Last night was a dream come true. I got to speak for the NDSU Bison football team inside the Fargodome.
On the surface, you might look at this as not that big of a deal. I’ve spoken for a lot of athletic teams before.
But this one was different.
The Fargodome
My dad played football for NDSU and won a national championship in 1969. It was one of his proudest accomplishments. He maintained close relationships with teammates for his entire life.
And it became tradition that we'd make at least one trip to Fargo each year to watch a game. It also gave him the chance to reunite with his championship teammates.
I remember saying to him before he passed in 2018, "Dad, someday I'm going to speak for the Bison football team."
He kinda laughed and said, "Ok, kid. I hope so!"
I had no idea how I was going to do it. I just knew, at some point, I was going to make it happen.
So, when the opportunity came for a speaking engagement today in Fargo and the person bringing me in had a connection to the football team, I took full advantage.
Sure, I had my doubts...like we all do.
NDSU has become a dynasty, winning 9 national championships in the last 11 years. What in the heck am I going to say to them about Outperforming?
It's important to squash that inner skeptic. That one that tells you you're not ready...or capable...or enough.
I had to do it for dad...and because I told him I would.
I only had 5-10 minutes with the team and at the bottom of this post I'll paste the notes I made for the speech (there will be typos - I didn't clean any of it up). I never write out speeches because I've gotten to a point where a simple bullet point is enough to remind me of the story and the point I'm trying to make. But I didn't want to waste this opportunity by rambling.
Never doubt the power of intention. When you have this, the universe has a funny way of making things work.
Wishing you success and crossing the dreams off your list,
Hail the Bison
- I’m sure you’re probably wondering why you’re being forced to listen to me but I will only take a few minutes of your time. My name is Scott and I’m fortunate to travel around the world speaking to people about peak performance. But I’m here simply as a Bison fan.
- I will try to keep it together emotionally for this, but my dad played for the Bison and won a national championship in 1969. He LOVED NDSU, he’d watch you every Saturday and we’d come to Fargo at least once a year, even made it to Frisco to see a couple national championships.
- Unfortunately he passed away unexpectedly about four years ago from a massive heart attack. And even though it was almost 50 years after they won a nat championship, some of the most supportive people were his Bison teammates.
- He cherished those relationships that he built here and the traditions that went with it. And he didn’t have them because they won a chip. That was simply the icing on the cake.
- I wouldn’t expect you to fully appreciate this right now - you’re too busy thinking about SDSU Saturday, school, life - but some of the people you’re standing next to are going to be your lifelong friends. 3am guys, that when your car breaks down and you need a hand, you know they’ll be there.
- Those friendships are built by overcoming adversity. On Saturday it might be a penalty, turnover or missed assignment, but it could also be adversity in life. Adversity isn’t a matter of IF; it’s a matter of WHEN.
- I’ve heard generosity described as the art of giving ALL of yourself to something, and not for the fame and individual accolades and stats, but for the betterment of the team and the accomplishment of a common goal. When you have a program that has had your level of success over the past decade, you’re getting everyone’s best shot. Every Saturday is THEIR Super Bowl. Beating you makes their year.
- But there is something incredibly powerful about looking at the person next to you and saying, “I got you. I’m going to bust my ass for you. I’m going to generously give everything I have for you.” And you can see in that person’s eyes that it’s reciprocated; that they’re going to do the same for you.
- That’s how winning is done…in football, and in life. And when you do that, the results take care of themselves.
- Thank you for making one of my dreams come true and for generously giving me a small bit of your time. Hail the Bison and best of luck on Saturday!
