Succeed Through Centerfielders

“You can have an impact anywhere you are.”  Coach Tony Dungy

While watching the recent Dallas Cowboys and Minnesota Vikings NFL football game, the announcer mentioned the difference in stats for quarterback Dak Prescott since Amari Cooper, wide receiver, had become part of the team. The statistics for the 17 games before Cooper joined Dallas, and the 17 games since he started playing on the team, were outlined in a graphic displayed on the television screen.  The stats were completely different. Astonishing!

There may be other reasons for Dak Prescott’s improved stats, but for those who watch NFL games on a regular basis, it is obvious that Cooper has made a difference…a remarkably huge difference. I do not find this surprising.  Exceptional results that may seem unlikely or impossible, are often very possible because of the impact made by just one person. One individual, if ‘on the right bus at the right time,’ can change everything within any organization.  One person can influence another in a way that may completely change a life.

This ‘one person’ phenomenon is similar to a concept I have studied for years. I have even created my own term for this element. I call it the centerfielder principle.  It is the positive difference, sometimes exceptional, that occurs when you are surrounded by a centerfielder.

What is a centerfielder? My definition for the term is:

A centerfielder is someone who will answer your call at 2:00am and come to your home when needed. A centerfielder seeks no credit, money, or anything from you. This person wants your success as much as you do. And when you receive your award, or bonus, or accomplish your achievement, your centerfielder is in the audience singing your praises. You find this special person in the back, out of the limelight, so as not to steal your thunder. But, you know he is there because you can hear him hollering, ‘Way to go champion. I knew you could do it. You are a winner.”  If you have someone like this in your life, you are already successful. If you want to become more successful in the future, get as many of these centerfielders as fast as you can.

Centerfielders will change every aspect of your life for the good. They will make you better in everything.  An excellent example of this theory is the quarterback-wide receiver partnership of Dak Prescott and Amari Cooper.  The ideal wide receiver paired with a talented quarterback has enabled Dak Prescott to exercise the full measure of his potential in the elements important to a quarterback’s importance. Dak has always been good. He has consistently exhibited great ability. But, with Cooper, Dak’s special abilities as a quarterback elevate him to a new height of success. Centerfielders enhance your life, making a huge positive difference, just like Amari Cooper has done for Dak Prescott on the playing field.

“A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.” Jackie Robinson

One person may be all you need…

• Right now, whom can you serve as a centerfielder?
• Are you the person who can fill that role?
• Who can be a centerfielder for you?

Do you want centerfielders in your life? The answer is that you must be a centerfielder. Be the kind of person whom you most want and need now. Be that person for others. One day you will look over your shoulder, and behind you, as far as you can see, will be a line of centerfielders willing to make plays for you. Willing to answer when called. Wanting your success like you want it.

You want a centerfielder in your life?

Be a centerfielder