Attitude is Everything - It's a State of Mind

I enjoyed Super Bowl XXLII this weekend. It turned out to be quite the game too. Not too many had given the New York Giants a chance. I mean, they were facing an 18 – 0 New England Patriots team who had been flawless all year. Earlier on Sunday while I was watching some of the pre-game, I heard a story that gave me a funny feeling the Giants were going to win. Way back before game three, the New York Giants season started off 0 – 2. As they got ready to face of the Washington Redskins, Army Lt. Col. Greg Gadson gave a 15 minute pep talk to the team and coaching staff.

Army Lt. Col. Greg Gadson was wounded in Iraq while driving his HMMWV or Hummer (High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle). He drove over an explosive device which threw him from the vehicle completely vulnerable losing both of his legs. His “team” risked their lives to get him to safety. The act of his fellow soldiers was completely selfless and came without any hesitation. The new perspective and motivation the Giants team gained from his speech guided them all season long. The old cliché “there is no I in team” cannot ring more true for this Giants team and coaching staff. At one point before and important game Army Lt. Col. Greg Gadson surprised the team when he showed up not in his wheel chair, but standing on his own with his new prosthetic legs. It was clear that even when the odds are against you, an individuals’ resiliency and determination can surpass insurmountable odds.

The entire Giants team felt that Army Lt. Col. Greg Gadson is a part of their team. Without him, they wouldn’t have had the opportunity to be the road warriors they became and finally upset the perfect season of the Patriots. During the story many of the team members made it clear that Army Lt. Col. Greg Gadson was to get his own Super Bowl ring. If he wasn’t to have one, multiple players would be glad to give him their own.

I wanted to share this story because it reminded me of a few of things. First off, we need to place more faith in people. As I’ve talked about before collaboration can achieve amazing feats. Secondly, too often it takes great tragedy or near death for us to open our eyes to see what is before us. Plus, we can all provide more selfless acts without looking for something in return. We have the ability to make the world a better place. One selfless act at a time. Remember, we are in control of our own destiny. If you allow outside pressures to discourage you and keep you down, it’s your own choice. Be resilient, control your thoughts and attitude and great things will happen. Look at Army Lt. Col. Greg Gadson. and the New York Giants.

Scott Wain