Many of you have seen the story of Tom Brady and his unprecedented career in the NFL. The ESPN Series “Man in the Arena” tells a great tale. A tale of dedication, passion and bravery when he is ‘in the arena.’
The words of “Man in the Arena” were originally spoken by President Theodore Roosevelt in Paris in 1910 during a time of change in the world…
“It is not the critic who counts, not the one who points out how the strong man stumbled or how the doer of deeds might have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred with sweat and dust and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause; who, if he wins, knows the triumph of high achievement; and who, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.”
So why am I writing about this today? It is to remind those of you who might be struggling to be the man you need or want to be, that it isn’t easy. It takes work. It means to work hard at all we do. It means to be passionate in all our pursuits. It means to never give up. It means trying, even if everything says you’ll fail.
Be the man in the arena, fighting not only for yourself, but for those you love. Be passionate, be caring, be gentle, and show self-control. Be slow to anger. Instead, close your eyes for a moment and picture yourself in that arena.
Ric Basso
Men IN Action Committee Co-Chair
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