Farm like a Champion

The title of today's blog may seem a bit strange, but rest assured there is a point to it.

One Sunday a couple of years ago, we had a family reunion on my mother's side of the family. Trust me, this is no small gathering. My mother's father was one of fifteen children, I am one of nine, and most of her brothers and sisters have what most would call HUGE families. First of all it was great to see everyone, but it was really great to read about the family history and the amount of talent that abounds on this side of family. Numerous teachers, athletes, and musicians line our family history.

The "party" was held at one of my uncle's farm in the middle of Iowa.....and what a farm it was! Quite an impressive setting. It was a farm that any farmer or businessman would certainly be proud of. Now, my uncle, John, is a proud Irish Catholic and such is huge Notre Dame fan.

He had a beautiful sign hanging above his door, the door he goes out every morning to work (or do chores). The sign is his daily reminder and motivation for him to be the best he can be at what he does. His sign says:

"FARM LIKE A CHAMPION TODAY"

It's in Notre Dame colors and is the replica of the sign that hangs just above the entrance door of the Notre Dame Fightin' Irish football team entrance as they enter the stadium (most of you know this if you have ever watched the movie RUDY, and if you haven't ...rent it NOW!).

This sign is Uncle John's daily reminder that he is a farmer and that he wants to be the best farmer he can be. It is reminder that everything in life starts with the right mind set. It is his reminder that just going through the motions and hoping to be successful is NOT what it is about. He wants to "Farm like a Champion". Not only did he want to be a great farmer, he is an unbelievably successful farmer, father of nine, and husband (P.S. he is also just a great guy).

I took a picture of his sign with my phone and have it in my saved photos. And I told him I was doing this and had a chance to sit down and talk with him about it. He simply said, "you got to find out what motivates people, this motivates me, I have passion for what I do, I have passion for football, I have passion for Notre Dame, I just kinda put it all together. I think it is important to remind myself of what I strive for every single day."

That is awesome. I feel the same way. In fact, I often live by the following: "Get up every day and put in a great effort, let the rest take care of itself."

That may not sound like much, but I think the key is the everyday part. What is it I can do today to make myself a better person, a better coach, a better contributor to my community? It is all about today. That is the key.

I hope you have a great, motivating and Champion day today!


SuperGood!!

Nick Nurse
Head Coach
Iowa Energy

www.nicknurse.com