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WEEK 1

BE EXTRAORDINARY

Del Duduit

January 1, 1993: Michigan 38, Washington 31

TYRONE WHEATLEY WAS ANYTHING BUT ordinary on this New Year’s Day.

The seventy-ninth Rose Bowl featured the seventh-ranked University of Michigan Wolverines against the ninth-ranked University of Washington Huskies in Pasadena, California. The game is still considered one of the greatest contests in Rose Bowl history. It had it all—six lead changes and drama at the end. The fans rose to their feet in anticipation as the Big Ten champion Wolverines scored the final two touchdowns of the game to come from behind for a 38–31 win.

But Michigan’s Wheatley was the true hero of the game.

He turned in an amazing performance for the Maize and Blue as he rushed for three touchdowns and piled up 235 yards on the ground. His first score was an all-out 56-yard rumble that boosted his Wolverines to a 10–7 lead. Wheatley’s next run was an 88-yard dash that showed why he was an All-American and Big Ten Conference track-and-field sprinter. Next on the agenda was his 24-yard dart in the third quarter. This run was incredible, as he later admitted he had been injured in the second quarter and had numbness in his legs. He played hurt and did not let anyone know; victory meant too much to him.

Wheatley was described as a beast on the football field. He was a tough guy. But he also knew he was not solely responsible for the win. He gave credit to Michigan quarterback Elvis Grbac for leading the team throughout the game.

Washington had beaten Michigan in the Rose Bowl the previous year, and both Grbac and Wheatley were determined it was not going to happen again. For an entire season, the loss in the 1992 Rose Bowl stung and lingered in the back of Wheatley’s mind. He drew inspiration and motivation from the loss. The only way to win was to be exceptional.

How do you overcome losses and focus on being exceptional when the odds are stacked against you? Are you able to rally to win the game?

GO FOR THE PYLON

Have you ever dealt with discouragement or loss? Maybe you received a job demotion, or a loved one was sick in the hospital. Or perhaps you messed up and hurt people you love. You don’t have to live with a previous defeat to win the game at hand. There are ways to move past failure and be head and shoulders above the rest.

PLAN YOUR DEFENSE

Create and use a day-to-day plan, such as a daily checklist. Knowing what you have to accomplish sets the tone for the day, and you’ll get a sense of satisfaction when you cross an item off. Your list may include trivial tasks, such as cleaning the garage, or items of greater concern, such as consoling a friend through a hard time. Whatever you add to your list, make a genuine effort to complete as many tasks as possible.

Keep a daily journal to record the events of your day. You can write paragraphs or just one or two sentences. You might jot down something humorous or of substantial significance. Don’t stick to the good news; also take note of mistakes you made. We all make mistakes. But learn from them, and promise never to repeat them.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Put aside your ego and ask others for assistance when you have a predicament you can’t figure out. This is not a sign of weakness but rather of respect. Knowledge is a commodity, and the best way to gain it is to ask questions.

Don’t beat yourself up. Success does not happen overnight. Set goals and try to reach them. When you fall short or make a mistake, recognize that you made the effort and keep going. If you dwell on your failures, you won’t find the end zone.

Give thanks and smile. A grateful and thankful heart draws people like honey, and a smile is contagious and stimulates a positive attitude. Finally, laugh—especially at yourself. Remarkable people are aware that a life worth living includes plenty of laughter.

Over Wheatley’s career, he worked hard at his craft to be the best he could be. You have to do the same throughout your day. You want a life that is captivating and exciting, so go the extra mile and even play when hurt if you must. The point is to enjoy the time you have, because one day the game will be over and you will want to be remembered as someone who never settled for ordinary. God put you here for a reason. Find your purpose, and rumble for three touchdowns. Go Blue!

How can you improve? What list can you make?