What is so great about March Madness? Why does America embrace it with open arms?
Is it the office pool bracket bragging rights? Is it the alma mater ties? Is it the rich tradition? Is it the culmination of hard work and dedication? Is it the epic “David vs. Goliath,” battles where given one chance anything can happen? Is it because every moment matters? Or is it Doug Towey’s masterpiece One Shining Moment that ends every NCAA Tournament?
Whatever it is, everyone can relate. One goal, one chance, one opportunity, one moment of greatness can rewrite destiny. Hollywood is filled with such stories, just look at Cinderella.
Vince Lombardi, upon becoming the head coach of the Green Bay Packers, told his players, “We will relentlessly pursue perfection knowing full well we won’t attain it; but we will restlessly pursue it, because in the process we will attain excellence.”
I recognize that, although I will never make an NCAA game-winning shot to shock the nation, moments for greatness daily exist for me. Whether it is in showing love to my family, opening a door for a stranger, talking to a friend, taking the time to do the job right, or properly studying for my mid-term—there is greatness to be found in the simplicity of life. Each decision directly affects the next moment of life.
So when that next “Shining Moment” presents itself, take the shot at greatness. For every man dies, but not every man really lives.