You will struggle to find a better example of brand loyalty than from AFL supporters.
Year in and year out fervent fans brave the winter chill to cheer on their favourite teams.
Win, lose or draw we ride every bump, “booo!” and every dicey umpiring decision as we lose ourselves in elation with every crucial goal.
Last Friday night I cried myself to sleep after my beloved Hawks squandered a three- goal lead to lose to the Pies in the final quarter of their AFL preliminary final.
My emotions boiled from confusion and disbelief to rage and then I was grief stricken. I’m still hurting.
As underdogs the Hawks played the game of the season but failed to capitalise.
Why? A lack of belief, errors caused by inferred pressure and numerous missed opportunities cost them.
Such is the weight of the occasion on the big stage to win through to an elusive Grand Final. As a result they capitulated at the final and most critical hurdle.
In contrast Collingwood never stopped believing they could win.
Sport often imitates life. I see many capable people doubting themselves under pressure.
Consequently they retract instead of forging ahead with focus. That is limiting and if the opportunity is important enough it could really cost you.
Stress affects different people in different ways. Some thrive and it enhances their focus and performance. Others regress into trembling fools incapable of executing even the tritest of fundamentals.
If you’re in the game you’re good enough to win it! Never, ever, doubt yourself under pressure against a more successful rival. They have more to lose than you.
Ignore the deceptive whispers of uncertainty. Demand excellence. And when opportunity knocks seize the moment!
The cost of not doing so is paid back by years of regret. Some people never get over it.
Every year monumental upsets are achieved on the sporting and business fields.
The most memorable victories are nearly always achieved by the underdog who truly believes he can win, not just by applying skills, but through sheer will.
The underdog’s best friend is called Belief. She is an inspiring co-pilot, so never doubt her wisdom.
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Trent Leyshan is the founder and CEO of sales training company BOOM! As a sales expert and facilitator, he partners with some of the world’s most dynamic and demanding sales driven companies. Trent is also the founder of salesprocess.com.au and the author of THE NAKED SALESMAN: How to walk the talk and sell your way to success!
James was the editor and publisher of SmartCompany and LeadingCompany for five years. He is now the Australian Financial Review‘s companies & markets editor, and a former BRW editor.
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