The First Move

Recently, I was watching an NFL pre-game show and they were talking about Aaron Rodgers, Quarterback for the Green Bay Packers. Part of the segment on Aaron Rodgers was his on-field confidence and the collectiveness in which he plays. If you’ve seen Rodgers play before (perhaps as he won last years Super Bowl?!) you know he’s amazingly calm under pressure and still plays with a fierceness that leads and a level of competitiveness that wins games.

Later that same afternoon, I was watching another pre-game show where they were talking about Mark Sanchez, Quarterback for the New York Jets.  In a similar story, they were talking about Sanchez performance on the field as such a young player. The qualities he already embodies as an on-field leader, the poise in which he plays, and how he will prove to be a winner throughout his career.

Oddly enough, both stories shared a similarity. Separately, the stories talked about how the two Quarterbacks started the game off by building momentum. In the easiest form possible. The on field tactics the two Quarterbacks share could quite possibly make all the difference in the outcome of their games.

Their first play of the game, when taking over at Quarterback, is a safe one. It’s a short, routine pass to a Receiver or Tight End. Their first move on the field. Their first throw. Is their first win. That first move bolsters the confidence to make the big plays three minutes later.

Sometimes we need to start our days, tasks, or projects off with a small accomplishment. Something small and tedious that we can complete without a lot of effort. A small victory. Sure the 50 yard hail mary to Donald Driver is a lot more exciting, but Aaron Rodgers knows he has to make a small passes to get the confidence he needs to hit his receiver in stride. He gets the feel of the game. He gages the athleticism of his players on that particular game day. He sets a pace that he can accelerate.

Start your projects off with a small victory. Small enough to give you the confidence and momentum to complete a bigger project. To give you a feel for the day. To set a pace for the day that can only be accelerated by more accomplishments.

So, what’s your first move that sets the pace for the rest of your day?