In the spirit of the Olympics, I cued up the movie “Miracle” (about the 1980 Olympic Hockey Team) while in the basement on the bike the other day.  Exceptional movie, and worth seeing (again).  Many valuable lessons and classic scenes.  But one in particular may provide some insights for all of us this month.

The “team” had been together for months, training and playing exhibition games.  The coach had originally asked them three things back in training camp:  Name…Where From… and Who Do You Play For.  Each player went through and answered the question accordingly with first/last name, their hometown and the College for whom they’d played.  But the team wasn’t really a team.  Rather, it was a group of very good individuals – playing as individuals – who described themselves verbally as individuals…until one day the message finally got across.  It’s impossible to adequately describe the scene here, so if you haven’t seen it (or even if you have), I’d encourage you to check out the clip at the following link.

Bottom line – In the midst of an intense moment, one player steps forward and sets the tone – “Mike Eruzione… Windsor, Massachusetts”  (Coach – “Who do you play for?”)… long pause… “The United States of America!”

I get chills just typing it.  It’s an immense turning point in the movie that has application to us – today – in our health and wellness pursuits.  We all have “thoughts” about what we might do… “ideas” about some potential goals.  But there’s great power in the spoken word – especially when it’s said out loud – in front of others.  ”Brad Cooper…Wellness Nation… Committed to Eating Fish at least twice/week!”

I know, I know – it’s not quite as dramatic as the movie (maybe some background music would help?).  But it is powerful.  Try it – decide what you’re going to do and commit to it in your journal.  But then take it one step further – use the power of the spoken word with your coach AND your friends/family members to really drive home WHO YOU ARE.  More likely than not, you’ll soon find yourself turning thoughts into realities.  And you may even hear announcer Al Michaels in the background saying “Do you believe in Miracles? YES!”

Make it a great week Champion!