Why We Should Never Give Up Untill..
When football fanatics are counted, I don’t think I qualify as one anymore. Indeed, I am no longer the type that will forfeit anything in the name of world cup football. But occasionally, I will delay my sleep to watch a match depending on who is playing. It is under such circumstances that I watched the game between Cote d’Ivoire and Greece.
Understandably, Cote d’Ivoire needed only a draw to proceed to the next round of the 2014 tournament, thus avoiding being dispatched home early. Conversely, the Greeks had to conquer their opponent, for them to proceed any further. In addition, this progress was to rely heavily on the outcome of the match between Japan and Colombia. In fact, the goal difference would have counted, especially if Japan had beaten Colombia. But alas, this latter match was finally won by the high flying Colombia by 4 goals against 1, thus eventually bagging the full 9 points.
However, all those mathematical considerations counted for nothing, as I eventually witnessed. The Greeks, who seemed to be the underdogs, played purposefully from the beginning right through to the end. They scored the first goal in the first half of the match. Late in the second half, the Ivorian team equalized and seemed to be getting close to qualifying to the next round.
Interestingly, the Greeks continued attacking throughout the match. The fact that 3 shots had hit the crossbar did not dampen their spirits. They kept looking for the winning goal right up-to the end. During the last minute of added time, “lady luck” smiled the way of the Greeks. Their hard working attacker was goal bound, but was fouled by an Ivoirian defender.
A penalty kick was promptly awarded and a goal converted. This was the climax of the match that happened in the very last of the 6 minutes of extra time. Thus, the Ivoirian team headed home immediately upon conceding 2 goals against 1. The Greeks matched to the second round of the tournament for their first time, in the history of World Cup Football.
The resilience of this Greek team was no doubt evident. Their consistency of play, even under very trying moments was equally admirable. Added to all this was seemingly high levels of positive attitude, which were similarly depicted by high levels of fair play. Having everything else going right, only one objective remained to be fulfilled – conquering the Ivoirians, which eventually happened.
Reflecting on this seemingly unexpected Greek win brings out some worthwhile questions. On a day to day or periodical basis, what are the aspirations of each one of us? What in other words are we trying to achieve? Are our objectives correct and appropriately guided?
Organization-wise, are the structures, formations and strategies right, thus ideal for achievement of progress that is guided by the 21st century organizational dynamics? Keep in mind that every business is at war with the forces of change, thus constant need for reviewing the formations and requisite strategies.
Whatever the case though, the truth is that if purposefully doing whatever we do, the desired results and rewards will eventually follow. Nonetheless, it is good to keep remembering a simple, but encouraging analogy. We constantly need to reflect on it especially, whenever impatient or discouraged by the outcome of our efforts.
Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius. At 97, 98 and even 99 degrees Celsius, the water is extremely hot. But still, it will not change form to steam or vapor, if that is the desire. This change can only happen upon reaching the boiling point of 100 degrees Celsius.
We must therefore continue exerting energy or adding fuel, until rightfully achieving the desired goals in our work situations, in our lives or whatever we could be doing. Like the Greek team, we have reasons enough for continually asserting energy and vigor until the end. We should always keep trying. Indeed,it’s never over until it’s over.