I will never forget the Herm Edwards post-game press conference when, as the coach of New York Jets in the midst of a losing streak, he “went off” on a reporter who asked him if losing mattered anymore.

In a classic Hermism he said, “This is what’s great about sports. This is what the greatest thing about sports is. You play to win the game. Hello? You play to win the game. You don’t play it to just play it. That’s the great thing about sports: you play to win, and I don’t care if you don’t have any wins. You go play to win. When you start tellin’ me it doesn’t matter, then retire. Get out! ‘Cause it matters.” 

This is quite a bit different than my usual Blogs, however, as I sit here on the Eve of the 2009 Girls Field Hockey Delaware State Championship game I am pondering life, family, love, winning, losing, and learning. 

You see, my daughter Taylor is a Junior in High School and is a critical part of one of the teams playing in this team.  And at this stage in her young life, this game is HUGE!

One of the tag lines in my speaking business is; Love, Laugh, and Learn with Lon.

Those are my only goals for tomorrow: Love, Laugh and Learn!

I feel the same way in my career when I see people around me give their blood sweat and tears (literally) to the job and then see themselves judged only by the outcomes; not their efforts.  This especially applies to my Caregivers (join us at:  Defender of Caregivers on Facebook)!

Yes, “you play to win the game!”– but please, Love, Laugh and Learn along the way.

The outcomes are sometimes beyond our control!

But I can not argue with Herm Edwards, because, afterall, “You play to win the game!”

UPDATE:  WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS!  In a thrilling come from behind victory Sussex Tech High School won 3-2 against Tower Hill a private school juggernaut (yes, the haves- that actually recruit players- vs. the have nauts!) that had won 10 of the last 12 Championships!  What a thrilling experience!  Thank you Taylor and the girls!  Pasta again next year!?

* * *

Lon Kieffer is proud to announce the re-launch and re-vitalization of an old program; ‘Defending the Caregiver!” in a new format.  A one-man play, a Dramedy (comedic drama), celebrating, “The Caregiver!”  To learn more visit:  www.DefendingTheCaregiver.com

 *  *  *

Lon Kieffer, author of “Get Out of Bed and Go to Work!”, Speaker, Consultant, Expert on Workplace Culture Change and Generational Conflicts, gives seminars, keynote and plenary addresses, runs annual sales meetings, and provides Common Sense Consulting at:  www.LonKieffer.com. He can be reached at:  (302) 462-6748 on Facebook or via email at:  Lon@LonKieffer.com