“I’m probably not going to run the route that is called. I’m going to run to the open area.” – Travis Kelce to Patrick Mahomes

Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs tight end, told his Super Bowl-winning quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, to go off script. This off script decision well-positioned the team to kick a field goal to send the divisional league playoff game against the Buffalo Bills into overtime. The Chiefs end up winning the game in overtime with a series of plays ending with a touchdown pass from Patrick to Travis. This victory allows them to compete for the AFC Championship, and if victorious, they will go on to play in Super Bowl LVI.

Essentially, Travis told his star quarterback, “I’m not going to run the play as designed. I’m going to do my own thing. Trust me!” Imagine the boldness, confidence and courage it took to go against the hours of practice, decision of the offensive coordinator, head coach, and quarterback, and tell them “I’m going to do something that I believe will win this football game”…and it worked! 

What lessons can we learn from these 13 seconds of football action?  

Be someone people can trust.

Before you show up for others, how well do you show up for yourself? Do you constantly break your intended routines and habits? How you answer these questions can give you insights into the trustworthiness of your relationship with yourself. Make agreements with yourself that you can follow through on. Show up for yourself in small ways and succeed. 

Live an uncomfortable life – The game should be easier than practice.

Take risks. Do hard things. Make new bold decisions no matter how small. By doing this you will gain confidence, no matter the outcome. If you never encounter your limits, you’ll never know what you are capable of. Pressure test your life by pushing the boundaries of your capabilities. We are all greater and wiser than we appear to be.