Stories of people overcoming odds, of rising above adversity are great teachers for all of us. This past weekend, the 2018 NFL Draft provided several inspiring stories along that we can all learn from. The following 4 men have been dealt blows many of us have never had to deal with and have used their adversities to fuel them.
Shaquem Girffin was born with amniotic band syndrome affecting his left hand, causing his fingers on his left hand not to fully develop. Through, his first 4 years of life, this caused so much pain that young Shaquem tried to self-amputate his fingers. Doctors ended up amputating the fingers on his left hand for him. He went on to play a handful of sports despite having 1 hand and starred at University of Central Florida. When he was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks be not only joined his twin brother, but he became the first one-handed player drafted into the NFL.
Shaquem stayed focused on what he could do, not what he couldn’t. He used his “bad luck” to work on and improve what he could do. How many of us instead focus on what we now can’t do?
During a game late the 2017 season, Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier went in head first for a tackle and ending up crumpled on the turf. He had to undergo spinal stabilization surgery, putting his career and quality of life, in jeopardy. Many thought he may never walk again. However, just over 4 months later, Shazier walked on the stage at the 2018 draft, to announce the Steelers pick.
This moment displayed his character and heart. While Shazier will not physically be able to play in 2018, his goal is not only to return to the NFL but to return as the impact player he was. Shazier has put his focus on improving not dwelling on his injury. All of his energy is used to heal and get better.
Zack Golditch, although not drafted signed a free-agent contract with the Chargers. Nearly six years after being shot at a mass shooting at an Aurora, Colo., movie theater, Zack Golditch’s NFL dreams are now within grasp. Zach didn’t give up and his hard work and determination would have probably gotten him drafted if it hadn’t been for another injury on his hand at the end of his senior season at Colorado State University.
Then there is Baker Mayfield. While he doesn’t fit the mold of the 3 mentioned above in that he hasn’t had to overcome a physical hardship he has had to endure. Mayfield started college at Texas Tech as a walk-on and became the first walk-on to be drafter number one. At Texas Tech he was the first walk-on to start his first game. From Texas Tech, he transferred to Oklahoma (as a walk-on again!). At Oklahoma he lead the Sooners to the Playoffs two of the last three seasons and put together back-to-back years that were the best, passer rating-wise, in the history of the game. He then won that the 2017 Heisman Trophy in one of the biggest landslides in the award’s history.
Baker is a perfect example of believing in yourself despite what others think of you. If he had listened to everyone’s opinion of his skills, he wouldn’t be where he is today.
When an athlete has the right mindset, injuries, hardships, and perceived ability are nothing but challenges to overcome. With a consistent confidence that comes from within, these 4 athletes would not have been able to overcome the obstacles they have faced. The next time you waiver in the face of adversity, use one of these confident, mentally tough athletes to help push past your obstacle.
For tips and strategies on how to build and maintain confidence check out “The Confident Athlete: 4 Easy Steps to Build and Maintain Confidence” and follow us on twitter @tamimatheny. The book is available online at Amazon and Barnes and Noble. For more information visit, https://r2lc.com/the-confident-athlete-4-easy-steps-to-build-and-maintain-confidence/ or email tami@r2l.mysites.io.