The Punt Return--How to work hard and get it done.
Once in a while, you see a story about an athlete that stirs a memory, or motivates, or makes you feel...like you need to do more. Sometimes it does all three.
I saw a post about a young player...no, a new player on the Cleveland Browns squad that is trying to earn a place on the team this season. Damon Sheehy-Guiseppi is trying to EARN--not be rewarded with--but EARN a place on the team. (If you want to see the footage of his 86-yard punt return from Thursday nights game, go here.) He traveled on a one way ticket from his mom's airline miles to Florida from Arizona, after years, yes-years, of working out and waiting for his chance to earn a place on a team that may or may not keep him.
All I could think of was the time wasted in my 20's goofing around in radio--not earning my way into the upper ranks. I saw a lot of concerts, met a lot of people, gave away a lot of cash and cars, and had fun. But did I EARN a promotion? Nope. Did I EARN a shot at a morning show on my own? NOPE.
This is where that punt return of Sheehy's has me thinking...I have EARNED my spot now. I have the uniform. I am at the game. I scored the touchdown. But it's not enough. I have to keep grinding. And I will.
How bout you? You ready to EARN your spot on the squad? Let's hope so...cause if you don't, some younger, faster, more hungry player is going to come take it before you notice.
Let's go...!
-Audra Caine
P.S. The photo? Its the drive in the morning...5 AM is dark y'all...but I do it anyway.