Slumps happen to the best in their profession. A-Rod goes 1 for 21 to start a
season, Chad Ochocinco has only 2 TDs in 4 games, the Cubs the past 100+ years!
We often associate slumps with sports, but are we immune in our everyday lives?
I think not.
Starting 2010, I had a "One Win A Day" goal. I didn't want to hit a home run
every day, I just wanted a successful at-bat. I wanted to be productive.
I had a very eventful start to 2010, so January provided many opportunities for
"wins" - personally and professionally. February was much the same. As March
rolled around, I realized that I was going to have to use the power of positive
thinking to dig DEEP to find a win some days.
Eventually, the effects of some hard fought LOSSES at work made it clear that
some serious effort was needed. Let the slump begin.
I'm in sales. Therefore, every yes is a win. However, not every "No" is a loss.
We have to capitalize on our strengths and leverage them - even when they don't
amount to a victory. Just the same, I don't believe in moral victories. If my
customers know I have the best product, but they choose my competition, who won?
Did my competition win the battle while I am set to win the war? Which is more
important?
Only one major sports team in history has never lost a game from the start of
the regular season through the championship game (1972 Dolphins). Yet, we still
have a champion every year in every sport. Would you rather be the loser 10% of
the time, and win the championship, or win every game and lose the championship
(here's looking at you, Tom Brady)?
Slumps are natural. Jimmie Johnson finishes outside the top 10 for 2 races -
he's in a slump, Tiger Woods misses 2 cuts - he's in a slump, every Cleveland
sports franchise is ONE GIANT SLUMP (yes, even the Cavs).
Eventually, you break the cycle and escape your slump (some longer than others -
we're still waiting, Cubbies).
When you break out of a slump, no matter how long, the thrill of victory is so
much greater... So much sweeter, that you begin to feel you might have taken
prior success for granted. Not to say your work ethic or energy spent was any
different, but wins feel better when you know what losing feels like.
So - a slump every so often is healthy, just don't let it consume you. What
defines you is your effort - and the product you put forth. If you have the best
product... If you are the best... If no one can beat you at your job... Then the
slump will be short, and the escape from the slump will be wonderful!
1/2 way through 2010, I've seen many slumps. Now, however, I'm looking at slumps
as mini-wins. They're a chance to perfect the swing, re-evaluate the reason we
play the game, and prepare harder to break out of the slump.
I broke out of a slump yesterday, and it was good. No - it was GREAT. It felt
like hitting the first home run. I have never been more prepared, more excited,
or more nervous. So, at the end of the day, when I looked back and saw a big
WIN, it made it all worth it. Now, I'm ready to go on a winning streak - a
better person because of the slump.
At the end of the day... I know a prepared me is better than anyone. It's that
confidence that lets me know I won't be in any slump too long.
Be confident, be aggressive, but be humble.
-D-
David R. Wooley
Category Manager
Anheuser-Busch
704-451-1143 (C)
314-445-3575 (F)
season, Chad Ochocinco has only 2 TDs in 4 games, the Cubs the past 100+ years!
We often associate slumps with sports, but are we immune in our everyday lives?
I think not.
Starting 2010, I had a "One Win A Day" goal. I didn't want to hit a home run
every day, I just wanted a successful at-bat. I wanted to be productive.
I had a very eventful start to 2010, so January provided many opportunities for
"wins" - personally and professionally. February was much the same. As March
rolled around, I realized that I was going to have to use the power of positive
thinking to dig DEEP to find a win some days.
Eventually, the effects of some hard fought LOSSES at work made it clear that
some serious effort was needed. Let the slump begin.
I'm in sales. Therefore, every yes is a win. However, not every "No" is a loss.
We have to capitalize on our strengths and leverage them - even when they don't
amount to a victory. Just the same, I don't believe in moral victories. If my
customers know I have the best product, but they choose my competition, who won?
Did my competition win the battle while I am set to win the war? Which is more
important?
Only one major sports team in history has never lost a game from the start of
the regular season through the championship game (1972 Dolphins). Yet, we still
have a champion every year in every sport. Would you rather be the loser 10% of
the time, and win the championship, or win every game and lose the championship
(here's looking at you, Tom Brady)?
Slumps are natural. Jimmie Johnson finishes outside the top 10 for 2 races -
he's in a slump, Tiger Woods misses 2 cuts - he's in a slump, every Cleveland
sports franchise is ONE GIANT SLUMP (yes, even the Cavs).
Eventually, you break the cycle and escape your slump (some longer than others -
we're still waiting, Cubbies).
When you break out of a slump, no matter how long, the thrill of victory is so
much greater... So much sweeter, that you begin to feel you might have taken
prior success for granted. Not to say your work ethic or energy spent was any
different, but wins feel better when you know what losing feels like.
So - a slump every so often is healthy, just don't let it consume you. What
defines you is your effort - and the product you put forth. If you have the best
product... If you are the best... If no one can beat you at your job... Then the
slump will be short, and the escape from the slump will be wonderful!
1/2 way through 2010, I've seen many slumps. Now, however, I'm looking at slumps
as mini-wins. They're a chance to perfect the swing, re-evaluate the reason we
play the game, and prepare harder to break out of the slump.
I broke out of a slump yesterday, and it was good. No - it was GREAT. It felt
like hitting the first home run. I have never been more prepared, more excited,
or more nervous. So, at the end of the day, when I looked back and saw a big
WIN, it made it all worth it. Now, I'm ready to go on a winning streak - a
better person because of the slump.
At the end of the day... I know a prepared me is better than anyone. It's that
confidence that lets me know I won't be in any slump too long.
Be confident, be aggressive, but be humble.
-D-
David R. Wooley
Category Manager
Anheuser-Busch
704-451-1143 (C)
314-445-3575 (F)
