Stop practicing at life. The clock is already running.
The sub-title to this book was suggested by Patrick Lencioni (author of The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, Death by Meeting, etc.). During our conversations about this book, Pat suggested that many people are spending their time in preparation rather than investing their time in actually playing the game of life at high levels. This is not to say that we shouldn’t prepare for life and business, but rather that we have to take appropriate and timely actions if we are going to take advantage of opportunities. The only way to win the game is to be in the game.
The original idea for this book was birthed from the aftermath of 9/11/2001. On that fateful morning, although many lost their lives, many were saved because of the valiant efforts of heroes who woke up that morning with no idea that they would do anything heroic that day. However, in the weeks, months and years leading up to this daythese brave men and women, who were first responders in New York City and Washington D.C., had been preparing and training themselves to be ready to save others… they had been living and preparing like champions. They were “On Call” for “Game Day”… and 9/11/2001 was certainly “Game Day” for the United States of America.
Now this may sound like a dichotomy. In the first paragraph I discuss the uselessness of just practicing at live, and in the second paragraph I promote the usefulness of preparation. The truth is that there is no dichotomy at all… the difference maker is purpose. There is a distinct difference in living a purposeless and a purposeful life. There is a vast difference if “practicing at life” and “preparing for life”. Either way, the clock is ticking. The question is, what are you doing with the seconds that are ticking away. Are you sitting on the bench of life as the clock is running, or are you living on purpose, preparing and living like a champion?
In this book, you will find that “purpose begins to come into focus at the point where desire intersects with potential”. I believe that we all have purpose in life… some people have discovered it and are living on purpose, while some have not. In Chapter 3 you will read about 3 Principles of Purpose and work through an exercise that will help you either begin to discover your purpose in life for the very first time, or verify and solidify what you already believe to be your purpose in life.
As already mentioned: either way, the clock is already running. There is nothing we can do about yesterday other than to learn from it. There is nothing we can do about tomorrow other than to plan for it. The only day that we are given to take appropriate and timely action in is today. Thus the title: Every Day is Game Day.
Within the pages of this book you will find stories of famous, and not so famous people living on purpose every day. Although there is no secret pill or silver bullet, I firmly believe that if you read this book, and complete the Power Plays at the end of Chapters 1-11, you will be surprised by the positive changes in your life. This book is written for you, but I have even been challenged by my own words . The simple truths you are about to read can help you transform your life into that of a consistent and true champion in life and work.
If you have already read the book, it’s time to work on the Power Plays. If you haven’t read it, it’s time to follow John Maxwell’s advice in his endorsement of the book: “Buy this book, read it, apply it, and begin a lifetime of living like a champion.”
- accomplishment #1
- accomplishment #2
- accomplishment #3
- accomplishment #4