It's a life lesson that translates beyond football. You can share

"It's a life lesson that translates beyond football. You can share these things with your kids: Work hard, do things the right way and you have a chance." These words, spoken by Sean McDermott, hold within them the timeless wisdom of discipline, integrity, and the power of effort. McDermott’s message speaks to something far beyond the realm of football; it is a universal truth that applies to all endeavors in life. In his simple yet profound statement, McDermott reminds us that success is not an accident but the result of hard work, the right choices, and the unwavering belief that we are capable of achieving what we set our minds to. This is a lesson not just for athletes, but for parents, leaders, and anyone who seeks to live with purpose and resolve.

The ancients understood this truth well. In the stories of Hercules, the great Greek hero, we see a life defined by hard work and the pursuit of virtue. Hercules was tasked with completing twelve nearly impossible labors, each one demanding not just strength, but also wisdom, patience, and perseverance. Through each labor, Hercules demonstrated that victory was not simply about raw power, but about commitment, the ability to overcome adversity, and a steadfast belief that doing things the right way was the true path to greatness. In his trials, he did not cut corners or take shortcuts, and in the end, it was his character that defined his legend.

Similarly, the Romans were deeply invested in the idea that virtue and effort were the cornerstones of a noble life. Cicero, the great philosopher and statesman, believed that true success came from living with integrity and a commitment to doing what was just. He argued that those who worked hard and chose to live with moral rectitude would eventually be rewarded, not only by society but by their own conscience. Cicero often spoke of the importance of self-discipline and the need to shape one’s actions based on higher principles, which would lead to honor and achievement. McDermott’s message aligns with this philosophy, underscoring that the right actions, when pursued with diligence, will ultimately yield results—whether in sports, in relationships, or in any area of life.

When McDermott speaks of sharing these lessons with his kids, he touches upon the most profound form of legacy—the transfer of wisdom from one generation to the next. The story of Alexander the Great and his teacher Aristotle is a powerful example. From a young age, Alexander was taught the values of hard work, courage, and wisdom by Aristotle, who instilled in him a deep understanding of the world and how to approach it with honor. This early education shaped Alexander’s rise to power, and his dedication to these principles played a central role in his conquests. The lesson here is clear: the principles of hard work and doing things the right way are not just personal values—they are the foundation of greatness passed down through the ages, shaping the course of history.

In modern times, we can look to the story of Nelson Mandela, whose life embodied the lessons McDermott imparts. Mandela endured years of imprisonment for his fight against apartheid, yet his commitment to justice and the right path never wavered. Upon his release, instead of seeking revenge, Mandela worked tirelessly to rebuild South Africa, showing the world that honor, hard work, and moral integrity can transform societies. His story demonstrates that, like McDermott suggests, when you work hard and do things with the right intentions, you create the possibility of change—not just for yourself, but for future generations.

The lesson McDermott teaches is not just one of effort, but of principle. In life, as in football, success is not guaranteed, but the foundation for success is built through the decisions we make and the actions we take. When we choose to work hard, when we act with integrity, and when we persevere through difficulty, we create the conditions for success, regardless of the outcome. McDermott’s message reminds us that it is not the trophy that defines us, but the character we build along the way. Just as Hercules’s strength came from his labors, and Mandela’s legacy was shaped by his steadfast belief in justice, we too are defined by the efforts we make and the choices we follow.

To apply this wisdom in our own lives, we must commit ourselves to discipline and integrity. Whether we are parents, teachers, leaders, or individuals navigating life’s challenges, we must teach and model for those around us that success is not a matter of chance but of consistent effort and honorable action. In our work, in our relationships, and in our communities, we must show up each day with the mindset that our hard work will lead us to where we want to go, and that our decisions will shape not only our destiny but the futures of those who follow us.

Let us remember McDermott’s words as a call to action. Work hard, do things the right way, and with time, you will have a chance to achieve what you set out to accomplish. Success is not a destination, but a journey that requires consistency and virtue. In our personal and professional lives, we must stay true to these principles, knowing that each step taken with purpose brings us closer to the life we seek to create—one that is built on integrity, effort, and the timeless values that transcend all generations.