The four ‘Ds’ that should guide you

John Wooden said: “Many athletes have tremendous God-given gifts, but they don’t focus on the development of those gifts.”

Who are these individuals? You’ve never heard of them — and you never will. It’s true in sports and it’s true everywhere in life. Hard work is the difference. Very hard work.”

In Week 3 of a preseason game last year against the Buffalo Bills, I experienced a knee injury. A couple of weeks later, I tweeted a big thanks to my fans for the prayers and support shown to me in such a short time span. In that tweet, I informed everyone that I was placed on injured reserve and I vowed to return stronger.

Well, it’s almost a year later and it’s time for training camp. I’m back! I’m ready! And, I’m stronger! Yes, I missed an entire football season. But, that chapter of my life is over. I have pressed the reset button in my life and focused for the moments I am living now.

While I was on injured reserve, I had an opportunity to reflect on the four leadership principles my brothers gave me. These principles trained me how to work through obstacles and issues in life. They taught me to “Go 4 It.” The four principles that they taught me are: Desire, Discipline, Determination and Demonstration.

Being out for a season can be a vulnerable time for a player. However, I took advantage of the opportunity to refocus, regroup and continue to build upon the principles that assisted me prior to the NFL. I realized early in life that no matter what circumstance I found myself in, I could continue to persevere as I kept my passion, my focus.

To excel in football has been a desire, or wish, of mine for years. But, I could not just fantasize or dream about my desire. I had to discipline myself to train with the expectation of producing the character and behavior to birth my desire. I made a decision, or determination, to achieve every dream I could imagine about football. Thus, it has been demonstrated throughout the years as my hard work has been applied and become evident in my life.

As I entered training camp this past week, I pressed the reset button in my life to focus on the game. I cannot waste time, opportunities, energy, thoughts, or attention on things that are not relevant to success or my career. But, I have disciplined myself with the spiritual and natural vision that I possess to be clear and sharp so that I can be open to hear the strategies, techniques, and insights that will be given to me daily.

I have declared this season to be one where I pull from the preparation and strength I gained years ago and while on injured reserve. The principles of Go4It did not cease after I achieved certain goals in high school and college. However, they are principles I still utilize as a part of my journey.

If you read this article, I want to personally challenge you to use the concepts of Go4It in every area of your life. Allow your desire, determination, discipline, and demonstration to fuel your passions in life. Let it be a part of the new chapter in your life as it has been in mine.