectations for our team.  This adds to the cohesiveness of our team and expands all of our expectations.

I’ve found in my many years of business, having a coach or mentor is a vital element to our success in any endeavor.  Find someone who has not only done what you want to accomplish, but has excelled in it.

Going back to basics, often, at least once a year, is a hinge pin of success in the quest for excellence.  As Vince Lombardi said, “The man on top of the mountain didn’t fall there.”

How often do you go back to basics?  What works for you and your team when you go back to basics?  Leave us a comment with some helpful hints and  your thoughts on the subject.

For your viewing pleasure, here’s a short 3 minute YouTube video on Vince Lombardi.  Enjoy!

Related articles

• Commitment to Excellence (montyrainey.wordpress.com)
• Vince Lombardi on Self Mastery (blackbeltbusiness.wordpress.com)
• Vince Lombardi Quotes (mademan.com)