The New Orleans Saints’ 31-17 victory over the Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl XLIV took 40 years to get. Congratulations to both teams – to the Saints for winning and the Colts for the competitiveness to win. While 2010 can be introverts’ year to distinguish ourselves, here’s how the Super Bowl 2010 victory game compares to such as task.
1. For many people the Super Bowl signals the end of a long stretch of winter weather. It’s difficult to pinpoint how long introverts have been in a stretch of – little recognition, often being misjudged and then taken for granted as lesser capable. All of this keeps our strengths often unrecognized in many situations. It is up to us to be aware of and responsible for those strengths and then put them into action.
2. Predictions to win Super Bowl games usually revolve around one quarterback. It was Peyton Manning of the Colts, versus Drew Brees of the Saints. In some analysis this focus forgets the game is a team sport. Introverts can add value in small groups, like small teams. We want to be both aware of and have confidence in applying our innate strengths because performance, whether we are the leader or a team player at any level, affects results.
3. Performing better in the playoffs, didn’t carry the supposed favored team compared to the Saints positive overflowing feelings of success to just get that far. If you have fallen victim to all the negative introvert myths, then you likely aren’t yet playing full out in life. We aren’t shy, anti-social, aloof and or whatever other myths continue. It may be time for our playoffs. If we aren’t playing better, we can’t find the success. This is when we want to acknowledge and use our strengths like contemplation, focus and planning.
4. The Saints team was made up of many players other teams didn’t want. But then second quarter, just as my neighbor was telling me, “They (the Saints) just don’t stand a chance,” the Saints took off. How often as an introvert have you felt left out? Or chose on your own not to follow the group? Regardless of not being always chosen for a project or asked to take the lead, on occasion it may be a mistake for not taking that strength of focus we have and use that to keep us from pulling all strengths we have together and making it count.
5. Metaphorically how does what the saints mean to New Orleans, compare to what introverts may mean to a world in chaotic times? In 2005 New Orleans was almost wiped off the continent. Slowly and purposefully, people rebuilt their football team. This gave the team a chance to be the ones who uplifted the spirit of the city along with the physical rebuilding. Introverts can put to task some of their key strengths like creativity, depth of thinking and integrity to their independent-mindedness. By doing so they can find ways to play a bigger game and be part of the rebuilding of a world is disarray. Think of the positive effect of taking on that role and intention.
The song “Anything You Can Do I Can Do Better” is as perfect a song for the 2010 Super Bowl win as it gets. You may even realize how related it is to the life of an introvert in 2010. We are all here for a purpose and part of that is our role as more introverted people. Because in some ways, we can do things better. Then recognizing that, the other tune of this year’s game, “Oh when the saints go marching in,” will take on meaning for us as individuals.
How can you make this year the beginning of your win?