“...Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 3:13-14 (NIV)
Every sports fan loves two things: 1) rooting for the underdog, and 2) watching a great comeback victory. Both scenarios inspire us to overcome challenges and never give up, no matter the circumstances.
There’s a rich history of comebacks in sports. One that immediately comes to mind is the Buffalo Bills’ improbable overtime win over the Houston Oilers in the 1993 NFL Playoffs. Not only did the Bills have to overcome a 32-point second-half deficit, they did it with Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly out with an injury and seldom-used backup Frank Reich playing in his place. Reich threw a pick-six on his first drive of the third quarter, causing many fans to file out of the stadium in frustration. But some of those same fans were climbing fences to get back in later after the tides turned!
Just this year, the Miami Heat were down five points with 28 seconds to go in Game 6 of the NBA Finals when they staged an unbelievable comeback to win in overtime. They went on to win their second straight NBA title two nights later. And the Chicago Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup in heart-stopping, come-from-behind fashion by scoring both the game-tying and game-winning goals with less than two minutes left in Game 6.
Every comeback, including those above, is fueled by the same common factors: one big play, momentum and belief. One big play is all it takes to turn the tide. When that one play leads to another, momentum builds. And once that ball gets rolling, watch out—because momentum leads to believing, and believing in a comeback is a force that oftentimes cannot be stopped.
Everyone loves a good sports-related comeback. But the great news is that they can even happen in your quest for a healthy life! Consider the following:
Many of us need a major comeback with our health. Unfortunately, most of us get behind and quit. If our health were compared to a game, we would gain 20 pounds and quit by halftime. Maybe some of us stage a comeback or two and lose the weight, only to give up just before we accomplish our goals. Setbacks show up in ways like reinforcement of our negative self-talk and doubt that we can be healthy. But if you believe the stats and—better yet—what you see in the mirror, it’s time to launch a comeback with your health!
The health comeback starts with one play. In other words, make a good decision today with the food you’re going to eat. Put down the sugary desserts. Cut your portions in half. Don’t drink your calories. Eat more vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds. Whatever your “one big play” is, make it today. Don’t wait until the fourth quarter; get on it.
Let your health comeback build momentum. After your one big play, it can’t stop there. It’s time to make some more. Make a good decision today with exercise. Go for a brisk, 15-minute walk. Go to a health club, have a trainer set up a beginner's program, and get started. Start on Day 1 training for a 5k. Whatever your next plays are, make them. Win today. And surround yourself with “teammates” who will make you better. Pretty soon, you’ll start to feel better. You'll hear yourself saying things like, “I can’t believe how good I feel,” or, “I have so much more energy.” These are signs of momentum!
Start to believe you can actually be a healthy person and live a healthy life. By now you’re riding the wave of momentum and feeling better. It’s time to actually believe you can do it, even if you have fallen short in the past or made mistakes along the way. Belief is sustained by a certain expectation that you will overcome any and all challenges.
Remember, every setback is just a setup for a comeback! Stay focused, forget the past, and press on toward the goal. This approach worked for Paul and countless other Biblical greats like David and Peter. Every comeback starts with a single play and then grows with momentum and belief. But it takes a team effort! No matter how far behind you think you are, start your health comeback today.
Live a fit life! C’mon, you can do it!
Originally Published: September 2013