The Big Game

If you enjoy watching sports, there is always the big game that you do not want to miss. It does not matter if it is the World Series, the NCAA National Championship game, or the World Cup. For me, I love watching the Super Bowl. 

I love having friends over, each bringing food, and having a big party. The parties have ranged in attendance from 20 people to as many as 40. Many people that come do not even care about football. They come to be around the people and the fun.

This year, two of the teams that I hate were in the Super Bowl. I cannot stand the Patriots, and the Falcons are bitter rivals of my home team. However, I love the sport, so I watch the game regardless of the participants.

I remember watching many lopsided Super Bowls where the game was almost unwatchable. This year, it looked like that would happen again since the Falcons had taken an eighteen-point lead by halftime and extended that to a nineteen-point lead after three-quarters.

Despite not liking these talented teams, I must admit that the Patriots coach is in a league of his own when it comes to making adjustments after halftime. The team seems to remain poised and confident even when trailing by such a large margin. Then the work began.

In the fourth quarter, the Patriots score a field goal, then a touchdown with the 2-point conversion, then another touchdown with the 2-point conversion. This ties the game and for the first time in Super Bowl history, the game goes into overtime.

On the first and only drive of overtime, the Patriots win with a touchdown.

If only everyone had confidence where despite the odds, he or she knew overcoming would be possible. Confidence is something we need to instill in ourselves. We must find a way to flip that switch from doubt to belief. 

We need to forget about past failures and look forward to success. We need to learn to put aside the negative things which others have said and start focusing on the positive. Strengthen your weaknesses. Work within your strengths.

Do not be overconfident, but do not sell yourself short.

One player does not win the Super Bowl. It takes a team. Rely on those you trust but remember that not everyone has the same goals.

Confidence does not ensure victory, but adding work to faith makes it a lot more attainable.