I still remember the collective groan that would go up when coach would gleefully say "Let's Take It To The Bank!". Not quite as bad as when he'd say that we were going to run until he got tired, but when he said that, we were too scared (smart) to let out a collective groan! There was also the cheer when he'd say "Let's Take It In!" Thinking about it, the cheer was enabled by the groan. You don't get one without the other. "That which does not kill us makes us stronger -Friedrich Nietzsche" True to life, so much of the secret of success is simply hanging in there. At very worst, survival means making it to a better time or situation. During better times, the kind of character it takes to "hang in there" during the tough times, will allow you to step out beyond the ordinary, to follow your dreams. You'll be able to do that because you know, in your heart of hearts, that you have always made it, that you will continue to make it. The data has already proven that.
This concept seems very natural to me, in large part because of the people I was lucky enough to have been influenced by. As I have worked along side many people, I have realized that there are few who understand. In sports at the highest levels, there seem to be a growing number of people who consider themselves royalty. They just show up to collect accolades. It's true, some people are so naturally gifted at one thing or another, that it appears to work that way. However, “life happens” to everyone and guess what? Those who have made deposits at "The Bank" are better prepared to weather the storm, even thrive despite it.
Taking it to "The Bank" is a way of life, it is something you get used to doing and it becomes part and parcel of your character. You do not have to attain any certain level of achievement to "Take It To The Bank", you can start doing it at any time and reap the benefits a lot sooner than you think. Taking it to "The Bank" is about being prepared, about setting goals, about making choices and sticking to them. It's about running up and down the hill so in the 4th quarter when the other team is sucking wind and can hardly move, you have enough left to come back from behind to grab the win. It's reading to your kids every night, helping them learn and form a bond with you. It's about taking the time to do little things for your significant other that show you care about them. It's about making time for friends and making sure they know you care about them. It's about taking part of the load at your church or at your local school, community center, library. It's about making time for yourself, so that in your own personal 4th quarter, you push through instead of quitting. It's about knowing that you are worthy of the effort, that your loved ones are worthy of the effort, that your community is worthy of the effort.
Beautifully, as you continue to Take It To The Bank, you come to love it. It becomes it's own reward, as well as paying dividends when it really counts. As current and former Wilde Lake football players, we are fortunate that we have had people who were willing to "Take it to The Bank" themselves, to show us. I've worked with so many people who had absolutely no idea what real team work was, what "Taking it to the Bank" was about. Not only will knowing the secret of "Taking It To The Bank" enrich and prepare you personally, but people will notice your quality and will be drawn to it.
Armed with this knowledge, you are uniquely enabled to make a positive difference in the world, you yourself are well worth the effort and you can do it. It doesn't matter if you have slipped and fallen, if you have gotten off track. You know the secret and it is never too late. You CAN make a difference, you WILL make a difference. Let's Take It To The Bank!
