I find the difference between what the All Blacks do (or the NE Patriots - so many similarities) and what I do to achieve success to be embarrassing. The All Blacks play a sport with virtually nothing at stake - it's entertainment for entertainment's sake. Sure, it's a business and there are fans and money involved, but at the end of the day, there is virtually no value add for the community. At least that's how I view it.
Contrast that to the labor movement, and specifically our local union. We are organizing our members, negotiating for contracts that support families and helping to defend workers against an ideology that wants to destroy the voices of collective labor. Why aren't we approaching our work like the All Blacks? Why are we not committing to each other like the players do? Daily preparation, showing up and giving it your all, even when you don't feel like it, because your team is depending on you.
Am I giving it my all? Am I holding back? Would my character and determination be enough for the All Blacks? Am I showing up with my best self every day? How am I improving - making marginal gains that lead to big improvements?
Albert Schweitzer once wrote; " Example is not the main thing in influencing others. It's the only thing." I may not be able to drag people along with me, but I can continue to live and speak into my values. Those that this inspires will come with me.
