Day 27 - Dwell Together In Unity

When you think of the Seattle Seahawks, you probably envision the dominant Legion of Boom defense, the unstoppable duo of Russell Wilson and Marshawn Lynch, and a team that never backs down from a challenge. But it wasn't always like this. There was a time when our defense struggled, our offense couldn't find its rhythm, and we had an identity crisis.

Tom Cable, our coach, stood before the entire offense and declared, "We have an identity problem. We don't know who we are or what we do best." He pointed out that players were relying on past successes or trying to implement their own systems. Even the coaches had their part..

As we approached mid-season November, desperation set in. We needed to start scoring points, and everyone was looking for answers. Pete Carroll's motivational videos weren't doing the trick anymore. It was time to look within ourselves.

Tom posed a series of thought-provoking questions: "Who do we want to be as a team? What will our opponents say about us after a game? Will playing against us be one of the toughest challenges they've ever faced?" The room fell silent as we pondered these questions. Then, Tom turned on the projector.

He showed us footage of Marshawn Lynch during his Buffalo Bills days, bulldozing through defenders and leaving them in the dust. He showed wide receivers not just catching passes, but blocking with everything they had, creating opportunities for the running game. We witnessed our quarterbacks making smart decisions in the passing game. And finally, Tom showcased what he called “the heartbeat of the team”—the offensive line, fighting relentlessly for every yard. This included linemen doggedly pushing running backs forward, hitting piles, and driving opposing players into the sideline. This is who he believed we could be.

We were headed to Dallas. “Here we go again," murmured many on the sideline as we faced a daunting two-score deficit. Most teams would have opted to pass, desperately trying to claw their way back into the game. But not us. We had a different approach. We kept running the ball, unwavering in our belief that the big play was just around the corner.

As the game wore on, something remarkable happened. A spark ignited within us. We realized that our true identity as a team wasn't defined by the scoreboard, but by our unwavering determination and relentless effort. We were a team that fought for every blade of grass on that field, refusing to back down in the face of adversity.

From that moment forward, we embraced this newfound identity. We became a team that left it all on the field, never shying away from a challenge. And it all started with a simple question: "Who do we want to be?" In Dallas, we found the answer. We were a team that believed in each other, a team that never gave up.

Reflection:

There is immense power in genuine human connection and collective problem-solving. In a world that is becoming more digital and distant, it is essential to ask ourselves who we want to be in the midst of it all.

Practice:

Today, make a conscious effort to seek out physical interactions with others. Notice how it feels to meet people face-to-face and engage in brainstorming sessions in person. Pay attention to the non-verbal cues, the shared focus, and the small expressions people use to communicate. Embrace the richness of these interpersonal exchanges and cherish the opportunity to connect on a deeper level.