Find Your Motivation |
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Regular readers of my Lazy Man and Money blog know that I’m a big fan of Boston sports. It’s just the way it is when you live in Boston for 30 years. While sports provides me with year round entertainment, I also find a fair amount of motivation there. This year has been no exception. While I do get motivation from family, it’s not the “against all odds” variety that gets me going. Here are some examples in the last 7-8 years that always get me pumped up:
- The 2001 New England Patriots - In some ways this team had a horseshoe in it’s lower intestine. The team, coming off a disappointing 5-11 record, lost it’s star quarterback and had to go with a 6th round draft pick for most of the season. They started off by losing the first two games of the season. However, they plugged along with no offensive star players and bunch of guys acquired in free agency. Suddenly they had a win streak, score just a little more than their opponents.With 3 games left in the season, I remember plotting with my roommate how they might actually earn a bye in the playoffs. It’s absurd to think of an 8-5 team has the ability to win a bye in any season, but as things unfolded the 1 in million scenario occurred and the Patriots had the second best seeding with an 11-5 record. In one notable game they won against Buffalo, with a play by a literally unconscious player. And in the first round, the famous tuck rule saved the Patriots season (as well as some impossible field goals by Adam Vinatieri). After that, the Patriots won the next two playoff games (including the Super Bowl) despite Vegas having them 14 point underdogs.Moral: If the Patriots can win that Super Bowl, anything is possible.
- Dustin Pedroia: AL MVP - Yep that guy above won the AL MVP this year. He doesn’t even look like a baseball player does he? Well, he worked his hindquarters off all season, earned himself a gold glove at second base and lead the Red Sox to the playoffs. He’s only 5′8″ and obviously not the most muscular person on the planet. Oh and he won the Rookie of the Year last year.
Moral: If Dustin Pedroia can not only make the major leagues, but win prestigious awards, what is your excuse?
Pedroia also knows how to party
- The 2004 Red Sox - It’s game against the Boston’s biggest rival, the New York Yankees. Things get ugly as the Red Sox lose 19-8. Facing elimination, down 3 games to none (a deficit no one has ever come back from), the Red Sox took the field in game 4. Playing tough, they are down 4-3 in the bottom of the ninth with the best closer in the history on the mound for the Yankees (Mariano Rivera), the Red Sox improbably scrap out a run to tie the game and extend the Red Sox season. In the 12th inning, a home run ensures that the team will play a game 5 in the best of 7 series.In game 5, the Red Sox are down 4-2 in the 8th inning when the Red Sox manage to tie up the game. The game stays tied until the 14th inning when the Red Sox won in the longest postseason game at the time (11 minutes shy of 6 hours). Game 6 brought out the famous Bloody Sock Game. Curt Schilling pitched with the ankle injury that was likely the reason for his horrible game 1 performance. Doctors had experimental sutures to keep it together as long as they could, but by the end the game the sock was a bloody mess. You can find the sock in the Hall of Fame.In game 7 the Red Sox without too much drama. Then they went on to sweep the Cardinals for their first title in some 86 years.
Moral: If you think things look dark now, you have an easy road compared to the 2004 Red Sox.
- Wes Welker - This is a player who is barely 5′9″ and probably doesn’t weigh an ounce over 180 (yes he’s listed at 185). He wasn’t drafted out of college and his first team cut him. Add that his goofy New Kids on the Block Right Stuff kicks:
and you’ve got a player set up to be the laughing stock of a physical game like the NFL. You would be wrong to assume such things.Last year he finished with a league-high 112 receptions, setting the a Patriots’ team record. This year he became the first player to catch a ball for each of his first 9 games. The streak is still at 11 games and counting.
Moral: If you didn’t get motivated by Pedroia, Wes Welker should seal the deal.
I’m pretty sure not everyone can relate to Boston sports like I can, but that’s not the point. It’s not important where you find your motivation - just that you find it.
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This post deals with:2001 New England Patriots, 2004 Boston Red Sox, adam vinatieri, al mvp, baseball player, Dustin Pedroia, gold glove, new england patriots, playoff games, point underdogs, star players, star quarterback, Wes Welker
... and focuses on:Motivation
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PropellerNext: Exercising at Home
November 25th, 2008 at 10:31 am
I find the 39-year old Brett Favre to be very inspirational. Hasn’t missed a day of work in years, still plays as well as anyone in football and still appears to enjoy doing it despite playing with guys half his age.