For many of us ‘good’ is never enough. We strive, search, commandeer, demand, and power through to find the best, in ourselves, others and circumstances.

You don’t have to be a football fan to follow this thread so indulge me, since this probably won’t happen again for years. My hometown Eagles and present town Jacksonville Jaguars are miraculously in the playoffs. This weekend, as each team strives for their best, they can take a page from last week’s game when LA charged right past the Jags. By half time, it looked as if our beloved quarterback was gifting each pass to them. “Fans” left the game, tuned out and gave up.

What we didn’t know is there was a secret waiting to unearth. It came from motivational speaker, Jocko Willink* who 6 years ago recommended use of a word to turn any terrible situation around. By the way, did we decide this new year on this blog to consider perspective? Here is an easy way to do it. You always have an opportunity to change when things are going bad. Just by saying the word “good“. SO ‘get up, dust off, re- load, re -calibrate, reengage and go out on the attack’. After the disastrous first half, a lineman turned to Lawrence and simply said “good” to him after those 4 interceptions (I thought he was sarcastic….no).The young quarterback returned from the locker room and actually delivered his best with 4 touchdowns! Just maybe this reminder set him up for a truly spectacular come back for the ages.

Let’s borrow this concept. We don’t need better or best. When we are down, when cancer has struck, when an injury, pain, suffering, challenge is facing us. Let’s try this. “Good” may just be the simple motivational word to deliver a dramatic change. It forces new direction and action that wallowing never could. It lifts spirits and vibration to another level. “Good” changes the dialogue in your mind. It puts strength in your spine, sparkle in your eyes, energy to your step. Say it often to yourself and others, especially when you are the most desperate. No, everything is not good in life, but good can be just the start we need.

Simple? yes. Life changing? possibly. Thank you, Jocko. Oh, and go Jags, go Eagles.

*Retired Navy Seal officer (20 years) and author, #1 bestseller, “Extreme Ownership” .