March Madness

March is one of my favorite times of the year due to my great appreciation for

basketball. This affinity is understandable as my father was a five-foot-eleven-point

guard in the 1940s, playing alongside four other family members on the high school

basketball team in Askov, Minnesota. Basketball was ingrained in me, and I played

regularly, despite being only five feet six inches tall. I spent many years deeply involved

in the sport digesting basketballs fed back to me while attempting to shoot, but I digress.

Returning to the topic of March Madness, commentators often argue that it

centers around the "bracket," "belonging," "beating" opponents, or "betting." However,

over the years, it has become evident to me that it is more about "believing." Belief is

the catalyst for bold play and serves as a counterforce to predictions. It is this belief that

renders predicting the outcome of March Madness such a formidable challenge.

Historical data certainly plays a role, but when a team believes in itself and its players

believe in each other, the possibilities are boundless.

Belief is characterized by two factors: perseverance and persistence. Conversely,

non-belief is marked by quitting and quietness. To become "quiet" signifies a loss of

confidence and a waning belief in oneself, one's team, or one's trust. To quit is to

surrender one's potential or the possibility of success, thereby succumbing to the voice

of failure. From a young age, I learned that true believers get beyond “poor, poor pitiful

me” practices, and will "grow up and show up" to honor the power of belief in action.

As mentioned earlier, perseverance and persistence are the two factors that can

alter the outcome of any endeavor. To persevere is to press on, taking one more step

even when everything inside suggests giving up. This sets the stage for persistence,

where one moves from silence to declaring, "I know I can, I know I can, I know I can!"

Belief in action involves practicing perseverance and persistence, plain and simple.

Leaders who embody and practice perseverance and persistence are those who

significantly develop their leadership skills and practices. They have faith in themselves

and their team or organization. Belief is a powerful motivator that can change

momentum instantaneously and overcome obstacles to success in an instant.

Demonstrated belief can be transformative. How are you performing in that regard?