UNPACK this...Life Lessons From the Super BowlSample

Situational Readiness

Bill Belichick and Tom Brady won six Super Bowls with the New England Patriots, and whether we rooted for them or not, a plethora of principles associated with their long run of success can translate to our own life.

A past article written by Glenn Llopis on Forbes.com gives great insight regarding leadership lessons to implement, with a big takeaway surrounding the Patriots’ strong situational readiness. This is his description of situational readiness: 

“Being optimally present. Knowing what is happening all around you in a specific moment. Having the awareness to recognize patterns. Enabling circular vision to immediately see the big picture and what can potentially disrupt a strategy (game plan). Having the agility to execute what is best for the team at that moment – knowing that it may not have been part of the original strategy (game plan).”

The Patriots were almost always prepared and ready for anything. They were rarely caught off guard and consistently found a way to adjust the plan. They remained aware and alert to how a game was playing out and responded accordingly.

As we look at how the Patriots mastered situational readiness, embraced change, and overcame adversity, we can be encouraged to incorporate these principles into our own lives.

In daily placing our faith in Jesus while seeking His direction and asking for wisdom, we can be ready to respond well in any situation. Colossians 4:2 tells us to “Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.”

We can also be prepared to make wise decisions by noticing when potential disruptions are about to take place. Proverbs 22:3 gives us this important challenge: “A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.”

Today, let’s be encouraged to keep our own situational readiness rooted in God’s wisdom. As we pray and seek His help to empower us to make the right decisions, we can confidently adjust our plans to line up with His.

I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me be aware of my surroundings and recognize the direction You’re leading me. Show me how to be ready in every situation and follow Your wisdom with a willingness to adjust. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.